Owners of Rockhampton’s Disability Yard Care Program, an initiative of The Umbrella Network, were the lucky winners of a 2006 Mitsubishi Dual Cab Canter Truck at the Hassalls Gracemere on-site auction on Wednesday 2 March.
The volunteer-run program seeks to support families with “special needs” children and redirect young adults with disabilities out into the workforce by empowering them to take steps towards creating a successful future. The not-for-profit organisation purchased the truck to increase their work productivity and opportunities.
After hearing about their cause, Hassalls kindly donated the buyer’s premium, totalling $1,800, back to The Umbrella Network in a show of support.
Coordinator of The Umbrella Network Raelene Ensby said they were ecstatic when they found out Hassalls waived the fee.
“I think it’s important that companies help out their local community and organisations such as ours, as it can make a huge difference,” Mrs Ensby said.
“It all comes down to people supporting each other and I think a little bit goes a long way.”
Mrs Ensby said they were on the hunt for a good bargain and a product that would greatly benefit their program.
“We have a very old bus that we cart a trailer with mowing equipment, but it was no longer meeting our purposes,” Mrs Ensby said.
“We needed a bigger, heavier vehicle and more seats to increase work production, allowing us more income and more opportunities for our workers.
“This will help us massively and it also gives our young adults another set of skills - how to drive and have more independence.”
Hassalls General Manager Steve Wall said Hassalls supports local schools, sports teams and programs through sponsorships and charity auctions.
“Our local focus allows us to promote community support further through auctions to the local community,” Mr Wall said.
“We also have local charities running the BBQ at each on-site auction where they can raise upwards of $1,500 on a good day.”
For more information or to donate to the Disability Yard Care Program and The Umbrella Network, head to http://umbrellanetwork.org/
