A Wagga family is still reeling from the act of a kind stranger which will now make their lives exponentially easier.
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Naomi Gadsen has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair.
Her mother, Jodie Kalis, is faced with a physical struggle every time she wants to get Naomi into the car.
The family and a close friend, Alicia Bickley, started fundraising earlier this year to buy a wheelchair accessible van.
Wallendbeen resident Kerry Wilson saw the family’s plight in the media and has donated his van for free.
Mr Wilson had the van for his late wife, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, and said he is pleased to see it go to a deserving family.
“I could have sold the van but I rather it goes to someone who could really benefit from it,” he said.
Mr Wilson said he had a lot of affection for the van, which he used to take his wife on outings three days a week before she died 11 months ago.
He knew it was in good condition and once he met the Wagga family, he knew he wanted to give them the vehicle at no cost.
“They were in all the trouble in the world but they were just so nice and genuine,” he said.
Mr Wilson said he knows he has done the right thing.
Mrs Kalis said she was overwhelmed at Mr Wilson’s generous gift.
“We work hard for what we get and I’m not used to getting something for nothing,” she said.
“I used to dread taking Naomi to appointments but now I’ll find any excuse to drive around.”
Mrs Kalis said she will have more freedom to take Naomi to recreational outings.
The money raised so far by raffles will be used for Naomi’s ongoing medical costs and to renovate the home to accommodate her new mechanical wheelchair when it arrives.