NOOSA businesses and residents have shown their big hearts this year with the support and fundraising to help Petra and Jack Geitl save for a suitable mobility vehicle.
The family’s appeal first appeared in the pages of Noosa Today after Noosa Heads Surf Life Saving Club started fundraising for the family.
Jack has already captured the hearts of many Noosa residents, who have kicked off fundraising, but behind the scenes the family has been fighting a silent battle to transport Jack to and from his many weekly activities.
Jack was born with cerebral palsy and while he attends school daily and lives an active and happy life, his single mother Petra often struggles with Jack’s transport.
The call for help has already prompted a response from the Noosa Tewantin RSL, Noosa Surf Lifesavings Club and the Noosa Tewantin Lions Club, as well as recent fundraising event by Noosa Canal Cruises, who have been extremely generous with time and fundraising.
“We take a cab each morning to school where Jack has his electric wheelchair and is able to move more freely,” she said.
“He has a range of activities each week and sometimes we’ve been forced to take the bus, which is okay, it’s just makes things more difficult.”
The family has looked at a second-hand Toyota Estima, which is a modified Tarago and allows Jack to wheel himself in and out of the vehicle with independence.
The vehicle is priced at around $30,000, which is far outside of the family’s budget.
“There’s still a long way to go, but we’re determined and hope the community can throw us a lifeline,” she said.
In the latest development around this story, Petra is expected some early Christmas news which could be in the form of a new car.
Check Noosa Today in 2015 to find out more about this story.
