When five-year-old Samson Howari's mum Lea launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for a paediatric outdoor multifunctional wheelchair for him this month she did not anticipate the speed of the response from a generous business community.
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With autism, global developmental delay, a speech and language disorder and challenges with sensory processing Samson has has high support needs which makes it difficult for him to do what he loves most, explore outdoors.
The family relied on an old wheelchair to get him around. But when he was able to trial a new X Rover from Astris PME, specifically designed for a wide range of outdoor environments, it allowed him to go to many new places.
He missed it so much when the family had to give it back Mrs Howari started a GoFundMe campaign hoping to raise $15,000 towards the purchase of a new X Rover.
James Jarvis said his uncle Mick Herbert, of Mick & Troy Herbert Plasterers, saw the story in the Illawarra Mercury on a Saturday and immediately swung into action. And by the following Friday Samson had his new wheels.
"We always donate to Convoy and when Mick read the article he wanted to reach out to the family to see what he could do to help," Mr Jarvis said.
"The story really touched his heart and I sent Mrs Howari a message and said the business my uncle owns was willing to help. In the meantime we spoke to friends of ours at three other companies."
Andrew Blasi of BCA Building and Construction, Peter Blasi, of Elite Truck Repairs, and Rob and Anthony Starcic, of Coastal Windows and Doors, all chipped in and purchased the new wheelchair directly from Astris PME which delivered it within days.
The four businesses are all long time supporters of Convoy.
"It was an overwhelming response," Mrs Howari said.
"I never imagined it could happen so quickly. The support from the community is just mind-blowing."
When the new wheels arrived Samson had a massive smile and said "ready, set, go".
"Our neighbours were crying too because it was just so wonderful," Mrs Howari said.
The X Rover is also helping transform big sister Laila's life. She was so appreciative of people's generosity she wanted to do something to help other children.
So she contacted her primary school principal and asked if she could organise a mufti-day fundraiser for Convoy the first day back after lockdown.
"She is absolutely ecstatic that $15,000 was raised for Samson," Mrs Howari said.
"She keeps saying "I can't believe it mum". For an eight-year-old to be so selfless just blows me away."
Mrs Howari said she also had amazing help from Samson's support worker Ani Wilson, occupational therapist Belinda Greaves and neighbour Mia Wingrove.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
