IT is out with the old and in with the new for Cleveland girl Nadia Dapas.
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The nine-year-old has bid farewell to her worn out wheelchair she could just squeeze into for a specialised one after receiving the upgrade at a Aussie Rock themed fundraiser.
More than 300 people showed their support at the Grandview Hotel on Sunday for the nine-year-old who has epilepsy and autism.
Held by Variety Bash’s Aussie Rock Team, more than $5000 for the children’s charity.
Variety Queensland chief executive officer Steve Wakerly, Grandview Hotel general manager Ben Brock and Super Cheap Auto Victoria Point store manager Ben Braithwaite presented the equipment to Nadia and her parents as a surprise.
Father Luigi Dapas said he was not sure if they would raise enough funds but was happy with the outcome.
“When we saw the chair, we were more than excited and Nadia was so happy it brought some of us to tears,” he said.
“The best feature is the ability to tilt-in-space, which allows Nadia to receive medication for her seizures and then to rest and sleep while being well supported.
“It is exactly what we need to travel with Nadia and include her in all our outings.”
Organiser Stephen Whittam said there were more than 25 volunteers who helped make the day a success, with most of them who had not met the Dapas family before.
“They just came and gave their time and effort as part of the Redlands community,” he said.
“Eight of the volunteers were family of the little girl, Hayley Lord, we helped last year – she needed specialised ear surgery and they had such a great experience, they came back to help Nadia this year.”
Mr Dapas said he was grateful to the Aussie Rock Team, Variety, local businesses and everyone who rallied for the cause.
“We will be back next year to help out with other fundraisers that Aussie Rock may be involved with next year because it’s amazing what they do,” he said.
Jocelyn Garcia
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
Jocelyn is a journalist at the Redland City Bulletin, covering education issues and school stories. She was a former journalist at Beaudesert Times, reporting about crime, schools and agriculture.
