A BROMELTON man is returning the favour of kindness to Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch by donating his vehicle for the organisation’s patient transport services.
The Toyota Tarago van fitted with a chairlift was donated by Colin Ward.
The sub branch use their vehicles to take Scenic Rim and Logan patients to their specialist appointments on behalf of Queensland Ambulance Service.
Mr Ward said he wanted to repay a debt after the sub branch helped him in time of need.
“About 20 years ago, I didn’t have a vehicle to drive my wife around, she was in a wheelchair,” he said.
“We had to go to my daughter’s wedding at Nudgee (near Brisbane) and the RSL loaned me a vehicle to get us there.
“They let us keep it for one night.
“I am very grateful for it.”
Mr Ward said he bought his own vehicle to transport his wife and her wheelchair but no longer needed it because she passed away.
He said he thought it should be put to good use at the sub branch.
Beaudesert RSL Sub Branch are counting their blessings as Mr Ward’s donation came at a perfect time.
The new vehicle will replace one of the four vehicles owned by the branch which was taken off the road due to repair costs.
RSL sub branch senior vice president Steve Monteath said the vehicle meant a lot to the community.
“This vehicle has been a bonus to the sub branch as it replaced a rather worn out transit van that had delivered over 500,000kms of service to patients and veterans of the Scenic Rim,” he said.
Mr Monteath said he and other representatives were honoured as they accepted the generous donation and in return presented Mr Ward with his own gift.
“...He was presented with a certificate of appreciation recognising his contribution to the RSL Sub Branch and the patients and veteran community of the Scenic Rim,” he said.
Mr Ward said he was very pleased with the award but was surprised at the gesture.
“I wasn’t looking for anything, the vehicle was just something I had and I didn’t need it anymore,” he said.