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Volunteer to put new car into service
Darryl Brotherson was “still in shock and disbelief” when the Independent caught up with him on Monday morning – on Saturday night at South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club he was the lucky winner of a new Mazda 2 Neo, courtesy of Ken Casson Motors.
The competition was open to members and the winner had to be present at the draw to claim the prize.
For Darryl, it was a godsend that not only presented him with a new car, but also the means to allow his Clarence Community Transport clients to travel in relative luxury.
Darryl, who has long dedicated part of his life to volunteering with organisations such as the SES or a volunteer bushfire brigade, drives clients up to five days a week, depending on demand.
“When I went into retirement, I felt I still wanted to give back to the community,” he says.
“My old car was doing about 30,000 kilometres a year, on average, transporting people of various ages to medical appointments between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane and all places in between.
“It keeps my brain active; I hear some terrific old yarns from the clients, which provides real satisfaction.
“But I’m only one of 80-odd volunteers who do that.”
Darryl reckons that his fellow South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club members have indirectly helped community transport, too, because they made the car raffle possible.
Clarence Community Transport is a not-for-profit community-based organisation that provides transport to people of all ages living in the Clarence Valley.
It offers a broad range of services, including non-emergency medical transport, shopping trips, youth transport, social outings and most things in between; conditions apply.
“We have a team of over 90 staff and volunteers dedicated to serving the community,” its website states.
Kylie Butler won second prize, $500 worth of fuel: find a full list of names drawn, in this week’s classifieds.