Car Changing Lives
This week, four sisters, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Frances from the Refalo family estate, were delighted to donate their parents’ specially adapted disability vehicle to the Manning Foundation.
Seeing this car donated to Northwest Disability Services (NWDS) in Baulkham Hills was a deeply emotional moment for them, as they knew their parents, Charlie, and Jane Refalo, would have been proud to support those in need.
The wheelchair-accessible vehicle will now benefit the hundreds of participants at NWDS. While the service already operates mini buses for group transport, this is their first car, opening up new opportunities for one-on-one excursions.
NWDS CEO, Carmen Izurieta, said they were very grateful for the donation which was organised through the Manning Foundation. “Donations like this make all the difference to our organisation,” she said. “It will allow our support workers to take participants out individually. This donation will make a lasting impact on many lives.”
Lisa Beavan, Chair of the NWDS Board, highlighted the benefits of the donation, saying that it would allow participants, who may not usually be able to leave a building, to visit other NWDS sites. “It will help build social connections and opportunities,” she said.
When Charlie and Jane Refalo passed away within nine months of each other, approximately six years ago, the seven siblings, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, Frances, Joe, Sonia, and Joyce wanted their parents’ disability vehicle and household belongings to be put to good use.
After numerous discussions with many people and organisations, their real estate agent, Martin Baldacchino from Century 21 The Hills, connected them with Bill Driver from the Manning Foundation, a volunteer organisation established 19 years ago to support people in need across the Dundas, Parramatta, and Hills areas.
With the assistance of Bill Driver, the Refalo family was pleased to donate many household items and furniture, which have already been distributed to disadvantaged individuals and families.
President of the Manning Foundation, Lorraine Bonisoli, expressed her gratitude for the donation. “We were delighted to pass on the car to NWDS, and we have been able to distribute other items from the Refalo family to those in need,” she said. “We are always eager to pick up furniture and pass it on to those who need it.” She explained that the foundation provides furniture to people moving into public housing, including those who were previously homeless or fleeing domestic violence.
Lorraine said the Foundation was recently able to provide a recliner chair for a person undergoing home dialysis. The charity also helps with food donations. “We receive many calls for help from all over Sydney, but due to distance and a shortage of volunteers, we are unable to meet the needs of many,” she said.
“We are always looking for volunteers with some spare time. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others. If you can assist, please call Lorraine at 9683 7555.”
Northwest Disability Services (NWDS), a non-profit organization established in 1984, is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, and contributions like this are vital to their mission.