• Colleen Barrett who has cerebral palsy, with parents Janelle and Archie. A fundraising campaign to help with the cost of a special vehicle for Colleen is now underway.
The Wyndham Hymn Singers choir is embarking on an ambitious fundraising campaign to assist a local family in need.
The members of this small, but determined choir, are raising funds for Wyndham resident Colleen Barrett, who has cerebral palsy, and her family, to purchase a special vehicle for wheelchair-bound Colleen.
Colleen, 20, has outgrown the family car making it difficult for her mum, Janelle, to lift her in and out of the car when dad, Archie, is at work.
This special vehicle, designed to take a roll on wheelchair, is estimated to cost $35,000 to $40,000, second-hand, which places an enormous burden on the Barrett family.
The Wyndham Hymn Singers choir has a number of fundraising events planned and is asking for community support.
The first of the fundraisers is a Gala Variety Concert to be held on April 13 at the Wyndham Village Hall and organisers have said that there is also a raffle currently in progress, so any support, large or small, is appreciated.
A bank account has been established at the Bendigo Bank and donations would be gratefully accepted.
Account name: Pambula/Merimbula Lions Club, BSB: 633000, account no.: 148067374.
The Barrett family has a life time’s history in the local area.
Colleen’s dad, Archie, was born and raised in Wolumla and her mum, Janelle (nee Grant), in Wyndham.
Colleen and her brother Ned were born in the Valley and attended Wyndham Primary and Bega High schools.
While Ned is continuing his studies in Canberra, Colleen is in her final year at Bega High School.
Aileen Trezise, one of the organisers said: “The family has embarked on years of expensive medical appointments and procedures, constant daily adjustments to their lives and the necessity to meet the cost of spiralling special needs for Colleen.”
She urged the community to show their support and get behind the fundraising campaign.