SNN_December_2023

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 24
It was important that
we got people that
understood the why.
—Catriona Williams
each year, we'll be asking for applications to be sent to
Milner Mobility. They'll be assessed by an independent
panel of three who are anonymous, and they will select
deserving people or families to use Charly for a week.
INNOVATOR—Catriona Williams with Chris Cunard,
the director of ACM Motorhomes.
biggest earning racehorses in Australasian history. She
came back within days and said yep, we're on board.
And then the fourth and final donor. Our Managing Director
Meg Spiers directed me towards the Hugo Foundation,
after a lot of research, I sent Maryanne Green an email.
They have an accessible house down in Wanaka called
Hugo House, that they give to people who are in a
wheelchair for their use. We will take advantage of that
next year, Sam and I, with a couple of friends. I talk to
Mary, and I just sit there, and I just can't believe that we
haven't met before, I said ‘your mantra and your strategic
plan is so in line with what we do, you know’. We tick a
couple of boxes that they want to tick. Now we have the
Awesome Foursome on board.
Other people have contributed—Jean and Rob Johnston,
who put in $10,000, and Jonathan Munz who put in
$10,000 too. And that's just to help us with the
finishing touches.
There's been some pro bono, Featherlight hand pegs and
things. HT systems have given us a hoist for people who
can't do lifts or standing transfers. We have a clever hoist
system that can be put in the shower and used if people
need to take it with them.
Also—we've created the Charly Voucher—this came from
Maryanne. People who want to give to those that can't
afford. The Charly Voucher has been set up so that
anybody anywhere in the world can purchase five nights
or more to use Charly. This is a lovely gift that people can
give as an opportunity of a holiday in a campervan. To get
Charly for two weeks or a month would be pretty cool.
We're really hoping that Lions, Rotaries, fundraising
groups, will support this and buy a Charly voucher to
support someone in need.
How did you set the rate?
It was difficult. We want Charly to be as accessible as
possible. But the reality is it is a $450,000 vehicle. And we
have to put a value on it. I really hope people treat it as
their own and look after it so that the next person gets to
enjoy it as well. Because if it gets wrecked, it will need
repairs. And that will mean someone misses out.
I appreciate that accidents happen. But we want as many
people as possible to enjoy Charly. And the reality is if
they do, and it gets used, maybe we'll fund another one.
We will wait for feedback. If people want something
smaller and cheaper, that’s fine too.
People have to realise there are other vans out there, that
are not as schmick as this one that are getting rented for
more than double the rent for the Charly. I realise it is a lot
of money. The target to reach is 180 nights for the first year.
And if it reaches more than that, that will be fantastic.
More ways to enjoy Charly
We also need to mention Sugar Design, Emma who has
donated her time, and worked with me on all the
presentations and the graphics to help with his project,
What do wheelies do who can’t afford to hire
the campervan?
There are two ways. For the first three years each of our
Awesome Foursome donors will donate a week to a person
or a family that can't afford to rent Charly. In November
Win One of Four Weeks
Buy a Charly Voucher
Charly will be available for hire from 25th January.
For more information www.milnermobility.co.nz