A Gosnells community fundraising campaign is helping a young girl with complex medical needs get a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that will make it easier for her to attend hospital appointments and take part in everyday life.
The Lions Club of Gosnells is leading the “A Car for Dania” campaign and is calling on local businesses and residents to support its biggest fundraiser, a quiz night on August 8.
Dania is cared for by a specialist heart team and several other medical teams at Perth Children’s Hospital. She has multiple health conditions, attends regular therapy sessions and hospital appointments, and relies on a wheelchair for mobility.
According to information provided by the Lions Club, Dania’s mother is focused on giving her daughter the opportunity to experience life as fully as possible despite her ongoing health challenges.
Medical information shared with the club shows Dania was born with several serious heart conditions and has undergone multiple heart surgeries since infancy. She has also had surgery to remove part of her right lung and, in 2019, had her right foot and part of her lower leg amputated before later being fitted with a prosthetic limb.
The Lions Club said having a suitable wheelchair-accessible vehicle is essential for safely transporting Dania to her many medical appointments and therapies.
The vehicle costs $52,400.
The Lions Club of Gosnells has already contributed $5,000 towards the project, while Dania’s family has raised $10,800 through a GoFundMe campaign and will trade in their current family car.
The club is aiming to raise another $15,000. Once that target is reached, the Australian Lions Foundation will contribute a matching $15,000 grant, helping the family secure the vehicle.
Project coordinators David and Mary Spray said Dania’s family first approached the Lions Club for support after Dania had previously been recognised by the club as a Children of Courage recipient.
Fundraising efforts have included a GoFundMe campaign and several Bunnings sausage sizzles, with the upcoming quiz night expected to be the campaign’s biggest event.
The Lions Club is also seeking donations of raffle prizes, auction items, gift vouchers, hampers, products and services from local businesses and community members to help raise more money.
The quiz night will be held on Saturday, August 8, with booking details available through the event’s promotional flyer.
Anyone wishing to support the campaign or donate prizes is encouraged to contact the Lions Club of Gosnells.
