Wheels for Rita and Chauncey

A year ago, our dear friend Alf passed away suddenly, leaving behind his loving wife Rita and son Chauncey.

Rita has soldiered on working and doing whatever it takes to provide for the two of them, while attending to all of Chauncey's needs. He's a beautiful young boy diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder.

Between single parenting, covid, inconsistent employment and caring for a child with high needs, Rita is doing a heck of a job!

Alf and Chauncey used to love going to the beach together, and now Chauncey's daily request to Rita is for "a car to go to the beach". We are hoping our community can come together to make life just that little bit easier for our two buddies by helping Rita get a car.

Having a car can make such a difference to quality of life.  ASD doesn't discriminate but because Chauncey doesn't pick up on social cues especially in a public setting, it creates unpredictable moments of sensory overload. 

He often masks this by dressing up in elaborate character costumes and make-up as a way to feel safe, "not recognised" and in control. As Chauncey grows older and bigger trying to contend with the outside world, public transport has been problematic with its uncontrolled environment and added scrutiny, change, judgement and unwanted attention from complete strangers.

Stability, routine and support with having a car can make such a difference to quality of life. For a family with a child susceptible to sensory overload, it can mean the freedom and independence to get out of the house in a controlled private environment, avoiding the intensity of public transport.  Chauncey would also be allowed to be more able to communicate openly and safely about how his feeling. 

Your contribution will go towards buying a car, insurance and driving lessons. Thank you.