Immediate release

December 13, 2016

BMW Helps disabled tots achieve mobile play

BMW today handed over a cheque for $10,000 to volunteer-run NZ Charity Gobabygo to help disabled Kiwi kids discover mobile play.

The cheque was delivered at a Gobabygo handover of six specially adapted ride-in electric toy BMWs, handed to six very special Waikato children at Coombes Johnson European, in Hamilton.

Mark Prujean, who accepted the cheque on behalf of Gobabygo, said the cars make a huge difference to these kids. Many have never experienced mobile play, or their illness or disability relegates them to the sidelines while friends, brothers and sisters race around.

The volunteer-run charity is entirely supported by donations, with which it buys the cars, and fits the adaptations.

These include specialist harnesses, throttles that are worked from the steering wheel or headrest, extra steering aids, and even frames to which a wheelchair seat can be attached.

Today’s recipients included 5-year-old Ella, who has epilepsy and is in remission from liver cancer. Ella is not yet verbal, and gasped with excitement as the ignition button was pressed and her car started revving. Her caregiver – and nanna – was soon operating the remote, which steers and runs the car until the child gets the hang of the controls.

Before long there was chaos for the helpful staff of Coombes Johnston to handle as she was joined by Billy (age 2), Keaton (2) and Fletcher (18 months) – all with Downs Syndrome and other health issues, and five-year-old Tana, who is currently mobile but whose Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy means he can no longer keep up with playmates without getting tired.

Paul Sherley said BMW was struck by the difference these cars make to a child’s life.

“Many BMW owners are parents and grandparents, we all understand what a difference it makes to a child to discover mobile play, and we decided we had to help,” he said.

“Apart from anything else, our cars offer driving pleasure – and we love to bring a little of that flavour to these children!”

This is the third year that BMW has supported the small, volunteer-run charity with cheques, and with space in its network of dealers in which to conduct handovers.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the help of generous sponsors,” said Mark Prujean, “And BMW was one of the first to come on board. We can’t thank them enough”

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