Friends of Matthew Loring could see how much he needed a lift-equipped van and decided to do something about it.
Loring was paralyzed in a swimming pool accident in June 2011.
Fundraiser spokesperson Rob Jobe says with three kids – two teenagers and a younger child, Loring badly needs accessible transportation.
The van Loring had been looking at is an older model that would provide seating in the back, Loring in the middle and two more seats in front. It’s ideal, says Jobe, as it would allow Matthew to go on outings with his kids.
“Which is incredible.”
Loring’s friends started a social media campaign on Facebook and Indiegogo, which has so far been very successful.
Any money raised beyond the $6,000 his friends planned to contribute towards the van will be set aside for maintenance and repairs, Jobe explains, noting that the upkeep alone will be expensive, not to mention repairs on an older vehicle.
The other people spearheading the fundraising campaign are also high school friends of Loring – Todd Letourneau, Kim White and Jeremy Ayotte.
Online donations can be made at Indiegogo Loring Fundraiser or, on Facebook, Facebook Loring Fundraiser. To contribute in person, go to the Letourneau Notary office or Pinz Tattoo. Send a cheque or money order to: Lorings Van, PO Box 913, Salmon Arm, B.C., V1E 4P1.