Help my friend regain his independence

Right up front, I want to state that the goal of this fundraiser is to help a friend finance a special-needs vehicle. That's the goal in very simple terms.

To better frame this goal I need to provide some backstory and put this all in context:

Let me introduce you to my good friend Mark (the one on the left in the pic). Without exaggeration, Mark is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet. If you call Mark up and ask a favour, consider it done! It doesn't matter what else he has on the go; he just does it... assuming he is physically able to do so. You see, Mark developed early signs of Muscular Dystrophy back when he was still in high school. He attended college for computer-based graphic design and landed a gig upon graduation.

Years later when I first met Mark we were working for the same company and he was still able to walk and could drive himself to work with a vehicle that had assisted hand controls. As his MD advanced, and he was no longer able to get around on his own, Mark moved to a wheelchair and his mode of transportation became cabs to and from work. Mark and his family made the move (and the significant investment) to a fully outfitted minivan, complete with lowered floor, side access ramp and an on-board computer to manage all the functions necessary from a single joy stick control. Crazy expensive vehicle at the time. The joke around the office was Mark's basic Toyota minivan cost more than the boss's Lamborghini (except it wasn't a joke; it was true). That van served Mark well and gave him the independence all us able-body people just take in stride and expect. More important than giving himself that freedom, it allowed him to continue to work, to contribute to the economy and, most importantly, to not become dependent on an already over-burdened social system. Mark got 13+ years out of that van.

Two months ago, after having his van towed (again) due to a transmission issue, Mark was told the van's undercarriage is no longer safe to drive and rebuilding the transmission would not be a wise investment as other issues were bound to crop up.

If you think buying a new vehicle is costly, think doubling that number to upfit it so that it can accommodate a wheelchair, plus adding in all the tech needed so Mark can access everything from his chair.

Quotes are coming in for a new van, a slightly-used van along with all new accessibility equipment and repurposing and scavenging equipment and parts from the Toyota. Quotes range from $145,000 to $180,000 CAD plus HST

The news on the old van was bad enough, and quite frankly, was expected as nothing mechanical lasts forever, but Mark and his significant other are also in the market for a home and buying a home that is fully accessible isn't cheap and as such he and his girlfriend are looking at anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 plus additional time after the purchase before Mark can move in.

One last word on Mark: He was not in favour of this campaign. He is not one to ask for help and certainly not financial help. He is aware that I'm setting this in motion and has accepted the move basically because I wasn't going to sit back and do nothing.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Let's all help Mark out by opening your wallets. I know he would do the same if the tables were turned.