My name is Gary Parsons, and I created this GoFundMe, with the help of Alana Dobra, on behalf of my friend, Scott. He is a kind and humble man, always seeking to help others. I met him through my involvement with a group who seek to help others by providing meals and company for those who are doing life tough. When I first met him, he was seeking to help a lady who was homeless, living in her car. She was able to find accommodation, but he had to continue on, living in his own car.

We were able to help Scott find a caravan, not in great condition, but a welcome relief to living in his car. Later, a straight swap was made for what appeared to be a better caravan, but it wasn’t realised at the time that it did have a bad water leak problem.

Right at this time, his car had to go in for what none of us realised were some very expensive repairs. As he was strong and able to work, he knew he’d have to work hard to pay it off, but nevertheless, he knew he’d be able to accomplish that given time.

Right then, however, he was faced with an incredibly challenging diagnosis of brain cancer back in February, with radiation therapy three times a week following treatment. Because of his health condition and the follow up treatment, he’s been unable to work and has no family support, and is still waiting to receive assistance from Centrelink after months of waiting. If and when this changes it will be a wonderful breakthrough! It continues to be worked on.

A couple have allowed him free access to their property for 3 months, which expires in September. We commenced this GoFundMe to raise funds for him to go to a caravan park from September onwards, which will cost $1000 per month. We’re also trying to help him get his car back, and have paid out $1000 towards that. He’s also trying to get other help towards that, with around $3000 yet to be paid( see update at the end on this!).

The water leak on the caravan was fixed just recently, with many hours being contributed by volunteers and materials being paid for through this Fund, which came to just over $400. We have just been able to post a photo of 2 of our volunteers working on the van as the main photo now on this GoFundMe page, updating where we are now at.

Last weekend we put out a request to help further with the releasing of Scott’s car. We needed $1,676.68 to be able to do this, but after we promoted this request again across a number of neighbourhoods, we were stunned by what happened! The fund lifted to $3040, and with other gifts received already of $850, taking out the $1000 kept in reserve for planned rental fees, and the repairs already made on the van, we were able to pay out the $1,676.68 owing on the car! This was done last night, Friday 1st August, leaving us in fact with $791.03 extra which will now go towards the planned rental fees! This response was beyond our expectations, with an incredible $500 donation that came in during this week to make all of this possible!

When I contacted Scott during this week to tell him the news, he shared with me that he was unable to hold back the tears, he was just so grateful for every wonderful donor! I replied to him that perhaps we all should shed some tears with him for such a response as this!

Alana will be confirming with the company this week that is holding the vehicle that it will in fact be ready and available for pick up by Scott. Although she has not been well this week, she continues to encourage and do what she can in support of this venture.

At the end of this month of August, which is the end of the 3 month promise given to us for Scott to stay where he is with his van, he will need to move to a more permanent venue. The local caravan park we have costed at $1000 per month, and we do have another offer of $600 per month at a home in Warburton. Although Warburton is further than Scott wants to go, it will be more feasible now once he finally gets the car back in his possession. An offer came in during the week of a place at Castella, which is being considered and weighed up with regard to distance etc. Scott’s treatment continues three times each week, which is part of that consideration. The $1,791 we currently hold will now be available for rental purposes for the days ahead, as we look for the best possible venue for Scott. All offers will be gratefully received and considered.

Thank you so much for your compassion, generosity, and kindness.

Warm regards,

Gary Parsons

( with great assistance from Alana Dobra!)