Operation FitOut - Get Bob & Lizzie in the van!
We want to get our new coffee van modified for our staff ASAP!
Life was disrupted at every level at Our Ruby Girl, Como on the morning of July 7th when their coffee van was brazenly stolen at 5:30am, just before staff showed up to begin their working day. The loss of the van left the team without a vital part of the business and lifeblood for two staff members: Lizzie and Bob.
Ruby On Wheels came about when Lizzie, who has spina bifida, needed a safe working environment outside the café. The van was extensively modified through Government funding and included the fitting of hand rails, steps, lighting, insulation and seating to help her use the equipment and move safely around the van. These modifications allowed her to work independently.
Bob manages the van and kept it on the road, which was hugely beneficial to the business, resulting in increased bookings, lots of repeat business and a great reputation in the community. The theft has left both staff members with no shifts or wages from the van. Ruby On Wheels cost $40,000 to get up and running, which includes $15,000 worth of modifications.
As news broke of the theft, the reaction from the loyal community was immediate and irate. On Facebook the post was shared 1200 times, reached 145,458 people and generated over 180 comments. On Instagram 9500 people reacted to the story and it was shared over 400 times. Local television and radio told our story.
So many of our customers tried to help the police with their enquiries through CCTV and witness statements. Police followed every lead you all provided but so far, to no avail. Fast forward to today and Sarah will be using the insurance pay out to replace the stolen van with a new beaut Ute. Whilst not as practical (or as cute) as the trailer, it is harder to steal.
In order to make it safe for Lizzie, it needs modifications; hand rails, retractable table and seating, awnings and steps. Sarah can do this through Government funding, but that will take months and will result in Lizzie being out of work for at least another 4-5 months. We all know how valuable work is to our mental and physical health, so here's where you come in...
On behalf of Our Ruby Girl, we are turning to their wonderful community to crowdfund the money needed to get the modifications done quickly, enabling Bob and Lizzie to get back to work in time for our busiest season - sports carnivals!
Sarah and the whole team at Ruby Girl were so blown away by the love and support following the theft of the van. Knowing the whole community was behind them made the theft a little easier to take. From the bottom of their hearts, they are grateful, humbled and thankful for your support.
