Wheels 4 Will - Help Will to Reconnect with his Community

Together - Let's Put Some Wheels Under Will

Will has been without a wheelchair vehicle for over 12 months - this has changed his life in a big way!

Wills Story!!!

Hello, I'm Will, a young man who lives in central Maroochydore and who lives with a physical disability called Cerebral Palsy.

I attend the gym twice weekly to keep myself fit and healthy. I joined Toastmasters to practice and improve my public speaking skills, I love to attend live gigs and music festivals.

However I always struggled with feeling connected with others in my community. I felt I didn't have an identity within the local community, this made me feel disconnected and invisible.

But then I started to think about how I could help myself, to develop relationships and new connections while also creating my own unique identity.

It took me a little while to find a way to not just be known as a guy with a disability and one of the ways I was able to achieve this was by starting my own coffee delivery service called COFFEE I WILL, this allowed me to meet a lot of new people and businesses started to get to know me. Over time, these connections changed how people viewed me and I became known as "Will" and not just someone who sits in a wheelchair. Changes I noticed in myself included increased self confidence and my confidence in speaking with the public.

Other ventures I have started included providing a grocery delivery service through IGA in Maroochydore, this service aimed to help connections through carrying customers groceries to their cars for them, most people would stop and have a chat!!!! it was fantastic however COVID put a stop to that idea!!!

I also contribute to the education of students as a guest speaker at SCU and TAFE, it is important to me that I share my lived experience of living with disability and the recruitment and management of support staff. I also emphasis the importance of being a part of the community, to take the initiative and to always strive to live the best life possible.

In order for me to continue the awesome work that I do, it requires me to have access to a reliable wheelchair accessible van, I have chosen the Hyundai Staria, once modified this vehicle will allow me to continue and grow my presence in the community.

All donations, big or small are appreciated and will contribute to me achieving my goal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Will Procter