New Van Provides More Than Just Transport For Koha Kai Team

Koha Kai now have a new van thanks to the drive of Hoamz Real Estate salesman Carl Wilson, the team at Hoamz and the generosity of other partnering businesses.

Carl Wilson, of Invercargill, handed the van keys to Koha Kai founder and project leader Janice Lee yesterday (July 7) at the Feldwick Gates in Queens Park, Invercargill.

He said Hoamz had asked Janice sometime last year, ‘how we could help?’ and ‘what did the organisation need?’.

“Janice said Koha Kai needed a suitable van with wheelchair access. As I understand it – they had been using cars, with two to three trips daily, and also putting wheelchairs in them too,” Mr Wilson said.

“What Janice does is inspirational so it gives me [and Hoamz] a sense of fulfilment being able to give her a suitable van that is going to help so many.”

Koha Kai, a not-for-profit charitable trust, provides training in hospitality and horticulture for people living with disability.

Project leader Janice Lee said the Hoamz Real Estate team asked her what Koha Kai needed, she said she was blown away with the request and identified that a van with wheelchair access was of the highest priority.

“It [the van] is just amazing for all of us. We can now pick up so many and take them to and from the schools. And our community garden crews will be able to use the van too, as well as our transition students from high schools and other people in the community, many of whom don’t drive.

“This people mover will be fabulous in helping create the team environment of closer connections, friendship and relationships – it means so much more than just getting from A to B.”