Kelowna, British Columbia — December 29, 2014
Partners of the Freedom Road Project have selected the charitable initiative’s first beneficiary—a single Kelowna dad with a daughter battling bone cancer.
Simon Ng, the father of 11-year-old Myranda, diagnosed with osteosarcoma resulting in lower leg amputation, was presented with a refurbished 2010 Limited Edition Ford Explorer, donated gifts and $1000 worth of insurance on Dec. 22 at the Craftsman Collision Kelowna shop.
“It was a total surprise,” says Ng, who had been led to the shop by his companion Sandra Chanig, under the pretext of redeeming a coupon. “The car is beautiful, it looks great. I’m still in shock.”
Project partners, including Craftsman Collision, Royal Sun Alliance (RSA) and BC Automobile Association (BCAA), selected Ng based on the struggles faced by the inadequacy of his 1998 Tercel for the weekly transportation of two adults and four children as well as a full-sized wheelchair to Vancouver’s BC Children’s Hospital for his daughter’s chemo treatments.
“Hearing and reading about so many families and charities in need in the Central Okanagan made it hard to keep a dry eye,” says Rick Hatswell, CEO of Craftsman Collision—a leading partner in the project, and employer of the technicians and painters who restored the Explorer to near-mint condition.
“We hope this will bring some much-needed Christmas cheer to the Ng family after having such a tough year, and we look forward to working with the same partners on the Freedom Road Project again next year,” he says.
BCAA Auto Service Centre Manager of Technical Services Larry Ball, RSA Claims Adjuster Gladys Kosowan, Simon Ng, BCAA Branch Manager Lindsay Silcocks, Craftsman Collision Regional Manager Tom Watters, and BCAA Auto Service Centre General Manager Stu Miller.
Claims Adjuster Gladys Kosowan of RSA echoed Hatswell’s sentiments.
“We are so proud to participate in this meaningful project which gives us the opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work,” she says. “It is amazing to see how the Freedom Road Project brings the whole community together and brings happiness to a family in need during the holiday season.”
“Everyone at BCAA wishes Simon and his family many safe journeys, good health and happiness,” adds BCAA Auto Service Centre Kelowna’s General Manager Stu Miller. “Keeping British Columbians safer on the road and giving back to our communities right across the province is an important part of what we do and one way that a BCAA Membership is rewarding.
“BCAA Kelowna and West Kelowna are very proud to help Simon on his way with $1,000 towards insurance and a $100 gas card from our Member Savings partner Petro-Canada; as well as a further $1000 of repairs and a vehicle inspection from our Auto Service Centre to provide peace of mind.”
Additional contributing members of the Freedom Road Project include Pro Body Parts, Kelowna Ford Lincoln, Fountain Tire, White & Peters, Tom’s & Merritt Towing, Old Navy, BCAA Claims Team, Michaels, and Loadzatoyz.
