A single mother whose vehicle needed an expensive transmission replacement has received a restored vehicle through NeighbourLink.
Mirjana Komljenovic of NeighbourLink said the woman had called NeighbourLink for help after the transmission problem developed.
The repair was estimated at several thousand dollars.
“It was completely out of reach for us,” Komljenovic said.
Instead of repairing the car, NeighbourLink was able to present the woman with a restored minivan, which had been donated to NeighbourLink earlier.
The minivan was then taken to Tirecraft in Summerland where staff put in around 10 hours of labour and $300 to $400 in new parts to bring it into good running condition.
Jennifer McAvany of Tirecraft said the 1997 Dodge Caravan had been kept in good condition and is expected to last many more years if it is properly maintained.
Komljenovic said NeighbourLink has been working to donate a vehicle for around a year.
She added that finding the right vehicle and the right recipient was a challenge. The recipient must have a driver’s license and must be able to insure and maintain the vehicle.
The recipient must also understand the value of the gift and must work to repay the gesture to someone else.
“She understands that this is a very beautiful community gift,” Komljenovic said of the recipient. “She wants to pay it forward.”
The recipient will donate money to NeighbourLink.
NeighbourLink is a Christian volunteer organization in Summerland.
It provides volunteer help to the community without cost.