A few kind souls have given a new van to a quadriplegic Etobicoke woman, whose old vehicle -- specially modified for her condition -- was stolen and wrecked by thieves.
"I'm shocked" Brenda Baird told CTV Toronto, after seeing the new van. "I'm not awake."
Baird's husband of 36 years, Charles, who drives the van, was similarly stunned.
"It can't get any better," he said. "It's raining with all these prayers coming down."
The new van was donated by Mississauga-based Auction Direct Public Auto Auction. Spokesperson Cathie Clark said it was a chance to make some good news amidst Ontario's recession-battered auto industry.
"It's tough in automotive right now," she said. "I had just finished saying we have to do something to help us feel good again, and I love that this has put meaning back into what we're doing."
Darryl Brace, a mechanic who lost his job because of the recession, has volunteered to help modify the new van to meet Baird's needs.
"You feel so fortunate at being able to do the things you like to do when you see someone less fortunate go through this," he said. "It makes you just want to reach out and help."
Baird's 1996 Ford Windstar was found by police last week, but it was heavily damaged. Her insurance company said it wasn't worth fixing and offered her $1,000.
Financing a new van, including the costly adjustments needed to accommodate Baird's condition, may have meant giving up the couple's home.
With a report by CTV Toronto's Zuraidah Alman
