Birthday party held as fundraiser

Local residents have been invited to a ninth birthday party for Levi Ransfield at the Star Room, Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy, on February 24.

Levi suffers from multiple bone disorders, and the event is being held as a fundraiser.

The event will include magicians, finger food and cakes.

The fundraiser will run from 1pm to 4pm, organised by fund-raising group Rainbow Love.

President Ms Susie O'Donnell said that Rainbow Love was initially inspired by the difficulties faced by Levi, and his mother Danielle's plea for help.

"Danielle required help after Levi broke his leg and was no longer able to be transported safely in her car," Ms O'Donnell said.

"The car itself was no longer running effectively and was also unsafe.

"The initial plan was to raise enough money to buy a van suitable to carry Levi safely in his wheelchair.

"This also became necessary as Levi's condition worsened and his fragility increased due to his complex bone disorder.

"This made it necessary to limit the amount of handling of Levi where possible to avoid further injuries.

"So far the fundraising continues but, due to the nature of Levi's needs, it has become even more obvious that time is a major factor.

"The committee members of Rainbow Love then made the decision to get Levi mobile as soon as possible and decided to look into leasing a suitable van to do so using funds already collected.

"The cost of leasing was approximately $2500 a month.

"At the time we had $4000 in the bank.

"We would then continue with the fundraising to cover ongoing costs and try to purchase a van further down the track.

"It almost seemed that this was going to be possible when we were told that we weren't eligible to do so as we were not a specified organisation that was entitled to lease the van required."

Ms O'Donnell said the group was now looking into the possibility of buying a second hand disabled taxi with the help of Central Coast resident Mr Craig Coulton, a former taxi driver.

"The cost of the vehicle will be around $10,000," Ms O'Donnell said.

"We have $6800 at present.

"We are hoping to reach our goal by Levi's ninth birthday on February 24."

Tickets to the fundraiser are $25 for adults, $5 for children, and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is $50.

For more information, telephone 4341 2475 by February 15.

Press release, 29 Jan 2008 Susie O'Donnell, Rainbow Love