The Honda Foundation Keeps Uniting Care Casino Transport Moving

TULLAMARINE, AUSTRALIA – February 17, 2011: The Honda Foundation, together with Ireland Honda of Lismore in New South Wales, has donated $2,500 towards the Uniting Care Casino Transport Team.

A group of volunteers, the Uniting Care Team transport up to 60 patients a week, to and from medical appointments. The service aims to assist people that either can’t afford, or are unable, to get themselves to and from medical treatment, ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality medical care.

The Honda Foundation has assisted the organisation to purchase identifying magnets for its vehicles, as well as extended training for volunteers to assist clients in and out of cars as well as accidental counselling.

Chairman of The Honda Foundation, Mr. Lindsay Smalley said the Uniting Care Casino Transport Team was an important part of the local community. “Community based initiatives are paramount in townships such as Lismore and well worth The Honda Foundation’s support.”

Coordinator of the initiative, Shirley Smith, said many volunteers become a lifeline for patients travelling to and from appointments as well as a much needed sounding board.

“Quite often, our volunteers are the first people patients speak to about their appointment, their concerns, fears or shock. Volunteers sometimes become accidental counsellors in their relationships with patients and it is important that the volunteers best know how to serve them in a reassuring and positive way,” Ms. Smith said.

The Honda Foundation aims to provide assistance to local communities and foster goodwill among Honda Australia, Honda Motor Vehicle Dealers and the public. It draws funding from Honda Dealers and Honda Australia who donate $15 ($5 and $10 respectively) for every Honda car sold.

For more information on The Honda Foundation and the organisations it supports, please visit www.hondafoundation.org.au