SIMON Gabriel and his new truck embody the spirit of “act locally, think
globally”.
Growing up in South Sudan, Simon arrived in Australia in 2004 and
moved to the Swan Hill region in 2007.
After receiving assistance from a
variety of charities, he found work in construction and one month ago saved
enough money for a four-tonne truck.
But rather than start your average
removals business, Simon is looking to support the same charities that gave him
a head start.
“Anyone donating to any one of these charities — Salvation
Army, World Vision and Unicef — will have a discount for the truck,” he
said.
“Anyone who cannot afford to hire it, can ring me, then we can discuss
what to pay, what they can afford.”
Some business people might be dubious of
this model, but Simon has faith it will work out.
“Everything is in the hand
of God, this idea has come from God, not from me, so maybe it will work,” he
said.
For more of this story, see Wednesday’s Guardian (July 10).
