It’s the first time the People Supporting People founder has owned a brand new vehicle with 0km on the odometer, stating that it was almost “too luxurious” for him.
The temperature-controlled, enclosed vehicle will make his regular hamper deliveries and food transportation during emergencies easier and more efficient.
For years he and his organisation’s volunteers had been using an old ute to deliver their not-for-profit service to the community’s most in need.
It had become damaged and mechanically unsound. It has since been sent to the wreckers.
On August 21, volunteers started a fundraising campaign, calling on the community to contribute to the new van.
On October 2, the Shepparton LDV dealership handed Mr Elmaz the keys.
“I just want to thank the community and all my volunteers,” he said.
“They’ve put in lots of time and effort to raise the money.
“Whenever I’ve needed any help, the help is there.”
Mr Elmaz said the support he received from the Goulburn Valley community was the driver that kept him going.
Initially, a GoFundMe page had a $50,000 fundraising goal, but Shepparton LDV provided a good deal on the van, meaning the $31,550 raised through the platform, along with other external donations amounting to more than $38,000, was enough to secure the purchase.
The exact final figure of the fundraiser is yet to be determined while a few outstanding pledges remain pending, but the total is predicted to be over $40,000.
The funds raised will also cover insurance and signage on the van for people and businesses who donated more than $500 to the cause.
Long-time People Supporting People volunteer Kim O’Keeffe said she was not surprised that the community enthusiastically supported the fundraiser.
“Azem is loved by the community, and it is well known that he has been supporting the homeless and disadvantaged for a very long time,” Ms O’Keeffe said.
Ms O’Keeffe and her fellow volunteers thanked the community and Shepparton LDV dealership for their significant contributions to the campaign.
“We are so grateful to the community who made this happen, along with the Shepparton LDV dealership,” she said.
“The team at Shepparton LDV jumped on board straight away and wanted to support Azem and this initiative. They discounted the van and also covered the on-road costs.
“We had so many people, as well as local businesses and organisations, who supported this fundraiser with donations, large and small, that added up to this amazing result.”
Mr Elmaz pledged to continue his charitable work behind the wheel of his new wheels.
“This is a van from the community for the community,” he said.
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