Freedom on the water: Wellington charity teaching disabled to sail receives $5000

Sailability Wellington has been teaching people with disabilities how to sail since 2001, and was established after one of its founding members was approached by a wheelchair user at Evans Bay Yacht Club who wanted to learn how to sail. The grant will go towards maintenance and administration costs, including storage, insurance and volunteer support.

The charity was nominated for the Trade Me grant by Paul Doney and Sabine Chong, Business Partners for Tall Poppy Wellington Central and North. Paul and Sabine have a personal connection with Sailability through their son Xervier, who has Down Syndrome. The family first became involved with the charity in Sydney when Xervier was six.

Now 16, Paul says his Xervier has gained independence through learning how to sail over the last ten years.

There's something very freeing about being on the water. Sailability teaches sailing and water skills to people of all ages and abilities, with many going on to compete in national and international regattas.

Maintaining and growing its fleet of boats can be expensive, and the last few years have been difficult for fundraising, which is why we nominated them for the grant, and are so glad they’ve been chosen to receive it,

As well as sailing with his son, Paul also volunteers with Sailability. “I help set up and pack away the boats and have also started working with other children as Xervier becomes more independent; it’s a really rewarding experience”.

Sailability Wellington CEO Don Manning says their programme operates from three different sailing bases across the region, and they couldn’t do it without community support.

“On any sailing day, we may have sailors who are disabled due to vision impairment, intellectual disability, physical disability, acquired brain injury, autism or any other form of challenge. Our sailors are accompanied by a companion skipper who ensures they enjoy their time on the water. The sailor may learn to skipper the boat and even go on to join our race squad.

The Trade Me Property Community Grants were only introduced this year and have so far supported 18 different initiatives across the country. Real estate agents nominate their chosen charity or project.

Trade Me Property Sales Director Gavin Lloyd says what sets real estate agents apart is how deeply embedded they are in their local communities - allowing them to support not only individuals but a huge number of local causes.