THUNDER BAY - After four years of shopping, Michael Wiatrowski has finally found the car of his dreams.
On Wednesday, Michael stumbled upon an electric scooter resembling a SmartCar at the Downtown Volkswagen dealership in Thunder Bay. Luckily he brought his cheque book, because nothing was going to stop Michael from buying his new ride.
Michael, 48-years-old, was born with Down syndrome and receives support from Community Living Thunder Bay.
Judy Bedard, Michael’s support worker, said that for the last four years, Michael has dreamed about buying his own car.
“We knew that it would never be a reality for him,” Bedard said. “But we decided as a team to figure out how to make this happen.”
Michael has been saving his money for the last few years, which has included several visits to the bank to visit his ‘banking ladies’ to discuss saving tips.
Bedard explained that they found an electric scooter for sale in Thunder Bay. Owner, Shirley Albert, was selling the scooter, which was used by her late husband.
The scooter was still a little out of Michael’s price range, but after Albert met him, she lowered the price so Michael only needed to take out a small loan and pay for the scooter.
“I think it was hard for Shirley to part with,” Bedard said.
“I think it meant just as much to her husband as it’s going to mean to Michael. Without her, we couldn’t have done this.”
For Michael, it was important that he purchase his car from an actual dealership. Downtown Volkswagen agreed to offer their car lot on Central Avenue, cleaned up the scooter, and added Volkswagen decals.
“This day is huge,” Bedard said.
“I don’t think he ever thought it would really come true. We often go to car lots and always leave without a car. So today, I told him to bring his cheque book and if we find one, we will buy it.”
Michael was beaming when he first saw his new car. After a quick talk with the dealer, the cheque was signed, there was an official handshake, and then the keys were handed over to Michael. He took it for a test drive around the lot and was cautious at first, taking his time to get the feel of the scooter.
Michael is already very independent, doing his own banking and grocery shopping. With his new scooter, he will be able to complete his day to day activities without any support.
“Most people think: why would you encourage something like this, it’s not something he would do,” Bedard said.
“But we just decided that we were going to make it happen some year and it took a few years to figure it out, but we are here today and his dream has come true and that’s what’s important.”
