A Calgary family is desperate for transportation options after the van they use to drive their son and his wheelchair was stolen from their home last week.
Calgary police confirmed to Global News a van was reported stolen on Oct. 17.
The 2006 blue Toyota Sienna was taken from the family’s garage in the city’s northwest, according to family friend Martiza Pino. A purse, along with the keys to the vehicle, was also taken.
Pino said the van is vital to the family, as they use it to get their son Sebastian — who has special needs — to school.
Pino said the family has been going through some financial hardship and the theft has added to an already heavy stress load.
“Nobody needs this right now,” she said.
The family’s insurance plan doesn’t cover theft, so a replacement vehicle is out of the question at the moment, she said.
Tatiana Nunez said the loss of the vehicle is sad for her family of five, adding she’s worried about how to get her son around the community.
Pino said the single-income family had been stockpiling money to modify the van with a ramp at a cost of $10,000. But with it gone, the family is scrambling.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family purchase a new van that is wheelchair-accessible, Pino said.