CCS hero still paying for needy

SAM BAKER/Manawatu Standard

LEGACY: Foxton beach has a new beach buggy for disabled kids to use, thanks to CCS fundraiser Dale Futcher. From left: Maiaa Ohlson (Mum), Mr Futcher,Greg Ohlson (Dad), and in the buggy Jeremiah Ohlson, 8.

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After 30 years of helping families of children with disabilities to buy the little extras that make life easier, Foxton's Dale Futcher has spent the last of the $95,000 he's raised through two decades of charity golf tournaments.

The remaining funds have just been spent on a $4000 beach buggy that will be kept at CCS, available for use by families who want to take a child with disabilities to the beach.

The Lions Club of Manawatu helped make up the balance to buy the buggy.

His support for hundreds of children was recognised recently with a lifetime award from CCS Disability Action.

In the 1980s Mr Futcher helped set up a golf tournament at Linton, which later shifted to Foxton. While he had helpers and sponsorship support from businesses, after 20 years he called it quits in 2000.

But the $95,000 trust fund carried on.

"We lost three children with illness ourselves, and CCS helped us immensely.

"I wanted to give something back."

Mr Futcher resisted calls on the money to help with buildings, instead looking to help families.

"The field officers would make out an application for money for various situations – if people couldn't pay a power bill, for equipment, for wheelchairs or batteries for wheelchairs."

Mr Futcher was presented with a Caltex Unsung Hero Award for his efforts 10 years ago.

Regional manager of CCS Disability Action Manawatu Nigel Mead said the CCS lifetime award was one of only a handful presented around New Zealand.

"It's rare to see someone whose voluntary service has meant so much to so many children and we want to acknowledge that," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News