Community rallies to help one of its own

The people of Hedland have again proven their generosity after more than $5500 was raised for Daniel Russell, who lost his entire life savings when he was sold a "lemon" car earlier this month.

Daniel is a well-known member of the community, actively volunteering for the Rovers and Swans football clubs and providing friendly, reliable service to Port Hedland Chicken Treat customers for more than two years.

Store franchisee Sheryle Gherardi said given Daniel's valuable contribution to the community, she was disgusted an unscrupulous person would take advantage of his disabilities and sell him a second-hand car requiring more than $5000 of repairs.

"A car is so important for Daniel's independence; it is his sole means of getting to and from work," she said.

"I can't believe someone would take advantage like that."

She said after learning about Daniel's plight, she appealed for help through an online GoFundMe fundraising campaign and was overwhelmed with the community's generous response.

"It was amazing in just two hours we had enough to fix Daniel's car," she said.

"Special thanks to one anonymous member of the public who dropped off a cheque for $4800 to our South Hedland store.

"Daniel does so much for the community; it's so nice they gave back to him when he needed help."

Daniel said he was grateful for the Hedland community's efforts, raising $5685 in less than a week.

"Thank you to my boss for putting my story on Facebook, it's good to know people care," he said.

He added all leftover funds would be "paid forward" to another cause close to the community's heart.

"The remaining money will go to the centre manager Alison's (Zink) cancer appeal," he said.

If you want to donate to the Help Alison for Breast Cancer campaign, click [www.gofundme.com/cjn9phjq|here]