Sunshine teachers, students put the handbrake on hardship

A suped-up car will be raffled off at the end of this month to help a charity that offers mechanics courses to disadvantaged youths.

Teachers and students at Hand Brake Turn in Sunshine have fixed up a 2000 VX Berlina and kitted it out with a new paint job, 17-inch mag wheels, a DVD stereo and subwoofers. They’re now selling 200 raffle tickets for the car at $50 a pop.

The raffle will be drawn on October 31 and all proceeds raised will go to continuing the program at Hand Brake Turn.

Hand Brake Turn is a charity that offers a nine-week automotive mechanics course to disadvantaged youths in a bid to help them find employment.

Hand Brake Turn manager John Manga says the car, which has done 210,000 kilometres, is in excellent condition.

“We’ve done up a donated car and given it a paint job – and put in a you-beaut stereo system,” Mr Manga said.

“It’s fully roadworthy – and you’ve got one chance in 200 to win a car.”

The charity, which helps about 100 people a year, gives participants the chance to refurbish old cars and gain a certificate II in automotive studies.

Mr Manga says the course is open to people aged 15 to 19 who have been doing it tough. Nine participants started apprenticeships this year after completing the course.

To buy a raffle ticket, call 9311 6273.