VICTIMS of a car crash have been overwhelmed by the generosity of Mount Isans, describing living in the city as "a different planet".
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Members of the Christian Outreach Centre Mount Isa helped Leslie Algar and Katherine Bin-Sali get back on their feet after they were injured in a car crash 60km out of Mount Isa on the Camooweal Road in April.
They couple was relocating from Port Lincoln to Bundaberg, but instead spent five days in hospital with spinal and pelvic injuries.
With no money, clothes and no home, a hospital security guard gave them the contact details for Pastor Keith Douglas at the Centre.
Irreplaceable items such as Ms Bin-Sali's photographs of her children and grandchildren were originally feared stolen.
But a Good Samaritan found their vehicle abandoned and filled three bags of clothes, personal belongings and treasured photos and left them on the doorstep of the Centre.
The couple's car was a write-off. But generous church members Taape and Luta Lafaelle donated a Ford Laser to help them on their way.
Church member Dave Geary, a mechanic, and fellow church members Graham Barrett and Aaron Wandell who "were handy on the tools" who rendered the car roadworthy.
"It's a very worthy cause, and it assists them on the road to recovery," he said.
"They went through a very traumatic experience."
After spending weeks working on the car, the church also chipped in to have it registered.
Mr Algar said he "didn't have a clue" what they would've done if it wasn't for Pastor Keith, because they had "nothing but the clothes on their back" once they walked out the hospital doors.
"I can't believe what these people have done for us, I really can't," he said.
"I just don't know what to say, I'm lost for words. It's like another planet here. It's so overwhelming because I'm not used to this sort of kindness.
The couple left for Bundaberg yesterday afternoon, but said they will be back to reunite with the people they "will never forget". "Mount Isa is a very special place, and I'll never forget it," Mr Algar said.
"I've seen generosity I've never dreamed of here and it's brought me to tears a number of times."
Mr Algar also said he has been stopped in the street by strangers who recognised them as the couple involved in the car rollover and were on the front page of The North West Star (Friday, April 27).
Pastor Keith said helping others epitomized what the church aims to achieve.
"True Christianity is all about loving and giving," Pastor Keith said.
"We help and assist anyone in need; that's what we like to do."
+ Editorial - P6