SELF-CONFESSED ‘old bastards’ have brought joy to the life of a Dandenong RSL member with the donation of a motorised scooter.
Doveton resident Mark Sutherland is an amputee with only one leg. But through the help of his Dandenong RSL friends, and the International Order of Old Bastards (IOOB), Mr Sutherland is now scooting around to his heart’s content.
Local old bastards donated the $1000 scooter to Mr Sutherland last Thursday, 4 May, and Dandenong RSL welfare coordinator John Filmer said the Doveton man was delighted with the surprise.
“On Thursdays, he and I try to get in about three or four games of pool, so he didn’t suspect the scooter at all,” Mr Filmer said.
Mr Filmer contacted IOOB secretary Ian Arrell several weeks ago, and Mr Arrell met with his committee to confirm Mr Sutherland’s eligibility.
“We are made up of ex-police, publicans, judges and we help those who can’t get help – in this case with a scooter,” Mr Arrell said.
He said Mr Sutherland was still coming to terms with the generosity of the group.
“But he is pleased, of course – having the problems he has got restricts him socially – so this can help him get about a bit more.”
World War II lieutenant colonel Fred Kibbe founded the ‘Old Bastards’ in the 1940s.
The name came from the ‘endearing salutation’ between military officers during WWII – ‘Hi, you old bastard’. – Shaun Inguanzo
