volunteer Ms Deborah Albuoy is organising a golf fund-raising tournament.

While working at the Agape House Ms Albuoy noticed there was a desperate need for a van that would be accessible to patients in wheelchairs.

She said: "I wanted to raise the money doing something different, rather than a bake sale or a car wash. My goal is $45,000 which will cover the tournament at Port Royal Golf Course and the purchase of the van.

"The theme for the golf tournament is `Don't Wait Until It Hits Home', and we are expecting about 120 players.

Ms Albuoy added: "It is a special van with a hydraulic lift which can hold up to three wheel chairs.'' She also said that the Agape House already has one van which is not easily accessible for their patients.

Coordinator of the Agape House, Mrs. Hilary Soares, said: "I think the idea for the fund-raising golf tournament is wonderful.

"We need a van to be able to carry people in wheelchairs out into the community. The van we have is very tiny and it is very difficult to use it for patients.'' Mrs. Soares also said the new van will give the patients a lot of freedom if they need to go out anywhere.

"People from the community can enjoy a golf tournament and they can really have something to do with the money they have donated.'' Ms Albuoy also said: "The donations that have been coming in are great, but more are needed to purchase the van. We are getting there but we are not there yet.'' She added: "I feel the tournament will be a great success.'' The golf tournament will be held on Saturday, October 22, shot gun start at 1 p.m.

The tournament fee for patrons is $1,000 which includes two free entries into the tournament, sponsors $500 for one free entry, and regular fees are $65, which includes green fees, a golf cart, prize giving and a cocktail party immediately following the tournament.

Ms Albouy can be reached anytime after 7 p.m. at 236-6699 for applications for the tournament.