Woman searches for kind strangers after petrol gauge on empty

WITH no cash and her young daughter in the car, Nicky Weynen was lucky, and thankful, for the kindness of strangers when she ran out of petrol one night in Sydney’s southwest.

Harrington Park woman Nicky Weynen's classic French car broke down in Miller on Friday night after she ran out of petrol. Kindly strangers helped her by going to get fuel and they also gave her $60 after she told them she had no money.

• More to libraries than just books
• AFL club’s giant campaign
• Hotels banking on second airport in Sydney

NICKY WEYNEN’S car ran out of petrol on her way home one night in Sydney’s southwest. She had no cash on her and her young daughter was with her.

Thankfully, she was greeted by friendly faces in Miller who helped her.

Now Mrs Weynen wants to track down those women and thank them.

The Harrington Park woman had picked up her daughter Sophie, 13, from her mother’s house and they were driving near Miller TAFE on Banks Rd when she ran out of petrol about 7pm on Friday, April 8.

“I pushed the car off the road into the TAFE driveway and before I had time to consider my options, a woman came over and asked if we were all right,” she said.

“They offered to take me to get petrol. I explained I had no money, but could go with them and use my card.

“They insisted they get petrol for me while I wait.”

Nicky Weynen with her classic French car. Picture: Robert Pozo

Within a few minutes they had returned with the petrol and Mrs Weynen and her daughter were on their way home again.

She said the helpful ladies also handed $60 to her daughter, which only came to light once they were on their way home.

“When I looked back to give them the money, they were gone.

“I really appreciate what they did. I told them I’d do a good deed for someone else.”

“There are a lot of good people out there, but we lose sight of that. It was so nice of them to offer to help and want to make the world a better place.”

Mrs Weynen said she often helps others in need. There have been times in the supermarket where the person in front hasn’t had enough money to pay for their items, so she’s helped them out.

Nicky Weynen’s Citroen 2CV convertible is called Dolly. Picture: Robert Pozo

She always carries a jerry can in her car because the gauge in the old two-tone Citroen doesn’t work so well.

“I’ve only found myself without petrol a couple of times over the past year since driving it,” she said.

“My dad bought the car for my mum, but she passed away.”

“We call it the Happy Car because everyone smiles when they see it, especially when I drop Sophie off at school.

“Mum had one in France, so when dad saw this one in Wollongong, he bought it for her.”

Hello, Dolly!

● The car is a 1986 Citroen 2CV convertible and her name is Dolly

● She is a two horse power car

● It sat idle in the garage for four years until Mrs Weynen decided to drive it

● There is no radio, no air conditioning but it has a heater and costs $25 in petrol a week to run

● Do you know the women who helped Mrs Weynen? Call 8778 2834