The story reported in The Courier yesterday, told of how thieves stole and destroyed 75-year-old John Odgers' only mode of transport from his garage on Wednesday night . By yesterday morning people had donated more than $3000 to buy a new one.Mr Odgers was moved to tears yesterday afternoon when he said he had been overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. "I'm not a religious man but I'm going to say a prayer for each and every one of them who have been so kind to me," he said. "I didn't ask for it and I didn't want it but I just feel so humbled. These beautiful people around, strangers, have helped me out in this time of despair. Mr Odgers was initially adamant he would not accept donations to replace his scooter, which he relied on to live independently as he awaits knee-replacement surgery. "I just couldn't believe anyone would be so good and kind to me and people have said to me, `John, if you don't accept it, you will hurt our feelings,' so I had to."Mr Odgers, whose partner of 35 years, Joyce Quiddington, died three months ago, described the destruction of his scooter as "gut-wrenching" but said the ensuing kindness had restored his faith in his community.Within hours of him reporting the theft to police, Sebastopol business Astec Mobility Control Solutions had donated a second-hand scooter. By midday yesterday, the funds to purchase a new one had been raised. Mr Odgers said he would donate surplus funds remaining after the purchase of his new scooter to the 3BA Christmas Appeal.