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FSGT
Kevin Leahy and ACW Sally Goninon, both from RAAF Base Richmond,
will provide medical support in this year’s Variety Club
Bash.
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Photo
by Phil Barling
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THE
Variety Help Bash is putting its credo of “drive the miles for
the smiles” to the test this year as it pushes its participants
to travel the furthest they ever have to raise money for needy
children.
Flight
Sergeant Kevin Leahy, a ground support equipment fitter, and
Aircraftwoman Sally Goninon, a medic – both from RAAF Base Richmond
– hope to live up to the philosophy, even though they are looking
after participants at some of their unhappiest times in the event.
They
are working as roving medics for the 460 participants. Their job
includes setting up and staffing medical checkpoints and being
on standby in case of a medical problem.
FSGT
Leahy said from his experience with previous Variety Bashes, injuries
from car accidents and falls were the most likely medical incidents
that would arise.
More
than 120 cars, buses and fire engines – all built before 1970
– are taking part in the bash from August 8-18. Among them will
be eight Navy aviators from HMAS Albatross in two veteran cars
made up to look like helicopters.
In
just 11 days the participants will cover 5800km, averaging 500km
a day – the longest bash ever for the event’s 20th anniversary.
They will travel from Parramatta, NSW, to Fremantle, Western Australia.
FSGT
Leahy was one of the original organisers of an ADF team. He became
involved in 1991 when No. 2 Stores Depot put in a team.
“It’s
just the look on the kids’ faces when we give them handouts and
gifts,” he said about why he remained involved.
“Last
year we raised $2.4 million and this year we are hoping to raise
$2.5 to $3 million which is distributed throughout NSW to underprivileged
and needy kids. Variety distributes the money itself. People put
in grants for things like computers, wheelchairs, teaching and
learning aids and ... equipment to outback hospitals.”
