View Profile Video of Tatonka on the 2015 Variety Bash

David Milina and Barb Cooper’s Isuzu tow truck isn’t just a Monday-to-Friday workhorse for their Sustainable Landscapes business. It’s also a fundraiser for disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids.

It was former teacher Barb who got Dave involved with the eccentric road rally.  It involves travelling through some of New Zealand’s remoter landscapes delivering funds and grants – and raising money along the way.

“Having been a teacher specialising in teaching children with learning difficulties,” Barb says, “I understand how challenging life can be for some of these kids. I also know how much having fun helps kids to feel better about themselves and where they’re going in life.”

Named for bush-bashing, ‘The Bash’ raises funds for Variety – The Children’s Charity, which donates funds to help Kiwi kids who need a hand-up, whether it’s equipment for a disabled child or a sports kit for a low-decile rural school, entertainment to lift a sick child’s spirits or the keys to a Ford Sunshine Coach, clothes for a foster child or a grant for an aspiring athlete or dancer who needs help to take that next step up.

Entrants must raise a large donation to attend the Bash rally, which aims to entertain kids along the route as well as raising more funds, and delivering grants.

Barb says, “It’s an amazing experience to be involved with so many people – the Bashers – who are dedicated to helping children and families. Travelling through rural towns and regions, putting smiles on people’s faces, is great medicine for anyone’s soul!”

“And it’s wonderful to have sponsors behind us as we help raise money for Kiwi kids,” she says.

The couple say their Isuzu truck, is “Every Boy’s Dream” as it recalls the original Tonka truck, but it doesn’t just draw smiles and waves wherever the Bash goes. “Every year the Bash does a working bee, and it’s pressed into service to clear trees from school grounds, haul fencing material in, whatever it takes – it’s even towed the occasional broken-down Bash car too.”

Tatonka’s the only truck on the Bash among the cavalcade of mainly retired fire engines and classic  cars. “It’s a short wheelbase Isuzu Forward 4WD with a low-ratio transmission and what are called maximum-size flotation tyres. It can reach 7.5 metres with the crane and lift three tons, there’s a three-way tipping deck and hydrolic winches – it’s a bit of a jack of all trades!” Dave says.

To donate to the Tatonka Team go to https://varietybash2015.everydayhero.com/nz/tatonka

– from an article written by Jacqui Madelin, award winning motoring writer cartorque.co.nz