David Milina and Barb Cooper’s Isuzu tow truck, known as Tatonka, isn’t just a Monday-to-Friday workhorse for their Sustainable Landscapes business.
It’s also a fundraiser for disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids, and it’s joining the 25th annual Variety Trillian Bash which fires up on March 7 in New Plymouth, calls in at Tatonka sponsors in the Waikato and Tauranga, and finishes at Ellerslie, Auckland, on March 14.
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 hydraulic winches – it’s a bit of a jack of all trades!” says Dave.
The couple say their Isuzu truck, brightly painted by Car Colours in Albany, 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.”
It was former teacher Barb who got Dave involved with the eccentric road rally.
“Having been a teacher specialising in teaching children with learning difficulties,” says Barb “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.”
“It’s wonderful to have sponsors behind us as we help raise money for Kiwi kids,” she says. “We’re hoping the CAL-Isuzu crowd in Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton will come along when we pass through Hamilton, Tauranga and Auckland, and this year we’ll even pass close by Levin’s Levana Textiles, which supplies the bandanas we give away.”
