Cowabunga! Comedian hits road in green turtle

Ed Finn and Ewen Gilmour. Photo / Supplied

Internationally acclaimed comedian Ewen "The Westie" Gilmour and his buddy are to join in the annual Variety Bash fundraising event themed Over-age Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The team will travel in a green 1983 Mitsubishi Delica van known affectionately as The Turtle, so finalising their costume choices was easy: Gilmour will be the character Splinter, while Ed Finn will be his Reptilian Sidekick.

Gilmour is a Variety Ambassador and this will be his 12th Variety Bash from March 11, but this time in a private team, rather than a corporate group.

"Therefore, we're on a mission to find one or two significant sponsors to partner with The Turtles," says Gilmour.

In their fundraising efforts, the team are hosting a comedy evening at Auckland's Classic Comedy venue on March 4 from 7pm. Tickets are $20.

"We're hoping to raise enough money to ensure the team gets on the road for the Bash and, in doing so, helps bring sunshine to the lives of people we meet along the way," says Gilmour.

The team are also running an auction on Trade Me, via the username OMNT. Items for sale include a VIP table at the comedy show and the services of Gilmour at a comedy show or as a wedding celebrant.

The 1700km-long Bash mixes big cities with smaller rural towns, school visits, community projects and community events.