Variety MNI Bash rescue teams helping Kiwi kids

The AA and RNZAF in action on the GT Radial falcon made famous by the late Ewen Gilmour. Photos / Supplied

It takes professionals to keep the Mini Bash convoy on the road

A convoy of classic cars raising funds for Kiwi kids sounds like a great idea, but it takes skill to keep the sometimes elderly vehicles going - particularly given the distances many of them cover.

And the Automobile Association's service crews and the RNZAF have again fronted up to assist, as well as the Medics - in case the occasionally equally creaky crews need a hand!
The AA has long been a supporter of the Variety Bash, after all its member-focussed ethos gels well with the Bash philosophy of helping Kiwi kids.

As for the Air Force, it provides young mechanics with experience of having to think on their feet, and come up with rapid mechanical solutions often in less than ideal situations - the roadside, in place of organised workshops.

As for the medics, those lime-green wigs and crazy sunglasses thinly disguise a professional crew, now regulars on the event.

Les 'McShambles' McLaren and his wife Maria have been in the medical field for 35 years, and met at Tokoroa Hospital. An Advanced Care Paramedic, Les served with St John for 23 years both on the road and as an instructor, and the couple now run a private ambulance service covering events like car-club rallies and pony gymkhanas, as well as delivering basic medical training.

Les had to find a replacement for Maria - a registered nurse - for this weekend's Mini Bash, but while the AA and RNZAF have their spanners poised in case the cars hit trouble, he and his crew will be just as ready in case of illness, and will most likely shake a fund-raising bucket on the side.

The Variety Medics, Les McLaren and crew with the ambulance

The Variety Mini Bash leaves Wainui School at 9am on Friday 17, arriving at Silverdale Primary School by 9.35am, then on to Red Beach Primary by 10.25am to donate a Liberty Swing, designed to give kids in wheelchairs that weightless feeling.

Then it's on to Orewa School for 11.25am, Waiwera Thermal Resort for lunch, and finally to Warkworth Primary School, before heading up to Moirs Point Camp for the Night.

On Saturday the convoy will conduct a working bee at the camp, before driving to Whangarei to see which team can raise the most money in small change by shaking buckets downtown.

The day will end at Tutukaka, with Sunday marking the event's official end at Marsden Yacht and Boat Club.