Transformers Join Variety Trillian Bash

Transformers Join Variety Trillian Bash

Robots raising funds for disadvantaged Kiwi kids

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee have announced they will join the Variety Trillian Bash this year, untroubled by the evil Megatron who’s been called away on pressing business in another universe.

Back in this universe the Whangarei-based helpful robots – aka Ian Macartney and Paul Wickham – are fettling their 1993 Toyota Landcruiser ready to add to the 360,000 light-year kilometres already on the clock, adding some colour touch-ups and getting sponsors on board – with Macsway Scaffolding, BBS Timbers, Aculog Systems and Financial Solutions Ltd back on board, “Keen to get amongst it in remote schools and communities and create some fun and laughs along the way.”

Optimus Prime and Bumblebee are always popular at the schools the Variety Trillian Bash calls in at, handing out giveaways and stamping small hands with their Transformers Logo. “We’re here to save the Universe, but we’re starting with Kiwi kids,” Optimus says.

“There are too many children in New Zealand who need a hand-up, whether it’s equipment to deal with a disability or sports kit their parents simply can’t manage right now, and we figure it’s an honour for Transformers to get in at the start, as kids are our future,” he says.

The Variety Trillian Bash doesn't only raise money and deliver grants, it also entertains at schools and communities along the route, and Transformers are doing their bit, with two 550-watt wakeboard speakers and a Fusion amp dispensing Transformer battle sounds, ZZ Top and dueling banjos – there’s even a fire-engine siren aboard, “And a CO2 Forward Discharge Flux Capacitor,” says a beaming Macartney.

He’s done six Bashes and this will be Paul’s third. “A mate got me along, back then in ‘The Taniwha’, a 1978 Jeep Cherokee with teeth and a smoke generator. It’s unbelievable fun to take part, and sobering too – meeting an 11-year-old boy six days after they discovered his brain tumour, entertaining at Foxton Beach three days after the carpet factory announced closure and bringing a bit of relief to kids brought down by family worry, or deputizing a kid with learning difficulties as a Transformer for a water pistol challenge – sometimes it doesn’t take much to make a difference, and we all walk away with fresh appreciation for how lucky many of us are.”

One gets the impression that helping kids might be the main aim, but dressing up as Transformers is part of the appeal… Either way, Macartney says come New Plymouth on March 7 the robot duo will be leaving their everyday lives behind in aid of Kiwi kids.

Yep, “Autobots roll out!”
ends

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