Motorbike trip to raise awareness of depression
Thu 22 July 2010
Kara Sonter, Bachelor of Communication
Two men on motorbikes have sparked passion and rallied support throughout the Sunshine Coast by riding across the country to raise funds and awareness for depression.
Beerwah’s Top Gun Panel and Paint owner Wayne Sauer is definitely in for the ride.
Having worked in the car repair industry for 15 years, Mr Sauer has seen long work hours and family issues contribute to depression, an illness which has sometimes ended in suicide, in his co-workers.
So when the opportunity came for Mr Sauer to support a cause for depression, he did not hesitate.
The opportunity arose when Damian Milo and Bruce Potts, the Across Oz adventure duo who plan to cross Australia on motorbikes to raise awareness of depression, brought their battered support vehicle into Mr Sauer’s shop.
“There was not a straight panel on it,” Mr Sauer said.
“They brought it in for a quote on repairs, but I thought ‘I can’t charge you for this’.”
Consequently Mr Sauer began a free $8000-value repair job with the help of friends and suppliers who also wanted donate their services to the important cause.
Mr Milo and Mr Potts say they have encountered this kind of support everywhere they turn, because depression is something that touches many lives.
With over 80 sponsors onboard, the trip is already proving a success.
“People think it’s great that two guys are doing something about it,” Mr Milo said.
The bike factor is also gaining plenty of attention from motor and adventure enthusiasts.
Mr Milo and Mr Potts enjoyed three busy days at last month’s Caravan and Camping expo at Stockland Park, introducing many to their trip and gaining more support in the process.
“The ride was really well-accepted, and that was a big boost for us,” Mr Potts said.
“People who had covered parts of our planned journey were giving us hints and tips on what we could expect on the trip,” Mr Milo added.
Preparing for the Across Oz journey has been a full-time job for Mr Potts and Mr Milo since last September, but the countdown now begins in earnest to their October 16, 2010, start date.
With their equipment and travel plans organised, and their bikes and support crew prepared, Mr Milo and Mr Potts can now focus their efforts on fundraising for their partnered organisation, the Anti-depression Association of Australia (ADAA).
Funds raised by the sale of a journal book based on the Across Oz Journey will go to the ADAA, which helps connect people with effective solutions to depression.
Additional funds will be raised by the sale of kilometres, giving individuals the chance to help such a far-reaching cause.
Supporters can now purchase a minimum of two $10 kilometres of Mr Milo and Mr Potts’ journey.
“People wanted to know how they could help, and this is how,” Mr Potts said.
Supporters who purchase kilometres will also be formally thanked in the Across Oz books, which have already sold advanced copies.
Mr Milo and Mr Potts will don their (donated) helmets and start their engines at ADAA headquarters in Maleny on October 16, 2010, to begin their 12,000km journey of a lifetime.
To find out more or purchase books, DVDs or kilometres of the Across Oz trip, visit www.acrossoz.net
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