Variety the Spice of Life – a Story of the SA Bash

Adelaide-based Kennards Hire Business Development Manager Matt Jenkins joined this year’s SA Variety Bash as a member of the Bootleggers team, travelling through regional South Australia in Car Ken.

Kennards Hire has proudly supported the event as a Gold Sponsor for the past 14 years, entering a team and encouraging its people to experience the adventure firsthand.

The SA Variety Bash reflects Kennards Hire’s commitment to lifting up communities by contributing more than financial support. Through active participation, equipment hire and engagement with regional communities, the partnership creates a meaningful impact for Variety SA and the children and families it supports.

By Matt Jenkins, Business Development Manager at Kennards Hire

It’s not at every place of work that you get an offer to take part in an eight-day adventure through some of Adelaide’s most picturesque regional towns, all in the name of charity. However, that's exactly what I was fortunate enough to do last week, thanks to Kennards Hire.

The Variety Bash SA ran from August 8-15, starting in Gawler and finishing in Port Pirie, with Kennards Hire participating in the popular community fundraising event as part of our 14th consecutive year of being a Gold Sponsor of the adventure.

I’d never taken part previously, so was ever so slightly nervous about my rookie status and how I’d fare, but I had no reason to be at all - it was one of the best experiences I’ve had. Everyone was so welcoming, from the fellow bashers who’ve been participating for 30 years, to the residents of the regional towns we passed through - the friendly atmosphere and convivial nature of the event was a stand out. This really came through with other teams, everyone looked out for each other and there was a genuine care and feeling that we were all in it together.

It was also a great opportunity to learn more about some of my colleagues and for them to learn more about me - my eclectic music taste was a particular surprise to my teammates! The time spent driving together, embracing the events that the regional towns had laid on and navigating the adventure was a great bonding experience. I know those relationships with teammates in my own branch and across neighbouring branches will serve us all well from a professional and personal perspective going forward.

With the route the adventure took us on, I also found myself in slight awe of some of the scenery that is, relatively, on my doorstep. It’s not very often you get to just sit and take it all in. I think we can sometimes get caught up about heading to a certain destination for a break, but it’s made both me and my family slightly re-think what future trips may look like - sometimes simplicity wins out.

The experience was also very educational - I didn’t fully appreciate the work and the impact that the Variety Charity undertakes but it really opened my eyes. The lengths they go to in order to provide support was amazing to see first hand, I couldn’t speak highly enough of the organisation. The charity was incredibly transparent as to where the money donated goes, and being able to speak to people and families along the way who’d benefitted, I actually found quite emotional. One family who’d been going back and forth to hospital for six years for their child’s condition really brought it home to me, especially as a father. It was clear that they were grateful for the money being raised and I quickly became aware that the event was about so much more than me and Kennards Hire.

What also really struck me when visiting and stopping in regional towns was the hospitality and gratitude that greeted us, it was the first time in my life I’d ever experienced that ‘celebrity status’! Whether we were dishing out sweets to the kids or providing tours of our Car Ken, the thanks we got from parents really blew me away.

It was important to us that we made sure we spent money in these towns to support their local economies, from the petrol station to the cafe to the local pub and shops - we knew that these contributions going back into these communities was a key part of our journey. Lifting up Communities is a key mantra for Kennards Hire and I’m glad to be a part of an organisation that actively encourages this.

I feel privileged that I was able to have this adventure and grateful I was encouraged by both my work and my family to be involved. It’s unlike anything else, and for anyone who has the opportunity to participate next year and in the future, I couldn’t recommend it more.