ANTONIA PREBBLE CYCLES VIETNAM FOR VARIETY

Kiwi actress Antonia Prebble never expected a phone call asking her to cycle through Vietnam, but when the chance came to be part of Variety’s Vietnam Cycle Trek raising funds for mobility equipment for children affected by the earthquake in Christchurch, she grabbed the opportunity and rose to the challenge.

“I was an absolute novice on a bike,” says Antonia. “I don’t think I’d ever properly ridden a bicycle with gears before. In fact, the last time I rode a bike was when I was studying acting in Paris and I was forced to because of a public transport strike! But this seemed like too good an offer to miss, so I was determined to learn.”

Luckily for Antonia, journalist and seasoned cyclist Rod Oram stepped in to help.  “Rod took me under his wing and out onto the dangerous streets of Auckland! At first, I couldn’t even indicate because I was too scared to take one hand off the handlebars, but with time my confidence grew. I took up spin classes, went to the gym and practised my on-road skills outside. I really couldn’t have done it without Rod’s support.”

Antonia spent two weeks in Vietnam, cycling up to 100 km per day with a group of 16 Variety supporters.  “Vietnam is just breathtaking. It is an incredible country, so different from New Zealand. On a trip like this, people make the biggest impact. The Vietnamese people were wonderful. They are so accepting of each other and of life. There is no aggression and never a rude word spoken.

“One of the highlights of the trip was a special excursion to a local orphanage. I’d never been to an orphanage before and it was both heart-warming and heart-breaking. The children were delightful and charming - so full of life and full of love. I sang the entire Sound of Music soundtrack to one of them who wanted to hear English singing!”

Through her fundraising efforts, Antonia raised $2,436 for Variety.  “At first I was a bit reticent to ask people to donate as I hadn’t done it before. I don’t know anyone who is particularly wealthy and I didn’t want to put too much pressure on my friends as I know they give where they can. But Rod gave me a great idea ? I offered friends, family and companies I knew the chance to buy a leg of the journey at one cent per metre. So a 20km day was $200, 30km day, $300 and rest days a flat rate of $100."

“People loved the idea and were happy to support this good cause. I named the day after the person or company who bought it and mentioned it on my blog. The buyers loved that and helped spread the word when I was riding ‘their’ day! My advice to other fundraisers is to set your target high. Think big! Even if you don’t reach it, you have a stretch goal to aim for.”

Antonia’s positive experience in Vietnam, has led to her agreeing to be an ambassador for Variety.  “I really got to know the organisation, what they do and how they do it, and I wanted to be involved in an official capacity, helping Kiwi kids to reach their potential. Variety is wonderfully flexible - they keep me in the loop with events and campaigns that are coming up and I can take part if my schedule allows".

“Variety’s annual Bikes for Kids tour is coming up soon, and I’m hoping to be able to attend one of the presentations and see some of the children who are benefiting from the fundraising. It will be like the pot of gold at the end of this journey!”