Have
your say
BIG4 caravan and tourist parks raised $85,000 to help actor Samuel
Johnson reach his $1m target for cancer research.
Johnson, best known for his roles on The Secret Life of Us,
Crackerjack, Underbelly II and Network Ten’s Rush, set himself
a lofty target after learning that his sister Connie was diagnosed with
terminal cancer more than two years ago.
And it was a goal that BIG4 holiday park owners have helped him exceed
through personal donations at the recent BIG4 conference.
In early 2012, Johnson embarked on an epic challenge to raise the money,
increase awareness of breast cancer and break the Guinness World Record
for the longest journey on a unicycle by setting off on an uncomfortable
15,000km trek across Australia.
He has visited hundreds of communities and every capital city,
warming hearts and inspiring generosity along the way.
As keynote speaker at the last BIG4 Holiday Parks conference, he spoke
about his life, sister and how he came to ride around Australia on his
unicycle to raise funds for her cause, staying in holiday parks along the
way.
Owners of BIG4 holiday parks were so touched by his story they began
donating to the cause spontaneously.
By the end of the conference, BIG4 had raised thousands of dollars with
donations continuing to stream in long after the conference ended.
BIG4 chief executive Ray Schleibs revealed that more than $85,000 had now
been raised, tipping Love Your Sister’s donations past the $1
million mark.
He said the chain had not originally expected to raise such a large amount
but after hearing Johnson's story everyone wanted to support his very
worthy cause.
"Sam's story was so touching," Mr Schleids said.
"After hearing him talk so passionately about his journey, there was an
overwhelming sense in the room to help.
"Cancer touches so many Australians and it hit close to home for many of
our park owners so they were they eager to support his efforts, both
through this donation and with accommodation at our parks throughout the
rest of his unicycle journey."
Driven by his immense love for his
sister,
Johnson put his career and life on hold so he could honour a promise he made to her.
He counts BIG4 amongst his biggest supporters.
"The BIG4 group has been far and away our most proactive supporter," he
said.
"Together its parks have raised more than $85,000 for Love Your Sister
and absolutely smashed it out of the park.
"Not just this, but they have taken care of me and the LYS team for an
entire year.
"I now feel like I belong the BIG4 family and always prefer to stay with
them."
