As one of Australia’s top racing drivers, Leanne Tander has what many would describe as an ‘out of the ordinary’ job – racing her Fleetcare TanderSport Dallara F3 car on weekends at speeds of up to 250kph.
But last weekend Leanne was able to use her driving talent for different reasons, donating her time to chauffeur two disadvantaged kids around Melbourne as part of the ‘Kidsflix’ charity initiative.
Kidsflix is an initiative enabling all children with disabilities (including juvenile arthritis and children with incontinence issues) plus children and young people living in disadvantaged situations to have an ‘out of the ordinary day’ with their family.
The kids get to experience a full movie experience; including popcorn, drinks and glitzy pre-movie entertainment with their sisters, brothers and parents / carers.
Over 25,000 special-needs children and their families attend Kidsflix events Australia wide each year.
Tander teamed up with McLeod’s Daughters TV Star Luke Jacobz to drive 9-year old Patrick and 12-year old Davey to the cinema in her Holden Special Vehicles GTS.
After being driven about town by Tander and Jacobz, both kids had the opportunity to pour over the HSV and have autographs signed by the two celebrities.
”It was a great day and great to meet the kids and their families, ” Said Tander, who finished a stunning second in the 2007 Australian Drivers Championship.
”Events like this put a difficult weekend like the one we had right into perspective. They have much more serious issues in their mind and I think that the kidsflix initiative is a great concept – one I am very happy to support. I think that Patrick and Davey got a lot out of the day as Luke and I did as well.
”I really enjoyed being involved. The kids were great and we had a lot of fun. They go through a lot so for them to be able to get out and have a ‘normal’ day as a family is fantastic. I was glad to be invited and I’m very keen to be more involved in the future.
“And, with the kids, I got to meet Humphrey Bear - which was another highlight! ” she joked.
Kidsflix is an initiative of the Arthritis foundation of South Australia, in partnership with the Arthritis foundation of New South Wales and the Continence foundation of Australia.
Beginning in South Australia, Kidsflix now runs events in Victoria and New South Wales as well. Kidsflix ambassadors, including Leanne, come from both the sporting and television industries.
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