Steve’s ‘Tickled Pink’ To Be Doing It for the Kids

Steve Wearing A Pink Wig

Despite his colourful surname, you wouldn’t usually see bus driver, Steve Pink, in a pink wig.

But he made an exception to help sick kids and put on his brightest, fluoro wig and a green sparkly tutu to help raise funds for the charity Give Me 5 For Kids.

Steve is a part of the Sunshine Coast’s Harley Owners Group (or HOG for short) and takes part in various group rides throughout the year.

His favourite though, is the Give Me 5 For Kids ride (the 2021 ride was held on the last weekend of June), where riders treat people to a ride on the back of their bike to raise funds for sick kids.

“I think it’s absolutely great,” Steve said.

“In the years I’ve been a part of the group I think there’s only been one GM5FK ride that I haven’t participated in.

“I’m not one to dress up but it’s for charity so I’m in my wig and tutu. It’s just a great day, it’s a laugh.”

Steve drives for CDC Sunshine Coast, which is a part of ComfortDelGro Corporation Australia and was thrilled his boss allowed him to take a bus to drive supporters of the ride on the route – as long as he drove the bus himself of course.

“It really shows CDC is prepared to be a part of the community, and if there’s a charity event that our employees champion, they’ll regularly pitch in.

“It’s great they are prepared and willing to support causes that matter to the community. I love being a part of something like this.”

Steve Smiling With People Wearing Pink Wig

HOG Sunshine Coast Chapter assistant director Deb Hediger said despite the less-than-stellar weather predictions, the day was perfect, and you couldn’t wipe the grins off the pillions faces.

“The people on the bus had a ball and wanted to do it all again next year,” she said.

“Steve was hilarious and really added to the day, positioning the bus at various vantage points so the passengers could get out and watch and cheer as the bikes roared past.

“All-in-all it was a very successful day with a lot of money raised for GM5FK.”

Mrs Hediger said while the total amount raised in the GM5FK events in the Sunshine Coast was still being tallied, they had sold $1100 of raffle tickets during the HOG event.

She said the annual event was a chance for the group to give back to the community.

People Wearing Pink Dress Or Pink Wig

“We do lots of various rides during the year, but we’ve all got kids and this particular charity is close to a lot of people’s hearts,” she said.

“It gives us an opportunity to do what we love – ride our Harleys – and help others.

“We need to remind ourselves sometimes that (riding) is a bucket list item for a lot of people and a lot of the pillions request to go with their favourite riders, year-in and year-out.

“Seeing the big grins on their faces – it just says it all, it’s magic.”

She said the group did their best to make it a “real experience pillions remember forever”. When asked if it made a difference having the locally operated bus charter company jump on board this year, Mrs Hediger exclaimed: “Hell yeah!”

Tony On Harley

ComfortDelGro Australia (CDC) Regional Australia Division CEO, Tony Hopkins, a Harley enthusiast and owner himself, said being able to support events like the Sunshine Coast’s HOG’s GM5FK ride was an important part of the company’s community-minded ethos.

“As a major Sunshine Coast school and charter transport provider, and part of one of Australia’s largest bus transport operators, we are committed to supporting our employees in giving back to the local community.

“If we’ve made a small difference to the volunteers and families involved in raising funds for a great cause – and helped them deliver a fantastic day, that has to be a good thing.”

People Wearing Pink Dress Or Pink Wig Smiling In Front Of CDC QLD Bus