TROOP REPORT: Bushfire Appeal - Poolrite Equipment

Friday, February 13th, 2009 | 501st, Work | 7 Comments

Date: Friday, 13th February, 2009

Venue: Poolrite Equipment, Queensland.

Time: 0900 - 1500

Mission: Collect Donations for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, Seek Out Rebels and enforce Imperial Order.

Detail:
The element of surprise was essential for this troop. I snuck into the building via the side entrance, while some Empire sympathisers created a diversion with Krispy Kreme Donuts. It took serious focus to avoid the box of fresh iced donuts…

Once I was suitably attired, I ventured forth to make my presence known to the locals. Many of the employees were shocked and excited to see me - most of whom cheerfully filled my collection tin with generous donations. Those that weren’t so generous were threatened or arrested.

At one point, it seemed the locals needed a little help. I aided their Warehousing and Sales departments, before fielding some IT Support calls. Their ‘Complaints Department’ has never been so efficient - or so quiet…

A few local businesses, upon hearing that I was in the neighbourhood, persuaded me to visit them by offering substantial donations to the cause. I was humbled and, for the first time in my life, left totally speachless.

I didn’t anticipate the overwhelming support and joy that I was met with. I still cant quite believe just how generous the public has been. Some of the folk today have been personally affected by the Bushfires - many of the staff have relatives and family members in the Bushfire area. They shared their stories with me, as they stuffed large amounts of money into my donation tin.

Today, I am proud to be an Australian Trooper. I am proud of the way this community have rallied around those less fortunate. I am proud, humbled, and awed to state that $24,596.80 was put in my tin for the victims of the Victoria Bushfires.

Even as I type out this brief mission report, donations are still being stuffed into my tin.

Trooper Attendance: TK 6232 “Moxxxie”

Injuries:Very few, for a change. Some minor armour bites to the left arm. May be worth shortening the left shoulder bell strap.

Malfunctions: My right hand guard fell off - twice. Will need to reinforce the velcro with some elastic strapping.

Public Incidents: A few vehicles showed their support by flashing their lights and honking their audible notification systems.

Mission Status:
An overwhelming success.

Tags: 501st, Bushfires, forklift, overwhelmed, stormtrooper, Work

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 | 501st, Good Days, Work | 1 Comment

I’ve just posted a challenge to my work colleagues.

From: Jacqui
Sent: Wednesday, 11 February 2009 12:06 PM
To: Head Office - All Staff
Subject: Stormtrooper?

Hi there guys,

Some of you may know of my terribly geeky passtime – I am a member of an international costuming group, called the “501st Legion”, and I willingly dress up as a Storm-trooper in order to raise money for charities. The Brisbane squad, the Redbacks, have been involved with several charities including the Variety Club, Starlight Foundation, Red Cross, Breast Cancer Foundation, MS Foundation, Ronald McDonald House. There are 29 of us here in Brisbane, and we’re all willing to sacrifice our weekends (and sometimes our dignity) for a good cause.

In addition to raising money for charities, we also visit our local hospitals – handing out gifts and smiles to sick kids. It’s rewarding, but often heartbreaking.

In any case, over the next few weeks, the 501st Legion in Australia will be doing a lot of work with the Red Cross, in order to raise money for the Victorian Bushfires.

I’m putting a challenge to all of you at Head Office.

If you can raise “AMOUNT” , then I’ll come to work on Friday dressed as a Stormtrooper.

Deal?

The generosity of my friends astounds me, and at moments like this I’m proud to be an Australian. Despite the hardships, the core of our society is mateship and to help somebody in need. The outpouring of generosity and support for the victims of the Victorian Bushfire is unprecedented - but for me, not entirely surprising. We’re Australian. This is who we are.

It’s now 1.06pm, merely an hour after posting that, and I’ve doubled my challenge amount. I’m going to work on Friday dressed as a stormtrooper.

I’ll post photos, and the final amount raised after the dust settles on Friday.

Tags: Bushfires, challenge