By Mitchell Clarke
Dancing with the Stars winner Samuel Johnson was swept off his feet by the generosity and support from a Pakenham business.
The former actor met staff from Avan Caravans who unveiled his brand new ‘Love your Sister’ motor home.
The purpose built Avan Ovation M5 motor home will become an intrinsic part of Samuel’s life for the next two years as he embarks on a journey around Australia.
He aims to raise awareness and collect vital donations towards cancer research, after his beloved sister Connie passed away from breast cancer in 2017.
“I had no idea what was happening today, everything was kept under wraps and I wasn’t allowed to ask any questions,” he said.
“Obviously this exceeds my wildest expectations. I am so excited.”
Launching officially on 12 May, this isn’t the first time the actor has set off on a national adventure. A dare from Connie saw him uni-cycle for 10 hours a day around the country in 2013.
“She told me seven years ago she wanted me to raise $10 million dollars for cancer research. She died before I could keep that promise,” he said.
“But we’re at $9.3 million and I’m going to do whatever it takes to kick cancer in the face like it so thoroughly deserves.”
Determined to maintain his sister’s message of breast cancer awareness and to smash past the $10 million dollars, Samuel will spend his time on the road knocking on doors, shaking tins, and holding street barbecues. He’ll also visit houses, hospitals, marquees and schools.
“I’ve already visited 700 communities in this country of ours. I’m not going to come back until I’ve visited 2000,” he said.
“I’m sick of it taking out our families. It’s unacceptable as far as I’m concerned. If you ask me, cancer is the true terrorist, it is wiping out our families left, right and centre.
“We’re winning the fight against it, but I’m here to hurry it up.”
Samuel partnered with Avan Caravans in mid-2018 to try and tee up a deal to help fund the cause. Avan Managing Director Scott van Baardwyk said it was a no brainer when they were approached to join the ‘Love Your Sister’ family.
“The enthusiasm and the passion of the guy, it’s hard not to be drawn in,” Mr van Baardwyk said.
“It’s a privilege and we’re very proud to be able to be associated with and partnered with such a great organisation.”
A sentiment that was also echoed by Samuel, who claims he’ll be living beyond his worth in the motor home.
“Avan is like a family-owned local company that wants Aussie families to go out and have fun and enjoy their holidays,” he said.
“We’re an Aussie charity that fights for families to be well enough to go and have those holidays.”
He urged women to help him to fulfil Connie’s request – ‘to go and remind every young mum in the land to check their boobs.’
“Yeah, look she’d be understandably proud. If she was alive, she’d be right here and she wouldn’t let me speak to you, she’d be speaking to you,” he said.
“At this point, we’d probably be fighting over bed space, we always did, our whole lives.
“If she was here, knowing how close we were to reaching that target, she’d have a broad smile on her face and she’d be proud as punch.”
