Claude "The Mowerman" Harvey has vowed to push on with his latest fundraising walk for victims of child sexual abuse after the coronavirus pandemic curtailed his plans.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Harvey made it to Ballarat this week on his second 'tour' of Victoria with his lawnmower, but had to return to his home on the Gold Coast to protect himself from the virus and beat the Queensland government's lockdown of the state's borders.
For five months every year for the past 14 years the Gold Coast grandfather has pushed his decorated lawnmower through towns across Australia, and in the total raised more than $1.6 million, most of which has gone to Bravehearts, which is dedicated to the prevention of child sexual assault and offers counselling and support to children and families.
"I was only in Ballarat for a day so I'm really disappointed but Bravehearts thinks it's too dangerous for me to be out pushing my lawn mower.
"I'll be back to continue my trip when this is over."
Despite the uncertainty of the past few weeks, Mr Harvey said people had continued to be generous and he had raised more than $11,000 since March 9.
"People still want to give me donations. There have been a lot of children sexually abused throughout the world and had their lives destroyed and people recognise that."
He was last in Ballarat in 2018 but says his lawnmower walks are as much about raising awareness as raising funds.
"If I can change the life of just one child that is worth more than a million dollars to me," he said.
When in a town Mr Harvey often raises funds at local supermarkets, and he said all but one had been "marvellous" and welcoming.
"I went on the Great Ocean Road from Geelong to Portland, then came up to Ballarat but now I'm heading home. I was supposed to be heading for Horsham and up to Mildura but I'll come back and do that."
Pushing the lawnmower means people pay more attention to the cause than if he was just walking.
"I had a lawn mowing and landscaping business on the Gold Coast, and I thought if I just walk myself no one will take notice of me, but if I push this lawn mower the whole world will take notice of me. No one will ever forget the lawn mower," he said.
Support Claude on Facebook at facebook.com/ClaudeTheMowerMan/ or bravehearts.org.au.
