what we can do
Published February 12, 2007 | 
I think what hit us all so hard in the kayaking community was that we sort of just assumed he’d made it. 65 km to go out of 1600. The seas were big and nasty many times along the way. Now they were under 2 metres. A cake walk it seemed. Paul Caffyn had the whiskey ready. The big bash was just about to start. There was no reason not to expect a happy ending. Besides it was Andrew. He just makes things happen. He’d swim if he had too.
But today I just want to think about Vicki & Finlay. We as a community cannot possibly feel what a wife and child feel. We don’t want to pretend to. Our sympathies can seem light and cleche to those who are truly suffering a personal loss. Something I think we’re often not too sensitive to. One thing though, if we are a community and not just a bunch of people who paddle boats, then like friends and neighbors we should figure out what we can do to lighten the load in the days ahead. I’m going to ask around a bit. Even little things can go a long way.* Update: The NSW Sea Kayak Club Has set up a Fund for Vickie & Finlay. Please keep watch on their website. Until then you can do a bank transfer to the fund at:
account name: Andrew McAuley
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (swift code CTBAAU2S)
BSB: 062505
account: 10184059There is now a Pay Pal Option As well, Click Here.
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10 Responses to what we can do
Amen.
I’ll second that ‘Amen’ – Lyndon
i’ll follow your lead, just let me know what i can do-kqp
Each time I go out to even practice in a pool or river now I will take this news and how it has affected everyone with me. Our spouses, kids, grandparents or even our card-playing buddy becomes an unknowing partner in our sport, as the risk to our lives affects not just us, but all of those whose lives we touch.
Hug and kiss your loved ones whenever you venture out, as even an easy paddle can well be what keeps you from seeing them again.
Scott Lovrien
From Brisbane Australia. Thanks or your site and comments they helped. Our heart goes out to Vicky, Fin & McAuley family. Colin was old school friend. Macca (as we know him) was truely a great guy. What a shock.
maybe an e-mail address we can use PayPal with for donations?
thanks, yeah that’s in the works. Hopefully there will be a paypal option soon.
Derrick
Thanks for your posts on this subject. very good information on a sad event.
Kieran
Andrew,
It is my hope the you are now paddling on Heaven’s seas. Enjoy the waters and the view.
Our most heartfelt thanks to the kayaking community worldwide for your support and kindness during this nightmare.
My heart is broken, but not my spirit. Andrew will live on in our hearts and he will be my guiding light, helping me bring up our precious little boy to be just like daddy – to have that tremendous ability to believe that anything is possible!
Vicki & Finlay