Can you help Illawarra’s Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman ahead of the 2025 Convoy? Photo: Illawarra Friendly Neighbourhood Spiderman.
What’s Spiderman without his suit?
A guy who’s committed to helping out his local community, just like David Hunter.
A disability support worker by day, at night (and on weekends) David and his crew at Illawarra’s Friendly Neighbourhood Spidey transform into superheroes and princesses galore to bring smiles to kids who really need it.
Becoming a superhero isn’t easy – or cheap – and in recognition of the community support that helped him get his first Spiderman suit David is a regular at charities such as KidsWish, the Illawarra Convoy and Ronald McDonald House Charity.
Unfortunately Spiderman has to take a break, after thieves took the costumes and accessories David and his team rely on for their transformations.
“One of our subcontractors called me on Saturday morning and said, ‘All the stuff is gone,'” David said.
“I was gobsmacked; what do you say?
“He had the van and equipment for a party he was doing, and was really stressed and worried.
“In the end he had to do the party without any props and made a police report.”
The gear cost about $1500, and some of it is impossible to replace, as it is no longer manufactured.
The theft couldn’t have come at a worse time.
The team are regularly part of the Illawarra Convoy and the 2025 event is just days away.
Luckily the community swung into action almost immediately, with one supporter organising a GoFundMe to help the Spidey team cover the costs of replacing their kit.
In just 48 hours almost the entire $1500 was donated.
David said he didn’t realise how many people cared about the Friendly Spidey crew.
“We have so many worthy causes, I didn’t think I was one of them,” he said.
“I’m no one special – it’s really blown me away.
“I couldn’t ask for more; if we exceed what we need to get back our props any excess will go to the Illawarra Convoy.”
David has supported the largest truck and motorbike convoy in the Southern Hemisphere since he can remember.
The one-day event supports families affected by potentially life-threatening medical conditions with food and fuel vouchers, medical equipment, pharmacy accounts and more.
“Every year it gets bigger and noisier and I had to get involved,” he said.
“As our superheroes group the past few years we have been able to support the cause and help with fundraisers and Convoy events.
“It’s such a great feeling. One year I got to go on a truck, and to see thousands out on the roads, waving and supporting this cause, it brings back your faith in humanity.”
The group are also major fundraising partners with KidsWish.
If you’d like to support their good work – and children in the Illawarra – there’s a few ways you can help out.
You can donate to the GoFundMe to restock their costumes and accessories here.
You can make a donation to the Illawarra Convoy here.
Or you can get your kids’ (fur children included) Santa photos taken with some extra magical superhero helpers at KidsWish House on 30 November.
