Bundalong residents Danielle Ferguson and Shaz Letcher pictured with their Variety car last year, are gearing up once again to take part in the Variety Vic Bash this Friday.
Four Bundalong women are dressing up in costumes and taking off for a rally with like-minded people in an old car with a rich history for a great cause.
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Danielle Ferguson, Shaz Letcher, Karen Earle and Caren Foote are taking part in the 2024 Variety Vic Bash, a rally that is a fundraising adventure through regional parts of Australia to raise money for children in need.
Along the journey, bash drivers will be presenting grants and much needed equipment to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have additional needs.
This year’s route is ‘Red Dirt to Reef’ which sees the bash leaving from Swan Hill this Friday, August 16, travelling through outback NSW and QLD before finishing up in Airlie Beach on August 24.
“This is my eighth bash and I absolutely love it,” Danielle said.
“I won’t speak for the rest of the team, but I support Variety and do the Bash as it gives me a great deal of personal satisfaction to see the result of our fundraising efforts,” Danielle said.
“Once you’ve done one you are hooked.
“To hear the stories of some of the families we help and what the grant we have provided will mean for their future really tugs on your heart strings. It’s hard not to be moved by some of the children we meet and knowing that we have made a difference.
“It’s great to know that some of the funds are granted in our local communities, with Cobram Specialist School receiving a Variety Sunshine Bus this year and some of our local schools attending last years Christmas Party in Melbourne.
“I was also lucky enough to bring home a carload of toys that helped 6 local families have a great Christmas.”
The Variety Bash is Australia’s longest and most iconic motoring event. Each year hundreds of “Bashers” fundraise for kids in need, then hit the road in a convoy of colourful cars and costumes. Over the 8-10 day event the bash stops at schools and communities presenting grants and spending much needed money in small towns on fuel, food, accommodation and tourism.
“We are again going as the Disney Villains: Cruella De Ville (101 Dalmations), Ursula (Little Mermaid), Malificent (Sleeping Beauty) and the Evil Queen (Snow White),” Danielle said.
“The car we will be travelling in is also the same car as last year, 724, a 1988 36 year old Mercedes.
“Today we have raised $22,081- which is a personal record for Car 724. We have raised our funds by Friday night meat raffles at the Bundalong Tavern, “The Gathering” Winter Feast at Squires Winery and Bogan Bingo at Bundalong Tavern as well as donations from our very generous supporters.
“All funds raised go to Variety The Children’s Charity.
“All costs on the bash are paid for by ourselves but we have major sponsors for 8 of our 9 days and would love to have that last day filled.
“All our socials for that day will mention the sponsor etc. Our major sponsors so far are: Bundalong Tavern Fishing Club, Moretto Building, Stockman Station, Bundalong Tavern & Villas, Silver Fox Trail Rides, 2 Rivers Ranch, Squires Winery & Wake Up Co.
“It’s not too late if anyone wants to donate. We would love one more business as a Gold Package Sponsor which gives exclusive naming rights to Day 8, exclusive mention on our socials that day, mention in our daily blog. Unfortunately it’s too late to have the name put on the car.”
Tungamah Hotel Publican Paul Basse aka Batman with Robin are travelling in car 100 'the batmobile' from Swan Hill to Airlie Beach, all for a great cause.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
Since the Variety Vic Bash began, they have travelled more than 123,110 kilometres and raised over $30 million for kids in need.
In the 2023 Variety Victoria $1.29million in grants were provided to 7,381 kids, 3,402 kids were provided with toys, 2,940 kids were visited on the bash, 151 kids attended the Variety Shine program and many others were provided with scholarships, received bikes or attended events.
Overall last financial year 17,010 kids were directly impacted across Victoria, including some local children.
As well as the team of Bundalong ladies, Tungamah Hotel publican Paul Basse will also be taking part in Car 100, the Batmobile.
Paul has been involved in the cause for many years and has worked hard at fundraising for underprivileged children who have been grateful recipients of his work and kind heart.
Visit https://fundraise.variety.org.au/how-we-help to donate to the ‘Disney Villains’, ‘Batmobile’ or to find out more about ‘Variety ~ the Children’s Charity’ today.
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