IT’S not exactly a short drive between Sale, Licola and Dargo, but for those on the Variety 4WD Adventure, which went through Gippsland and the High Country, it was certainly worth it to support disadvantaged children in need.
On Saturday, March 2, the 19th annual Variety 4WD Adventure set off-road on an eight-day trip, starting in Merimbula, and stopping at Mallacoota, Buchan, Lakes Entrance, Dargo, Sale, Craig’s Hut, Mansfield and Marysville, with the week-long event finishing up in Mount Dandenong last Saturday (March 9).
A total of $20,000 in grants was distributed across the entire adventure, making a tangible impact on schools and communities along the way.
Variety is a children’s charity, and their motoring events travel across the country to help kids in need, regardless of how remote or regional they may be.
Each year, participants have the opportunity to travel to some iconic Australian locations that they mightn’t get to on their own, while also visiting schools and community groups to see first-hand the difference their fundraising dollars will make to local students and families.
This year, Licola Wilderness Village (detailed in Gippsland Times 12/03/24 issue), along with East Gippsland Specialist School, Buchan Primary School and Jamieson Primary School received money for sporting equipment such as basketball hoops, mountain bikes and repair kits.
Rob Vincent, who is the Motoring Events Manager at Variety, said the organisation was very privileged to take their fundraisers on these journeys in schools and communities.
“The kids are always so excited to have visitors and to check out the 4WDs and it’s amazing to watch what happens when our Adventurers meet the kids, families and teachers who are always so grateful to have us there,” Mr Vincent said.
“There are plenty of smiles and laughter, not to mention the odd tear, when we come together and realise just what a difference these grants make to those who need them most.
“It’s what keeps our Adventurers coming back for more each year – having the local community band together to welcome us to their piece of paradise.”
A whole range of characters took part in the 4WD Adventure. This includes young couples just starting out their exploration journey, to seasoned retirees that have seen it all but enjoy coming back for each Variety initiative. The common thread is the joy they experience in seeing the incredible results of their fundraising efforts and bringing smiles to the children we meet along the way.
Mr Vincent said that each year Variety attempts to devise a new route that provides an interesting and unique challenge for their participants.
“In 2023, we had 66 Adventurers start in Coffs Harbour (Mid-Coast New South Wales) and finish in Lamington National Park (Southeast Queensland),” he said.
“This year, we have 84 Adventurers embarking from the picturesque beaches of Merimbula (South Coast, New South Wales), driving through the East Gippsland region and the renowned Victorian High Country, before finishing in Mount Dandenong.”
In addition to the grants, Mr Vincent says Variety injects tourism dollars into regional communities with lunch, dinner and overnight stops along the route.
“We meet local residents and small business owners and spreading the word of how Variety supports families who are doing it tough and the diverse range of grants, programs and events we offer to ensure all kids can reach their full potential, regardless of ability or background,” he said.
“Of course, we always appreciate people showing their support by donating to Variety NSW/ACT. Our 4WD Adventure fundraising target for 2024 is $250,000 and we are well on our way thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of all our teams, but we always encourage everyone to get involved and give what they can knowing that they will be helping to change kids’ lives in ways they’ve never imagined.”
Later this month, Variety will return with another adventure, but no 4WDs this time.
The 2024 Variety Adventure Ride is a six-day, 1500km journey supporting kids in need and delivering an economic boost to rural communities. It begins on March 17 and will also go through Sale and Licola.
For more information about the Variety 4WD Adventure or to donate, visit: variety.org.au/nsw/event/4wd
