More than 200 fundraisers are getting ready to hit the back streets of the region for charity and a bit of fun.
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The Variety Resurrection Run will start in Newcastle on Sunday.
Drivers will make their way to Dubbo before heading out west. They'll visit towns such as Bourke, Cobar, Parkes and Mudgee all via back roads.
The bash will arrive in Parkes on Wednesday afternoon, staying overnight and heading to Wellington on Thursday morning.
Money raised supports kids in NSW and ACT communities through grants for things like technology and educational supplies, special tools for schools in need or equipment for kids and families with special needs.
Participant Brett Abraham has been bashing for the past nine years, but his vehicle, Car 035 EH Holden, has taken part for the past 35.
"I've bashed for a few years and I was interested for a few years before I started it myself. I'm a car guy for starters and the charity side came second to that," he said.
Mr Abraham said he kept coming back to the Variety event to "give to the kids who need it the most".
"There are people who are less fortunate than us in the world so we might as well give back. As bashers we talk about 51 weeks a year of fundraising to celebrate one year on the bash. That's what it's about," he said.
He normally raises between $10,000 and $30,000 each year, and this time, the basher had to get creative.
He turned to social media to help find sponsors for Car 035.
We are seeing a number of vulnerable families ask for help for the first time.
- David Small
While it was hard to start off with, Mr Abraham said he has built up his following on Facebook and Instagram, even making friends with some of the people who have been in touch.
Dubbo's Arthur Hoad was among those to join the fundraising. The two will meet up on Monday morning before the Variety Resurrection Run leaves the city.
Variety acting general manager David Small said 2020 had been tough, with three motoring events - projected to raise $2.9 million - having to be cancelled.
For those already in a vulnerable situation, COVID had hit hard, Mr Small said.
"We are seeing a number of vulnerable families ask for help for the first time," he said.
The event will also provide a tourism boost to the towns visited along the way.
"With more than 200 people in our group, we will be spending over $35,000 at each overnight stop on local motels and meals along with thousands along the way for food, fuel and supplies."
Orlander Ruming
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
Deputy editor at the Daily Liberal, covering council, politics, human interest stories, community news and everything in between.
