Cullulleraine farmers Andrew and Meagan Kay are set to embark on a fundraising adventure when they take part in this year’s Variety Bash.
The 10-day trip will see the husband and wife duo travel from Melbourne to the Gold Coast, in their Ford Falcon XF wagon, while raising funds for sick and disadvantaged children.
“It’s something I always wanted to do,” Mr Kay said.
Taking the plunge in 2021, the couple signed up for their first trip, only to have it cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it didn’t dampen their fundraising efforts and they were named the top rookie fundraiser in 2022, once the event was back up and running, having raised a mammoth $54,000.
Their car was also awarded the best theme after they embraced two of Australia’s most colourful cartoon characters, Bluey and Bingo.
With travel restrictions lifted last year, Mr Kay was able to soak in the overall Variety Bash experience for the first time as they headed north to Cairns, enjoying every minute of it.
“It was a lot of fun,” Mr Kay said.
“We made lots of friends along the way and had a great time.”
Preparing to set off once again in a few weeks, Mr Kay is looking forward to the sightseeing adventure, which will incorporate valleys, mountains and coastline.
With a jam-packed itinerary, participants will explore Phillip Island, Benalla, Shepparton, Yass, Dubbo, Nelson Bay and Coffs Harbor en route to the Gold Coast.
“The best part is you get to see a lot of Australia while taking part,” Mr Kay said, noting they always travelled off the beaten track, enabling participants to explore a range of landscapes and towns along the way.
“You travel to places you would never think about going to,” he said.
Having already exceeded his fundraising target of $20,000 for this year, Mr Kay has continued to raise the bar.
He now aims to raise $40,000 and is calling on the generosity of those attending the Mallee Machinery Field Days to help him reach his revised target.
“We’re going to have a site at this year’s field days, alongside Swan Hill’s Meerkat Mischief team,” he said.
Mr Kay said he would be rattling tins and would have a range of merchandise for sale at the field days, urging those attending to dig deep for the generous cause.
“We will also have our special guests with us, Bluey and Bingo who will make an appearance throughout the two-day event,” he said.
