More than a hundred Variety WA event participants banded together to make a difference to WA kids and families in need, raising over $560,000 through their fundraising efforts in the lead up to the 2020 Variety Ruby Road Trip.
The event brought 52 four wheel-drives, classic cars, muscle cars and Variety Bash cars together from 22 – 25 October 2020 to reward their fundraising efforts with a jam-packed, fun-filled weekend of variety.
Participants had the option of taking an adventurous off-road track or scenic open road as they travelled from Perth to York, Collie, Dwellingup and Rockingham, with plenty of party-filled nights, entertainment and surprises along the way, including a special performance by Matt Gresham, who was a top-20 contestant on The Voice in 2020.
Participants also had the opportunity to present Variety grants to schools and kids in need along the way, including an $18,000 grant to Carson Street School for wheelchair-accessible vehicle modifications, so that students in wheelchairs can access the community for extracurricular activities.
“The Variety Ruby Road Trip was created swiftly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a more accessible opportunity for participants to stay involved with the charity’s unique fundraising efforts in 2020, and the response we’ve received has been absolutely phenomenal,” said Tony Hume, Variety WA CEO.
“It was a true cause for celebration, with Variety WA’s 40th Ruby Anniversary this year, and over half a million dollars raised for WA kids and families when they need it most,” said Mr Hume.
Variety WA’s three annual road trip events – the Variety Bash, the Variety 4WD Adventure and the Variety Creative Car Cruise – were all cancelled in 2020 due to restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, but all three events are returning in 2021 and supporters are racing to get on board.
As well as raising money for WA kids in need, Variety WA’s road trips give participants a rare opportunity to experience WA’s most stunning destinations and hidden gems, with their 2021 events visiting the magnificent Pilbara, pristine Coral Coast, spectacular Abrolhos Islands, and lesser-known parts of the South-West.
Registrations for all three charity road trips in 2021 are now open. To find out more and register, visit www.varietywa.org.au