There’s a good reason the biggest community led fundraiser for Cancer Council Australia is called Shitbox Rally.
Mainly it’s because cars entered in the annual fundraising rally must be valued $1,500 or less.
And the “rally’’ is not a race but an adventure that challenges participants and their cars during a seven day journey through some of Australia’s most challenging road routes.
But the rally – a 3,300km wild trek from Mackay to Darwin via the Savannah Way – is also an opportunity to see Australia’s vast and beautiful countryside.
The bottom line is that it’s a fundraiser that brings together people who have either experienced cancer themselves or have been impacted through family and friends.
In the latter category are Wests Group Macarthur staff members Leanne Craig and Kelly Robinson, pictured above, who have entered Team Ten Four Rubber Ducky for this year’s rally on October 15-21.
Ms Craig and Ms Robinson, who lead Wests Group Macarthur’s people and culture team, were inspired to sign up for the rally by long-time fellow staff member Jessica Pereira, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year at the age of 33.
“We are excited to challenge ourselves in the most creative way and do something practical to support not only Jess, but every person touched by cancer,’’ says Ms Craig.
Wests Group Macarthur have joined local business PRW Security Doors and Screens as a major sponsor and donated a 2004 soon-to-be retired Holden Rodeo formerly used as a Wests maintenance vehicle valued at $1,400.
“We are thrilled to be able to support not only the journey of our courageous and inspiring team members, but also to support any initiative actively raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support in Australia,’’ says Wests Group Macarthur CEO Daniel Perkiss.
Ten Four Rubber Ducky have now transformed the Holden into a giant duck in honour of Jess and others touched by cancer.
The brightly coloured vehicle is sporting a giant beak bonnet, blow-up duck on the roof and sponsor and supporter stickers.
The team also invite anyone keen to support them to “Donate a Duck” by buying a duck sticker.
A small WHAT THE DUCK sticker costs $5 and a larger I GIVE A DUCK (in honour of) costs $10.
The stickers can be stuck directly on the vehicle which will be on display at Wests League Club in Leumeah until September 7.
Pop into a Wests venue to purchase your Donate a Duck sticker or donate via the fundraising link www.spring2022.shitboxrally.com.au/ten-four-rubber-ducky.
“This is going to be an epic journey, filled no doubt with lots of dust, lots of laughs and some amazing memories for Kelly and me,’’ says Ms Craig.
“We are so excited and proud to be doing this for such a worthy cause and thankful for the support of the community.’’
