Blaxland resident Andrew Gardner will hit the road in his 1985 Ford Fairlane, dubbed the ‘Road Runner’, for this month’s NSW Variety Bash.
Mr Gardner is gearing up to drive 4400 km from Bonnyrigg, New South Wales to Braitiling in the Northern Territory, to raise money for children in need.
“It’s a good opportunity to help Variety, which helps kids in need, and also getting out there and seeing parts of Australia I’ve never seen before,” said Mr Gardner, CEO of Emu Sports Club.
With the car decked out in the Road Runner theme, Mr Gardner is ready for the 10-day journey, where he will drive alongside 100 other vintage cars.
Mr Gardner will share the wheel with Luke Witjes, who joined him on the Bash last year.
“It’s long days. You’re usually on the road by eight thirty in the morning and some days you’re not off until six at night. You’re doing like 500 to 700km a day,” said Mr Gardner.
The road may be long, but it is anything but dull, with theme nights and events regularly taking place. “You do lots of activities along the way.”
“Rock and Roll and the Road Runner theme song” will also help keep both men entertained on the road.
With less than two weeks to go, Mr Gardner and his wife Jackie, from Jackie Gardner Conveyancing, and Luke Witjes, met with local sponsors on Friday July 27, to thank the community for their support.
As parents of two young children, the Gardners were motivated to join the Bash to raise money for children who are sick or disadvantaged.
Mr Gardner said he is excited to visit rural schools during the Bash to see how their fundraising efforts have helped support children in need.
“It’s a great experience. Each day you meet different kids at different schools and see the things that Variety is doing for that school. It might be a new playground or equipment for disabled kids.”
So far, Mr and Mrs Gardner, and Luke Witjes, have raised $11,000 in donations, exceeding their initial target of $8500. Mr Gardner said he is thankful for local businesses and groups who have donated.
Mr Gardner and Mr Witjes will set off from Bonnyrigg on August 12, before arriving in Braitling on August 21. Mr Gardner would like to remind those who wish to support the Variety Foundation, to donate online at https://2018varietybtobbash.everydayhero.com/au/car-100-the-roadrunners.
