3, 000km fundraiser from Mudgee to Narrandera
One of Australia’s longest running charity car rallies, Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally, returns for its 34th year next month, travelling over 3,000km through regional New South Wales from Mudgee to Narrandera via Bateman’s Bay.
From Monday, August 14 until Saturday, August 19, a field of 39 rally cars driven and designed by supporters of Kidney Health Australia will take to the dirt track across regional New South Wales to raise funds and awareness for the Kids and Youth Program, which helps children and young people deal with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of kidney disease.
Over three decades, the rally has raised more than $15 million for the Kids and Youth Program, and the target this year is to lift that tally by another $400,000 to support events like the Kidney Kids Camp.
Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes, commended the Kidney Kar Rally participants on their fundraising efforts and for their help in raising awareness for kids with chronic kidney disease.
“Kidney disease is often mistaken as an older person’s disease, but in fact so many Australian kids and youths are impacted, often needing ongoing medical interventions and transplants at a young age. Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program helps kids be kids, helping them and their families find the peer-support they need,” said Mr Forbes.
“Childhood and adolescence are challenging enough without the enormous physical and emotional burden of kidney disease. It’s why we’re determined to support them through these important developmental years, and why raising funds for this Kids and Youth Program is so vital.”
Australian rally champion, Harry Bates, and the “Sunshine Blokes” Kidney Kar Rally team launched the 2023 Kidney Kar Rally at the Kidney Kids Camp in Brisbane over the weekend. They joined in activities with 40 kids from across the country who are living with chronic kidney disease and taking part in the camp, giving them a sneak peek at one of the cars making the journey across regional New South Wales.
This is Bates’ second year on the rally supporting Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program.
“The Kidney Kar Rally is such a great event not only throughout rally week but in the lead-up, because all the drivers put in so much effort to build their cars and do something they love, all in the name of raising money for the Kidney Kids,” said Bates.
“Meeting some of the kids affected by kidney disease and hearing their stories has given me a new perspective. If you think my racing at an incredible speed is brave, you need to hear what some of these kids have been through at such a young age.
“The emotional and physical toll kidney disease takes on them is incomprehensible, but to see them so positive about their lives is inspiring, and that’s why I’m so passionate about supporting this cause.”
Mr Forbes added: “Over the last few months, each of the 39 Kidney Kar Rally crews have been preparing and building their cars to tackle the terrain, and we’re asking everyone to donate to them now to make programs like the Kidney Kids Camp possible for years to come,” said Forbes.
To donate to the rally, visit kidneykarrally.org.au
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