Driving some sunshine for Kidney Kids health

KIDNEY KAR RALLY

Bryan Littlely

Journalist

Email
Last updated:
Graeme Meade and Bruce Chamberlain with their Kidney Kar Rally entry, Sunshine Blokes. Picture: Graeme Meade

Graeme Meade and Bruce Chamberlain helped spread some sunshine for kids battling kidney health issues in early August, jumping in a rally kitted car for seven days of adventure as part of the 40 Vehicle strong Kidney Kar Rally.

Now safe and resting up in Port Douglas, the Sunshine Coast 74 year old’s favourite retreat, Graeme said he had a blast raising more than $8000 for kids with kidney health issues and has encouraged others to join in the fun.

“It’s really rewarding being able to support kids who are not doing it so well,’’ Graeme said.

“You don’t have to be a car racer or young to get involved. I’ve done this rally two years in a row and it is heartening to be able to make a contribution to the lives of young people while also being able to have fun in a rally event.

Run to a format in line with the traditional Repco Around Australia rallies, with timed and transport sections, the Kidney Kar Rally took a mystery route from Deniliquin to nearby Leeton, both in NSW, via South Australia’s German town, Hahndorf.

The rally equipped Mitsubishi Lancer, named Sunshine Blokes Kar 97 served Graeme and Bruce well, the combination winning the “Oldies Award” for a second consecutive year.

“We raised $8000 and in total there was around $470,000 raised by around 40 entrants,’’ Graeme said.

“That’s an outstanding amount of money in these times for the 35th rally. It is one of the longest running car rallies in Australia.

Cars set off on Sunday, August 4, finishing in Leeton on August 10 with a presentation dinner.

The Kidney Kids and Youth Program provides young people opportunities to connect with others like them, build strong support networks, and develop confidence and self-esteem to manage their condition.

The program, supported by funds raised in the Kidney Kar Rally, provides opportunities for children to meet others for life-long connections, runs a four-day residential camp to help make friends and learn more about kidney health, offers peer support and mentoring and has the Kidney Knowledge Centre providing resources to manage kidney disease diagnosis and treatment.

Around 1800 children in Australia currently are waiting for life changing kidney transplants.
For information about next year’s rally, you can email [email protected].

The Sunshine Blokes Kar for the Kidney Kar Rally. Picture: Graeme Meade

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.

Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.