Car 840

Variety Bash 2024

Car Total

$14,409

Car Goal

$10,000

2 more gears

Our little Laser has also been feeling the crunch as we count down the days.

This included pulling out the 3 speed automatic transmission and slapping in the holy grail 5 speed manual.

This couldn't have been done without (my hoarding of Laser parts) my Uncle & crew mate Simon's mechanical prowess, Warren Heath Performance donating a pedal box, my partner Amelia keeping us fed and the handy gantry in our shed of the house we just purchased. I didn't see it coming in to use that quickly!

With only a handful of days left, we are oh so close to our revised $10k fundraising goal - thanks to all who have donated thus far!

Bash Compliant!

And with that the final box is ticked - we are Bash compliant. It was great to meet some of the Variety team and put faces to the names. 
We can't thank our donors enough as we have now surpassed $8,000 of donations for this great cause.
Being a month out from our first bash and it is starting to feel real and we can not wait.

A new look!

The work on the car is wrapping up it is really coming together.
All of the bash compliance items have been addressed ready for sign off in July!

New shoes and a new look really make the little laser stand out and be ready for the adventure ahead. 

Donations are also on track to hopefully hit our $10k goal.

Over a Major Hurdle

We're thrilled to share some updates as our journey towards the Variety Vic Bash 2024 gains momentum. Strap in as we celebrate key milestones and gear up for the ultimate adventure of making a difference in the lives of children in need.

 

Roadworthy Triumph

Cue the applause and sound the horns – our noble steed, the '85 Ford Laser, has conquered yet another milestone! With flying colours, it has passed a roadworthy certificate, ensuring it's road-ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

A massive thank you to the team at Motors on Malop, located in Geelong, for donating their time for the completion of the road worthy inspection. We can’t thank them enough.

 

Fundraising

Our fundraising efforts continue to soar to new heights, after upping our goal from $5,000 to $10,000.

Propelled by the incredible generosity of our supporters we're delighted to announce that we're closing in on the $7,000 mark. Every dollar raised brings us closer to our ultimate goal of making a meaningful impact through Variety – the children's charity.

 

Fundraising Target: $5,000 $10,000

Raised So Far: $6,993

 

With August in sight and a road worthy in hand, our focus now shifts to ensuring our trusty steed meets all 'Bash Compliance’ requirements. These are a set of requirements set by the rally organisers to ensure the vehicles are fit for the trek ahead.

Keep an eye out as the Laser starts to transform into its rally form!

Double or Nothing!

As our journey towards the Variety Vic Bash 2024 continues, we're thrilled to share some updates that are propelling us closer to our mission of making a difference in the lives of children in need.

Fundraising Feats:
Our fundraising efforts have surpassed all our expectations! We're on the cusp of reaching our $5,000 fundraising goal, thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters. But why stop there when we can go above and beyond? Inspired by your unwavering support, we've decided to raise the stakes and double down on our efforts. That's right – we're setting our sights on a new target of $10,000!

Mechanical Marvel:
Our trusty steed, the '85 Ford Laser, has undergone a transformation worthy of applause! With all key mechanical work now completed, we're eagerly awaiting its upcoming roadworthy certificate. Fingers crossed for smooth sailing ahead as our vintage gem gears up for the ultimate adventure.

Your continued support fuels our passion and propels us forward on this remarkable journey to change lives.

The Progression of Mechanical Wizardry!

With the donations slowly rolling in we have been making progress on bringing our noble steed up to scratch.

The excitement is intense as Variety unveiled the towns we'll be stopping at during this year’s Bash. The magnitude of our journey is sinking in as we realise the sheer scale of the adventure ahead – over 3,000km using the most direct route (which I am sure we won't be…)!

Our trusty 1985 Ford Laser is undergoing a mechanical makeover. From new hoses to brake components, shock absorbers to ball joints, our retro gem is receiving the royal treatment. Over the Easter break, we'll be refreshing the back end of the car, preparing it for a roadworthy certificate and registration.

But wait, there's more! James’ ever-talented better half (who is a sign writer by trade) has also said she plans to dust off the paintbrush and provide a visual transformation to the car – we will keep you updated on this progress!

As the anticipation builds and our preparations intensify, we're grateful for everyone's unwavering support thus far. Together, we're not just embarking on a journey; we're spreading hope, joy and changing lives one smile, and one mile at a time. 

Unveiling Our Journey's Steed - A 1985 Ford KB Laser

Our quest for the perfect Variety Vic Bash ride had its twists and turns, but we're thrilled to introduce our newfound companion – a 1985 Ford KB Laser. While the Ford Meteor eluded us, fate had a different plan, and we couldn't be more excited about this charming addition to our mission.

Simons mate Luke, played the role of automotive matchmaker by donating this '85 beauty to our cause. Sure, it's a bit rough around the edges, wearing the marks of its journey, but with only 100,000kms on the clock, it's got plenty of stories left to tell.

We want to extend thanks to everyone who has been part of our journey so far. As of now, we've raised an amazing $939, and we're only getting started. Every dollar contributed is a step closer to making a difference in the lives of kids in need.

Join us as we polish this gem, turning it from a barn find to a rally spec roadworthy hero. Follow our journey, share in our triumphs and challenges, and be part of the narrative as we gear up for the Variety Vic Bash 2024. The road ahead is long, but with our '85 Ford KB Laser, and your unwavering support, we're ready for every kilometre. Together, let's make this adventure unforgettable and change some childrens lives!

Cruising Down Memory Lane: The Quest for Our 80s Icon for the Variety Bash Vic 2024

The road to making a difference is paved with passion, and for us, that journey begins behind the wheel of an iconic 1980's Ford Meteor or Mazda 323. As we gear up for the Variety Vic Bash 2024, the search for the perfect vintage vehicle is on, and we're thrilled to share the excitement with you.

Why the fascination with these specific models, you ask? Well, for starters, they're not just cars; they're timeless symbols of the vibrant 80s era. Sleek, stylish, and oozing with nostalgia, the Ford Meteor and Mazda 323 hold a special place in our hearts. Having tinkered with Ford Lasers, which share the same platform, we've come to appreciate the reliability, comfort, and undeniable charm of these vehicles.

So, as we scour the market for that perfect 1980's gem, we invite you to join us on this quest. Follow our journey as we search for the vehicle that will carry us through countless kilometres, spreading joy and making a difference along the way. Your support, just like the cars we love, is the driving force behind our mission.
Stay tuned for updates on our Variety Vic Bash adventure, and let's make this journey one for the books – a nostalgic ride for a noble cause!

Locked & Loaded - 2024 Variety Bash

Embark on the 2024 Variety Bash adventure with us!

 

Join us (my uncle (Simon) and I (James)) in making a lasting impact on the lives of kids facing challenges. Your generous donations will fuel our mission to provide grants and essential equipment, ensuring no child is left without the support they deserve.

Together, let's create smiles and brighter futures for these incredible kids. Donate now and be a part of the journey that changes lives!

Help us help kids reach their full potential and donate today!

Our Achievements

Increased Target

Received 10 Donations

Updated Profile Picture

Shared Page

Reached Target

Thank you to our Sponsors

$3.58k

Plenary Group Holdings

$1.52k

Roger Cameron

$965

James Park

$520

Rex Import Compnay

$514

Phil Van Laeren

Okay, start is 50 into left 6. Good luck. Cinq, Quatre, Trois, Deux, Un, Depart…..

$510

Andrew

$510

John Prentice

Best wishes Simon and James for a successful Variety Bash.

$350

Jk

$264

Dig Safe Geelong.

Good luck team.

$259

Phil Van Laeren

Left 6 into Right 4 - don't cut.....

$259

Insight Signs

Amazing cause !! Safe travels

$250

Chris Fox

Good luck team go the Laser

$250

Ja

Impressive effort for a junior assistant curator.

$250

Amelia Kirakosian

$210

Luke Bromley

Have fun👍

$208

John O'rourke

$158

Sands

$156

Stuart Robson

Well done fellas, what an awesome trip and fantastic cause.

$129

James Park

Funds collected through the container deposit scheme at the Plenary Melbourne office.

$127

Elena Macaulay

Amazing work, James

$127

Scott Watson

Go James

$125

J Shelley

$120

Steve B

$107

Greg And Denise Smith

$106

Victor Lau

Go James and Team, such worthy cause!

$106

Steve Cady

Good luck guys. Have fun and enjoy

$104

Dane Van Laeren

Good luck Simon & James! Hope the co-driver can deliver the pace notes quick enough with the speeds the mighty laser will reach!

$104

Claudia Holding

Good luck guys. Is taking a modern car like the 38 year old Laser classed as cheating? The Brush would be more fun and probably more reliable.

$101

David Provan

Well done. Enjoy the Variety Bash!

$100

Belinda

Go James and Team!

$100

Stella

Go James! What an adventure to support a great cause. Good luck!

$100

Nat Cullen

Best of luck to you, James and Simon. Have an absolutely rocking time! :)

$95

Wdhvc

$90

Anonymous

$79

Rich Higgins

Awesome James! Floor it!

$66

Robin & Pat Evans

Good wishes for a great trip. Stay safe.

$63

Pedro Uzquiza

Love it!

$63

Dave Carlile

It’s a great cause James, best of luck to you and your uncle on your mission!

$63

Dane Anderson

$63

Brendan Smith

$62

Dave Straughan

Good luck!

$54

Darrell Prasad

Good luck hamez

$54

Elena Macaulay

Go, James

$53

Rocky O

$53

Shaun Gutsell

Good on you James - hope you’re taking your laptop with you 😉

$53

Tatiana Ziaras

$53

Lyndon Taylor

Good on you guys! Ford Laser took us everywhere going up in TAS!

$53

Lindsay Alexander

$53

Matt Ploeger

$52

Prashant Ramesh

$51

Jodie Hadfield

Great work James.

$51

Brett Creswell

$51

Mike Braddock

Great work mate - looks like fun!

$50

Alice Chan

Accelerate towards your fundraising goal. Outback adventure awaits!

$50

Brendan Xuereb

All the best!

$50

Carlie Talbot

$50

Stone Father

Send it

$50

Jtgovan P/l

Good luck James. Have fun while supporting such a worthy charity.

$50

Sofie

Good luck! Great cause.

$50

Peter Yordanov

$50

Sonia Nair

All the best, James!

$42

Donna Hyde

$40

Archer And Grace Osborn

Good luck on your adventure! Archer and Grace Osborn

$38

Anonymous

$37

Anonymous

$32

Alexandra O’brien

Love your work James! Keep it up 💪🏼

$32

Bernadette Hearn

$26

Robyn

$26

Glenn Campbell

$26

Mya Ando

$25

Graham D

$25

Wdhvc

$22

Laurie & Malena @ North Bourke

Good work guys

$21

Declan Wain

$20

Anonymous

$20

Anonymous

$11

Grumpop

$5

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