OF all the memorable sights and scenery that Lil Rhodes enjoyed as a participant in her first Variety Bash in country NSW last year, one stands out.
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“It was just the joy on the kids’ faces whenever we’d rock up at a school,” Ms Rhodes, of Cooranbong, said.
“It was like ‘Wow! The circus is in town’.”
The fact that Ms Rhodes and her driving companions were dressed as super heroes certainly boosted the wow factor.
That the Variety Bash teams came bearing gifts for some needy children and communities also helped.
Ms Rhodes (who dresses as Bat Woman), is backing up with friends Kylie McNaughton (Super Woman) and Lundi Laruffa (Wonder Woman) for another week-long 2600km adventure in this year’s Variety NSW Bash which starts on May 20.
This year, Kylie’s husband Rod McNaughton will also be on board.
The Variety Bash is not a race or a rally. It’s an adventure for mates with a sense of humour driving cars that are 30 years or older through regional NSW in support of Variety – the Children’s Charity.
“Each day we’d arrive for breakfast and lunch at a different school,” Ms Rhodes said.
The Bashers last year raised funds to purchase items including smart boards, braille equipment, and books for small schools.
Just getting to the starting line next month will take plenty of money, preparation, and planning, Ms Rhodes said.
“Before we even start we have to raise the $4000 entry fee,” she said.
Each of the 80-odd teams is also required to organise and pay for their accommodation each night, and petrol.
“Last year we raised $7500,” Ms Rhodes said. And the all-woman team won Variety’s award for “most enthusiastic” first-timers.
The super heroes team is hoping that Lake Macquarie can help them to improve on their 2017 contribution.
The team is seeking financial donations at nswbash2018.everydayhero.com/au/cy46.
But they’re also seeking donations of items that could be auctioned, as well as toys, and novelties that the super heroes can give to children during school visits.
“Spinners, bubble wands, rubber wrist bands, stickers … anything that kids are into,” Ms Rhodes said.
The team will again drive a 1976-model Holden HX.
The team entered the Bash in memory of their former work colleague at Morisset Hospital, Cyril Buchanan, who passed away in 2014.
This year’s Variety NSW Bash will start at Newcastle and lead Bashers through towns including Glen Innes, Narrabri, Forbes, Griffith and Mudgee.
- Can you help Lake Mac’s super heroes? Phone Ms Rhodes on 0418 254094.
