Mark Coad, CEO of Mediabrands Australia, participated in the 31st annual Variety Victoria Bash, Australia's largest motoring charity event raising money for kids in need.
Among 70 other cars, this was Coad's fifth consecutive Bash where participants drive across the country - from Melbourne to the Gold Coast - in a colourful convoy over 10 to 12 days.
The event is a fundraiser for the Variety Children’s Charity and consistently raises approximately $1.5m for sick and disadvantaged children.
"It’s an incredible event for a very special cause," Coad said.
"This year we drove around 3,400km through regional Victoria, Yass, beyond Dubbo and then swung towards the coast – taking in Nelson Bay and Coffs Harbour before heading around the Hinterland and down into the Gold Coast."
All cars entering the event must be over 30 years of age – and Coad's beast was a 1976 450SE Mercedes.
"What was once a 4 door luxury sedan is now a re-painted, bull-bar wearing full prepped Bash car. I don’t know much about its former life – but I do know it is now a highly reliable and fun car to drive – and has allowed me and my teammate to raise close to $70,000 over our 5 Bashes. (That teammate has been a friend for 30 years and works in the enterprise technology sector)," Coad said.
"We’ve been able to do that largely because of the support provided by many friends and colleagues in the industry. I am incredibly grateful that when the call goes out, this industry responds incredibly well, and donations come from many. That’s why I am writing his piece. To thank each and every one of you."
Coad said that trips like this show firsthand where these much-needed funds go.
"In Benalla, a child with severe epilepsy was granted a specific padded bed to allow them to sleep," he said.
"A lower socio-economic school in regional NSW was granted a dozen Apple iPads as learning devices and in Dubbo, we provided funds to fill a school workshop with the necessary tools and equipment to function.
"I could go on – but my point is – these funds make a huge difference to kids in real need. There is a specific Variety committee that works on the allocation of these funds, and it is great to see many of them delivered in person.
"To those in this amazing industry who contributed to the fund-raising efforts of car 74, a massive heartfelt thank you."
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