Colourful cars help children with cancer

MORE than fifty themed vehicles stopped into Ballarat last week as part of an annual drive from Canberra to Geelong to benefit those experiencing childhood cancer.

A breadth of cars could be seen at North Gardens near Lake Wendouree on Friday morning, with participants taking part in national children’s cancer charity Camp Quality’s esCarpade fundraiser.

With decals featuring pop culture icons including Nintendo’s Mario Brothers, various superheroes, and The Simpsons, the convoy arrived in town after kickstarting the drive on the Sunday prior.

Camp Quality CEO, Deborah Thomas, said the initiative is an essential driver for delivering the organisation’s program to support children with cancer.

“Each year our generous esCarpadians give their time to make this event a huge success,” she said.

“Money raised by esCarpade gives families a vital break from cancer at one of our family getaways, camps and fun days, and also helps to deliver the cancer education program, with the Camp Quality puppets, to primary schools and early learning centres across Australia.”

Long-time esCarpade participant Brett Norton has been involved with the event for 15 years, and travelled the state in this year’s event in an Iron Man-themed vehicle alongside other drivers sporting superhero subject matter.

“I was deeply touched by the incredible stories of how Camp Quality was helping children and their families facing the huge challenges that arise when family members are diagnosed with cancer,” he said.

“Camp Quality is there to help, and they provide some incredible support, but this support needs to be funded and that’s where we come in with our fundraising.”

Drivers travelled about 1600 kilometres through New South Wales and Victoria before completing the drive in Geelong late last week.

Now in its 32nd year, the esCarpade initiative has raised more than $700,000 in support of the Camp Quality program.