Rallying for a cause

TWO long-time mates are about to embark on thousands of kilometres of travel in their very own “shitbox”, while raising funds for cancer research.

Torquay resident Damian McVilly and Lorne resident Aaron Gordon will take part in this winter’s Cancer Council Shitbox Rally, driving from Melbourne to Alice Springs over nine days in their 1992 Volvo.

Mr McVilly said the rally will run from June 14 to June 22 with both men raising over $7,000 to date, already surpassing their fundraising target.

“It’s exciting now, we just hope the car makes the journey,” Mr McVilly said.

 

“It’s 5,000 kilometres all up, so we’re averaging 500 to 600km per day, but we’re excited to be taking part in this year’s rally after a couple of failed attempts to take part in previous years.”

The concept of the Shitbox Rally is straight-forward, but easier said than done.

All cars taking part in the rally must be worth $1,500 or less (excluding registration, roadworthiness and insurance) and must be two-wheel drive vehicles.

Mr McVilly’s father-in-law, Gus, is a mechanic by trade and also helped get the car up to scratch.

They have a personal connection to the rally, after losing friend Sean Mackay to cancer on August 12, 2018.

“Sean was a great mate of ours, we all sort of grew up together and he tragically died of cancer at 48 years of age, leaving behind his wife and his three kids, and we’re coming up to his six-year anniversary later this year,” Mr Gordon said.

“Having that personal connection is motivating us along, which is the same with most who are doing the rally, cancer is something that touches everyone in some way, so anyone looking to donate directly to us is more than welcome to.”

Both the men will make several stops on the way to Alice Springs, stopping off in locations such as Hay, Silverton, Tibooburra, Windorah, Bedourie, and Tobermorey before reaching the final destination.

Both Damian and Aaron are hopeful they can raise $10,000 for the initiative this year. The Shitbox Rally overall is aiming to raise $2 million in 2024.

Donations can be made at winter2024.shitboxrally.com.au/micka-trunk