Ever heard of the Shitbox Rally? A great name for a typically Aussie way to fundraise for a worthy cause, the Cancer Council of Australia, which funds research into preventing, curing and supporting cancer patients and their families.

So to begin with, what is a shitbox? In this case it’s a term for a crappy car, specifically a 2wd, with a worth of around $1,500 which contestants drive from point to point in Australia via some of the country’s most formidable roads, to raise money for charity.

These rallies are held a few times a year and in autumn the route will take drivers from the national capital of Canberra to the far north Queensland city of Townsville. If that doesn’t sound like much of a challenge, the route will go via some pretty harsh and desolate areas of the outback through New South Wales and Queensland, before ending up on the coast.

The founder of the Shitbox Rally James Freeman, instigated this unique way to raise funds as a way of making a difference after he lost both his parents to cancer. As to who would do such a drive, well that would be anyone looking for a fun and adventurous way to see the country while doing a whole lot of good in supporting the Cancer Council in their work.

One such person is a friend of mine who with her co-driver will be taking part in the rally in a suitably ‘shitbox’ Commodore wagon. Their entry for the rally is called Miss Daisy (as in driving Miss Daisy) and I have no doubt that these two women will take everything in their stride.

The rally organisers do make contingency plans so that all competitors are supported and safe in their travels, with buddy groups organised so that there is always mechanical and other help at hand if it’s needed, and no-one is left behind.

To enter the rally, competitors have to pay a registration fee and then raise a minimum of $5,000. There is also a catering and camping fee which means meals are supplied during the rally which is held over 7 days from start on May 2nd to finish on May 10th.

Recently we attended a Miss Daisy team fundraiser quiz night which was held in the Woodside Institute in the Adelaide Hills, and the ‘shitbox’ car was there for everyone to see. The evening was full of laughs and good cheer and with the help of a few sponsors, raffles and takings on the night, the Miss Daisy crew are over their minimum fundraising amount to start the rally.

There would hardly be a person who hasn’t been touched in some way by a cancer diagnosis so it’s a cause that people are only too happy to contribute too.

For more information on the rally, or to keep the donations rolling in, visit the link here: Autumn Shitbox Rally

Safe travels Miss Daisy!

Glenys