4x4 Challenge - Variety Club of Victoria.

The Tyrepower / Kumho 4x4 Challenge is a new event for four wheel drive enthusiasts. The aim is to raise money for childrens' charities while having fun. In this it follows the Variety Club's famous "Bash" but in the 4x4 form.

The event starts from Melbourne on 17 March 1997. The route includes Ararat, Horsham, Nhill, Ouyen, Wangaratta and Mt.Buller. The terrain includes the plains and rugged mountains.

The 4x4 Challenge finishes on 22 March with the Challenge Ball in the high country.

Competitors need a sense of adventure, a sense of humour and a commitment to help sick, disadvantaged and underprivileged children. Novice four wheel drivers are welcome as there will be plenty of advice from officials and experienced entrants.

They also need cunning and resolve [the blurb says] to raise $2000 of tax-deductible donations to the Variety Club. Sponsorships, raffles and fund raising events are some methods used.

The Challenge should not be taken too seriously, particularly if it follows the style of the (in)famous "Bash".

From the Story of Variety: The Variety Club started from a show business social club in Pittsburgh USA in 1927 when a baby girl was found at the Sheridan Theatre. The social club, by now known called the variety Club, decided to "adopt" the child. International publicity brought offers of assistance and there was enough to help other needy children.

Over the past 65 years more than $1000 million has been raised around the world for the assistance of children who are sick, handicapped, disadvantaged or underprivileged.

The Variety Club of Australia started in 1974 and has raised over $45 million for Australia's special children. Variety Club never gives money - instead it provides medical equipment, life saving drugs and treatment, sunshine coaches, special computers, hospital wards, wheel-chairs, toys, etc.

Contact: The Variety Club (03) 9420 3208.

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Go to the 1997 results page