For 26 years the Variety Bash – an annual road-trek for non-competitive car rallies – has raced up and down New Zealand in an effort raise funds for Variety The Children's Charity that helps sick, disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids.
But in November, Variety announced it's passed on the torch to the Trillian Trust and the Police-partnered youth charity Blue Light, which will now run annual event under the banner of ‘The Trillian Trek'.
Trillian Trek coordinator Murray O'Donnell says in 2017 they'll have about 30 teams running specially decorated classic and special interest vehicles and themed teams, many of which have been raising funds for more than 25 years.
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The Trillian Trek – formerly known as the Variety Bash – is a colourful event designed to appeal to and entertain kids as well as raise funds for disadvantaged and disabled children. |
'We couldn't run the event without logistical support from generous supporters like Trillian Trust, and we couldn't reach the most vulnerable children without a charity to manage the logistics and the millions of dollars we raise.”
'To have Blue Light on board can help us reach the children who truly need our help. The Police charity already works to build young people's self-esteem, build positive youth and community partnerships and to reduce youth crime.”
Former Variety international president Peter Drummond says he's disappointed Variety no longer saw a need for the funds raised, but he's happy to welcome Blue Light on board to help the annual rallies reach children in need. And he looks forward to taking his own rig on future treks.