Variety Pig Races Raise Funds For Kids In Need

Variety - the Children’s Charity (Variety) was founded in Sydney in 1975 and in 1985 entrepreneur Dick Smith invited his mates for ‘a drive in the bush’ to raise funds for the charity. The Variety Bash (Bash) was born and quickly became a successful charity motoring event.

Variety’s vision is to empower kids experiencing illness, disability or disadvantage to reach their full potential regardless of their circumstances. Since the charity started, $27 million has been raised for grants, scholarships, mobility equipment like wheelchairs, educational aids, communication devices, medical items and services and therapy services.

Garry Finley, Team Captain of Tonka and AW2008 at this year’s Bash, has been supporting Variety for five years. “Participating in the Bash means each team must fulfil specific requirements in order to register,” Garry said.

“This includes raising a minimum of $8,500 per car.”

Last year, Garry’s team held pig races at the Linville Hotel, where they not only surpassed the $8,500 requirement by raising $12,000 but also secured an additional $20,000 in sponsorship.

For this year’s Bash, his team is raising money at a pig racing event at the Bracken Ridge Tavern (BRT) on Saturday, 9 March.

“The pig races event is not something many people have been to but it’s local at the Bracken Ridge Tavern so everyone can come and enjoy,” Garry said.

There will be five pig races, with the first race starting at 1pm.

For kids, there are indoor games like corn sacks. There are raffles, auctions and sweeps lined up with prizes including vouchers, gift packs, and even sports memorabilia that people can bid for.

The BRT will be well-stocked with food and drink for purchase.

“These funds go back to the kids,” Garry said.

This year’s Bash QLD runs from 12 to 22 August, beginning in Emerald and finishing at the Gold Coast via Lightning Ridge.

When asked what fulfils him most about the Bash, Gary said he loved seeing the looks on the kid’s faces.

“Each day, 100 plus cars visit outback towns with gifts,” Garry said. “Their look is priceless. Very exciting.”

Past gifts to outback schools have included money, a mini-bus and library resources.

Please rest assured, all pigs are well cared for by Kev Kiley at the Sandy Creek Pub.

Tickets are available at the door for $10pp. Kids under 15 are free.

For more about joining a Variety Bash, contact info@variety.qld.org.au

Tonka & Car AW2008 Variety Pig Races
Saturday, 9 March, (doors open 12pm)
Bracken Ridge Tavern
154 Barrett Street, Bracken Ridge.