Baking up a Storm for Kiwi Kids

Baking up a Storm for Kiwi Kids

Bash Bakers rejoin Variety Trillian Bash charity rally

A quarter century of raising funds for Kiwi kids via the quirky Variety Trillian Bash classic-car road rally has drawn a few old teams out of the woodwork, and Bash Bakers will drive all the way from Christchurch to make the start at New Plymouth on March 7, thanks to a little help from Bluebridge Ferries.

Strait Shipping Managing Director Sheryl Ellison says the company is delighted to be involved again in the Variety Bash. “We've had a long association with this iconic event and feel privileged to be involved in the great work Variety does to help New Zealand's children in need.”

“Our crew report that the Variety Bash sailings are amongst the most entertaining Cook Strait crossings and are looking forward to giving the participants a very warm Bluebridge welcome.”

Bash Bakers team captain David Drake has driven in 17 New Zealand Bashes – so called for the old-style bush-bashing that the often rural routes mimic – and in 12 New South Wales Bashes.

He formed the team with the corporate support of suppliers to the baking industry in New Zealand, who saw the great work being done by Variety – The Children’s Charity and wanted to be part of it.

The charity doesn’t try to cure the world’s ills, instead it exists to give kids a hand-up to be the best they can be, whether that’s sports equipment or an adapted laptop for a blind child; a seizure mat or a mobility device. Often it doesn’t take much to give a kid the extra boost they need to keep up with their peers, but it may be beyond cash-strapped parents or foster parents and that’s where Variety steps in.

“Some years we’ve had three to five Bash Baker vehicles taking part,” David says, “Crewed by the staff of suppliers who’ve donated thousands of dollars over the years, for the benefit of New Zealand. Some of those cars were shipped over by Australian teams to take part – all three in 1995 were Australian cars, a 1964 Mustang, a 1964 Holden and a 1965 Ford Galaxie that once worked as a hearse.”

This year David and his team will be driving a 1965 Ford Fairlane that was sold new here after assembly at the now closed Ford plant in Trentham. It comes complete with flagpoles, and atop its roof, a pair of hands carrying a loaf of bread, “We’ve got a water tank aboard and can squirt passing kids through the hands… they love it!”

Why does David keep on Bashing? “When you see a child receive a much-needed bike to get to school, or a trike for a disabled child, or a laptop that will help with their development, and you see the delight on their faces it’s so moving that sometimes you can’t help but shed a tear.

ends

© Scoop Media