Over 100 cars returned to Foreshore Park on Saturday following the week-long Variety NSW Bash.
Drivers began the epic 2000km journey through country NSW from the same location last Sunday.
The trip took them through Glen Innes, Narrabri, Forbes, Griffith, Orange and Mudgee.
Over $1 million was collected from the 2018 NSW Bash, the highest amount ever raised. The funds will go towards Variety’s work with children who are sick, have a disability or experience financial hardship.
Charlestown teenager Connor Wink went on the “adventure” for the first time, having been supported by Variety for many years.
The 19-year-old is legally blind and has received music tuition paid for by the charity. He said it was a great experience to be on the other side of the event as a “basher”.
“I had lots of fun, it was very different,” he said. “Just hanging around people who are supportive, friendly, laugh a lot and appreciate my sense of humour.”
Connor traveled in a bus with a group from Cranebrook, who have driven in 15 Newcastle events and many more from Sydney.
“I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said. “There was lots of bouncing around on the bus, especially on the gravel.”
After only discovering he’d be going on the drive a few weeks out from the start, Connor still managed to raise over $3000.
He’s spent hours upon hours busking outside supermarkets in recent years to raise money for Variety and has donated over $40,000 to the charity.
“Just to give back to them,” he said. “To raise money for more scholarships for other people.”
READ MORE
