One of Australia’s longest running charity car rallies, Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally, has raised a smashing total of $392,000 for their Kids and Youth Program after a 6-day charity drive through regional New South Wales which finished in Narrandera.
A field of 39 rally cars driven and designed by supporters of Kidney Health Australia from across the country travelled a gruelling 3,000km from Mudgee to Narrandera via Bateman’s Bay.
The Kidney Kar Rally raises funds for Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program, which helps children and young people deal with the physical, emotional, and psychological impacts of kidney disease through support services and resources for the children and their caregivers, and connection events such as camps and state-based activities for all the family.
Over three decades the rally has raised more than $15 million for the Kids and Youth Program.
Kidney Health Australia CEO Chris Forbes said the final fundraising tally was a remarkable effort and thanked participants, the support team and everyone who donated to the cause.
“A grand total of $392,000 is an extraordinary effort by all involved, starting with the drivers and their fundraising efforts in the months leading up to the rally, as well as the work of our support team to make the rally a safe and fun event.
“Kidney Health Australia has been able to support young people and their families going through treatment with in-person local es-Capers events and the national Kidney Camp after a 3-year hiatus. The kids and their families are so grateful to all involved in the rally for making the Kids and Youth Program a reality.
“We rely on community funding to make these invaluable services possible, giving kids the opportunity to just be kids”.
New rally team Boganarama said, “We have had such a blast! Great time! Great people! Everyone has been so welcoming and made us feel like we have been part of this crazy crew for years!”
The route took in Mudgee, Oberon, Yass, Batemans Bay, Eden and Tumut, finishing in Narrandera with a closing dinner.
Expressions of interest are now open for the 2024 Kidney Kar Rally, with the route to be announced soon. To register your interest, please email events@kidney.org.au.
Donations to support Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program can be made at www.kidneykarrally.org.au.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 31 August 2023.
