Variety Creative Car Cruise to raise money for families in need as motorists road trip through regional WA

Two Albany couples will hit the road next week as they drive through the southern region of WA over four fun-fuelled days raising money for children’s charity Variety.

The event will see participants leave York on Thursday, March 24 and drive through Katanning, Albany and Manjimup in their classic, sports, muscle and American cars or modified vehicles.

The Variety Creative Car Cruise, now in its 11th year, is a fun, laid-back way to experience regional parts of WA with like-minded classic and creative car-lovers.

Cruise participants will see the impact of their fundraising efforts along the way, with a range of educational, health and mobility equipment and grants provided to schools and organisations en-route.

Two Albany couples, Grant Wells and Peta Curtin and Aaron and Renae St Jack, are participating in this year’s event which is coming to Albany on Friday, March 25.

The St Jacks will be driving in their 1970 Ford Mustang with Mr Wells and Ms Curtin cruising their 1932 Ford Tudor hot rod.

During the cruise participants will visit Woodanilling and Katanning primary schools where they will present grants aimed at helping children in need.

Mr Wells, a repeat Variety cruiser, said he was looking forward to spending the trip with like-minded people.

“It also helps the children and families who require assistance,” he said.

“It’s a good time to catch up with everybody else who continually do it, just chill out driving and on the school visits we see where the funds go, how it helps and what it does.”

Mr Wells’ replica of a Ford Tudor he built from scratch has been on the road for about 11 years.

Variety chief executive Tony Hume said the charity was grateful for the support of the community members who participated in the road trips each year.

“Last year, our Variety Creative Car Cruisers raised $160,000 for WA kids, which allows our organisation to provide much-needed support by way of grants, scholarships, education programs and experiences,” he said.

“Whether a child is living with sickness, disadvantage or disability, we give kids the opportunities and support they need to join in while, at the same time, meeting unmet need and providing support where no government or other assistance is available.”