Lowesdale Public School was buzzing with excitement last Wednesday as the iconic Variety Bash stopped by the school as part of their regional NSW tour.
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The convoy, consisting of approximately 100 cars decked out in themes such as Star Wars and Toy Story, brought plenty of excitement to the nine students of Lowesdale, as well as students from South Corowa Public School and Oaklands Central School.
The school's P&C organised a great day with a barbeque to feed the bashers, coordinated with the generous assistance of the Rotary Club of Corowa, with meat supplied by Meat on the Murray and Woolworths, and drinks and grocery items supplied by Waldron's Fresh On River.
During the visit, Variety presented a $5000 cheque to Lowesdale Public School to go towards a library refurbishment, ensuring that the students have an even better learning environment.
Variety’s Andrew Barnett emceed the afternoon presentation with an Acknowledgement of Country from the school’s Tom Boyer, singing of the National Anthem, and three musical performances from the Lowesdale students.
The event also featured an auction of student paintings, which was conducted by Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke.
“First of all, I’d like to welcome the bashers into Federation Council and tell you that you are welcome any time,” he said.
“Congratulations to Lowesdale Public School. The $5000 cheque is just amazing and very much appreciated. Well done to the school’s P&C and the Rotary Club of Corowa as well, it’s great to see our community pull such an event together.”
The paintings, created by talented young artists, attracted enthusiastic bidding from the bashers, with the funds going towards Variety.
The Variety Bash, now in its 31st year, is a remarkable fundraising event for Variety - the Children's Charity. Unlike a race or rally, the Bash is a journey through rural New South Wales, allowing participants to explore parts of the country they may not otherwise visit. Along the way, the Bashers raise funds to provide much-needed equipment and resources for children with unmet needs.
The vibrant procession visited a total of 12 schools, granting over $80,000 to meet each school's wish list. From educational equipment like laptops, iPads, and 3D printers to recreational items like a cubby house and sandpit, the grants will contribute to enriching the learning and play experiences of the students.
The Variety Bash route spans 2,160 kilometres, encompassing 16 regional towns in New South Wales with the final stop of the journey in Newcastle last Saturday.
The Variety Bash is not only about fun and adventure; it also creates lasting impact in the lives of children and families. Through the fundraising efforts of the Bash participants, Variety has been able to support numerous children facing illness, disadvantage, or disability. The event also provides an economic boost to the regional areas visited, as participants contribute to the local economy through their purchases of food, fuel, and accommodation.
The success of the Variety Bash is made possible by the support of sponsors such as the AHA, Regional Australia Bank, Woolworths, Repco and Daracon. These sponsors, along with the Bash community and the towns and schools along the route, play a vital role in changing the lives of children and making the Bash a truly remarkable event.
“One of the great things about Variety and the Bash is donors and supporters get to see the money they’ve helped raise make a huge impact on kids and families across the state,” Variety NSW/ACT CEO David Small said.
“Through grants of equipment and programs, Variety’s Bashers see the lifelong impact they deliver through their fundraising.
“Sponsors are the lifeblood of events, and we couldn’t change the lives of as many kids or make the Bash the “must do” event it is without the support of the AHA, Regional Australia Bank and many other companies that help get the show on the road.
“On behalf of all the kids, Variety is very grateful to the sponsors, Bash community and all the towns and schools that welcome the Bash with open arms!”