A GROUP of four sailor-suited local men are currently aboard a 1975 Ford Fairlane ZG in the name of charity.
Beachport’s Ian Lister is the driving force behind the stunt, along with Millicent’s Ash Dearman and Mount Gambier pair Pat Dempsey and Daniel Gibbs.
They are currently cruising around remote South Australian roads this week for the 31st annual SA Variety Bash.
The teams left Adelaide on Saturday and will travel almost 3000km before finishing in Murray Bridge on Saturday.
This year marks Mr Lister’s 10th SA Variety Bash, while his three fellow travellers are first-time participants.
As in recent bashes, they all expect to generate laughter by wearing tailor-made sailor suits in car 041.
Over recent months, Mr Lister and his supporters have raised over $52,000 through selling raffle tickets and firewood.
The vehicle is adorned with dozens of sponsorship stickers with strong support coming from companies and individuals across the region and beyond.
“Special events staged by the Beachport Golf Club, Lake Bonney Sporting Clays and Beachport Bowling Club have added to the total,” Mr Lister said.
“Over the past five months, I have cut and delivered around 100 loads of firewood.
“When you put in the time and the effort, you get rewards.”
Mr Lister said caring for children with special needs and disabilities with grants and projects was the motivation for his participation in the SA Variety Bash.
“With Variety, well over 90pc of the funds raised go to children.
“It is a very emotional thing when you read the stories of hardship faced by children with disabilities.”
For Mr Dearman, fundraising for the SA Variety Bash is one of his major activities since he retired from full-time work in February.
As he turned 60, Mr Dearman said it was right to step back from the day-to-day running of the Millicent Farm Supplies business.
He said he appreciated the generosity of the community when he sought their support.
“The SA Variety Bash is a worthy cause,” Mr Dearman said.
“I felt it was time to give back to the community.
“I went out and saw my clients on their farms and asked for donations.”
The SA Variety Bash has raised over $42m since its inception in 1989.
