July 31, 2008

Great Endeavour Rally underway

Soaring fuel prices have not deterred avid supporters of one of Queensland’s popular charity motoring events, the 21st Annual Great Endeavour Rally which got underway in Toowoomba, with flag off Thursday, 17 July.

V8 sedans, station wagons, utes, four-wheel-drives and even a retired fire truck welcomed the checkered flag and start of their 5,000 kilometre, 10-day trek from Toowoomba to Tamworth (via the Silver City).

Endeavour Foundation CEO Mr Kelvin Spiller said he was pleased to see that enthusiasm and support for the Rally had not become a casualty of fuel price hikes.

“Thirty-two vehicles and 55 participants from across southeast Queensland were on the starting line yesterday for the Great Rally; while 17 vehicles and 40 participants flagged off for the Cruise (these vehicles do not go off-road).   As well, there were 6 official vehicles carrying 12 people to keep a watchful eye on proceedings. While not a new record, it is close.”

One of the Endeavour Foundation’s major annual fundraising events, the Rally raises valuable funds to help Queenslanders living with a disability. 

“This is a unique event that attracts people of all walks of life.  We have husbands and their wives, brothers and sisters, mates, girlfriends and business representatives in vehicles of all shapes and sizes,” said Mr Spiller.

“Although this is the first time we’ve had a ‘recycled’ fire truck join our fundraising convoy and it’s already attracting a lot of interest.

“The Annual Great Endeavour Rally really is a 10-day adventure that gives people the opportunity to travel, spend some quality time together, have fun and support a wonderful charity.

 “It’s about raising as many funds and as much awareness as we can,” Mr Spiller said.

“This year we are hoping to raise over $200,000.”

On Day 1, the rally leader was Car 1 with Sherry Mailman and Ross Harlow sharing the wheel. 

Toowoomba, Nindigully, Eulo, White Cliffs, Broken Hill, Viewmont Station, Cobar and Baradine will be overnight pit-stops for the weary drivers at the end of each day.

The Endeavour Foundation is one of the largest non-government organisations in Australia supporting and providing opportunities for people with a disability.

Operating solely in Queensland, Endeavour Foundation supports around 3,000 people with a disability through a mix of services and businesses at over 220 locations from Cairns and Mareeba in the north to the southern end of the Gold Coast, and west to Roma, Kingaroy, Stanthorpe and Warwick.

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