Registrations have opened to participate in a beloved charity rally that has raised more than $2.5m since starting in 2015.
The Dunga Derby is an annual event that involves more than 50 teams and 200 people taking part in a four-day car rally to raise funds for Rally for a Cause.
While the route remains a secret, the event guarantees some fun adventure stops and activities along the way.
“It’s always coast to country (but) the route is a surprise,” founder and director Mick Irwin said.
“It’s like a four-day 40th birthday party, but with a charitable component.”
Rally for a Cause supports Sunshine Coast families and individuals who are affected by life-limiting medical conditions, or whose lives have been disrupted by detrimental circumstances beyond their control.
Since its inception the Dunga Derby has provided support to more than 200 families in alignment with the charity guidelines and eligibility criteria, with funds used for things such as mortgage payments, health expenses, rent, groceries, household bills, equipment and house modifications.
“Our recipients of the charity are mostly those with life-limiting medical conditions, so things like household expenses really just are so stressful, and when we can help with those expenses for a couple of months it means these families just feel a little bit less stressed,” director Jess Lane said.
“We cannot take away what they are going through, but we have the power to make it just a little bit less awful.”
The event began in 2015 when a group of local business owners were faced with the unthinkable: one of their friends had a healthy child who was suddenly struck down with an aggressive brain tumour.
Then they heard about another teenager with a passion for dance who was struck down by bone cancer, and her dreams of a future seemed bleak as she started the fight of her life.
It was clear to this group of friends these families needed help and the concept of Rally for a Cause was born. They created a charity to raise funds and help support local families while they go through these tough times.
The 2023 Sunshine Coast Dunga Derby runs from August 17-20. To register your interest email sunshinecoast@dungaderby.com.au.
Team will raise funds in the lead-up to the derby, with the business community encouraged to get behind the cause by sponsoring teams and their vehicles, or dungas.
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