Woodards Executive Chairman John Piccolo is trading the boardroom for the outback later this month, taking part in his second Variety Bash to raise money for Variety – the Children’s Charity.
From August 18, Mr Piccolo will join hundreds of participants driving 6,000km from Victoria to Exmouth, Western Australia, in themed vehicles more than 25 years old. His team, named “Lovers Not Mechanics”, will spend 10 days on the road.
The Variety Bash involves more than just kilometres. Along the route, participants visit remote schools and communities to deliver grants, wheelchairs, communication aids and other equipment directly to children and families.
“The Variety Bash is about giving children living with disability, illness or disadvantage opportunities they might not otherwise have,” he said.
“I believe everyone deserves a fair go and Variety helps to achieve that.”
Having completed his first Bash last year, Mr Piccolo said seeing the impact of the fundraising firsthand inspired him to return.
“One of the most rewarding parts of the Bash is visiting remote schools and communities along the route,” he said.
“We don’t simply drive through – we stop, meet the children, deliver equipment and grants, and see first-hand the difference these donations make.
“Last year, one smile from a young Indigenous boy after receiving his gift reminded me exactly why this journey matters. Those moments stay with you long after the dust settles.”
Mr Piccolo has kickstarted his fundraising campaign with a personal donation of $2,500 and is aiming to reach a $5,000 target.
“Every dollar raised goes directly to Variety and helps fund things that genuinely change lives – wheelchairs, communication aids, playgrounds, scholarships, education support and programs that bring families together,” he said.
“These aren’t ‘nice-to-haves’; they’re life-changing opportunities that many families simply couldn’t access without support.”
The Variety Bash was founded in 1985 by Australian entrepreneur Dick Smith and broadcaster John Tapp, and has grown into what Variety describes as Australia’s largest and longest-running charity motoring event. Over the past four decades, participants have collectively raised more than $33 million and travelled 130,145 kilometres in 523 themed cars, funding wheelchairs, communication devices, sensory equipment and other support for children.
“Whether you’ve supported me before or this is your first time, I’d love to have you along for the journey,” he said.
“Every contribution – large or small – will help make a genuine difference.”
Donations can be made at fundraise.variety.org.au/fundraisers/johnpiccolo/bash.