Three years after the first event, the Bangers to Bluff fun fundraiser has set off again from the Rotary Club of Half Moon Bay on an 11 day journey down to Invercargill.
Ten cars and ten teams have entered this year’s fundraiser, which aims to raise money and awareness for Alzheimers New Zealand and the Hopeworks Foundation.
“All the hard work behind the scenes has paid off,” said event organiser Ian Thomsen.
“Without the sponsors, an event like this would be impossible. But all the sponsors and participants have rallied behind this year’s event and now it’s time to enjoy ourselves and raise some funds for some worthy charities.”
The vehicles in the Bangers to Bulff run had to cost under $1000, but that didn’t mean the start line was full of scrap metal. A Mercedes-Benz, BMW and late 2000’s Holden were among the vehicles on the grid.
The routes theme is ‘roads less travelled’, so where ever possible the convoy will keep off the main highways, opting for a more scenic route.
The convoy includes a support vehicle donated by trailer design, manufacture and assembly company Fruehauf. Should things get more serious the AA roadside and breakdown service will be on hand to help out.
CarJam is also involved as a major sponsor, and as New Zealand’s leading vehicle checking provider has supplied entrants with free vehicle reports.
CarJam CEO, Paul Osbourne, is also is also the chairperson of the Hopeworks Foundation – a organization dedicated to providing the public with up-to-date information on symptoms and treatment for neurological conditions and brain injuries.
The Hopeworks Foundation hope funds raised during Bangers to Bluff 2017 will help them hire one full-time staff member to field the 10 to 20 calls they receive a day.
Specialty vehicle insurer Protecta Insurance have also thrown their support behind the event, providing vehicles with third party insurance for the long journey.
When the teams reach Invercargill, the cars will be auctioned off to raise even more money for charity, and this year one has already been pre-sold before leaving Auckland.
A Bangers to Bluff give a little page is up and running for people wanting to donate to Alzheimers NZ and Hopeworks Foundation.
Bangers to Bluff schedule
Wed. 29 – Auckland to Rotarua via Hobbiton
Thu. 30 – Rotarua to Hasting via Artiatia Dam
Fri. 31 – Hastings to Wellington
Sat. 1 – Wellington to Nelson
Sun. 2 – Rest day in Nelson
Mon. 3 – Nelson to Greymouth via Nelson Lakes, Denniston Plateau & Punakaiki
Tues. 4 – Greymouth to Christchurch
Wed. 5 – Christchurch to Wanaka
Thus. 6 – Wanaka to Dunedin via Highlands Racepark
Fri. 7 – Dunedin to Invercargill via Catlins & Bluff
Sat. 8 – Invercargill – final day with auction