The Saints crew were on hand to present Mallawa Public School with a grant for $5167 during the journey.
Images courtesy: Justin and Alison Worboys, and Chelsea Russell, volunteer photographers with Variety.
St Marys Rugby League Club’s terrific trio – Wazza, Burnsey and Mickey – put the pedal to the metal again, with Saints donating a huge $25,000 to Variety – The Children’s Charity in this year’s Variety Bash.
Club Patron Warren Smith OAM, Vice President John Burns and Director Mick Hilton, threw the ’77 Ford Falcon into gear at the starting line in Gunnedah, joining 300 other mates on the ‘round about’ 2400km journey to successfully take the chequered flag in Newcastle earlier this month.
The trusty Falcon EL, decked out in its brand-new Saints branding, was also packed with merchandise, donations, and giveaways courtesy of the Club for the rural children.
In total, more than $95,000 in grants was awarded to rural schools along the route, with a combined total of over $1.2 million raised this year, according to Variety.
“Now in its 32nd year the bash is a spectacular display of camaraderie and community spirit,” Saints CEO Rod Desborough said.
“Saints is proud to support this annual event for the past 18 years, as it raises funds for disadvantaged, sick or disabled children,’ Mr Desborough said.
“We can’t seem to get Warren, John or Mick out of the Saints Bash Car, they just love this yearly adventure.
“Doing the miles for the kids’ smiles, raising awareness and giving back to the community – it’s in their blood.”
This year’s Bash marked the trio’s 15th time together co-piloting the Saints 2760 beast across the country.
In 2023, they proudly took out the Spirit of the Bash title.
“There is nothing more rewarding than rolling up to a school, seeing the children eagerly awaiting us and knowing that we have much needed resources on board to give” said John Burns, Vice President.
Saints has given more than $290,000 this year to community projects and organisations through
the ClubGRANTS program.
For more information about ClubGrants, and the continued community support that Saints provides visit https://stmarysleagues.com.au/about-us/saintcares/
