Variety of fundraisers at Drouin

Drouin Secondary College’s year eight hands on learning team welcomed back chaplain David Hobbs with a donation after he had completed his 10th Variety Bash recently.

Mr Hobbs works closely with the hands on learning team at the school, providing support, encouragement and guidance to the boys. His experience and dedication towards fundraising for those in need has been a great motivation for the team.

David sets aside a couple of weeks each year to enjoy the three things he loves - old cars, the outback, and helping disabled and disadvantaged children. Rolling them into one, the annual Variety bash that sets off from Melbourne is something he has done for the past decade in his 1974 ZG Fairlane that he found under a tree in a paddock and bought for $500.

Accompanying Mr Hobbs for this year’s bash were former Warragul local Dave Hore, who had previously competed in another car, Martin Hill and Ray Standfield who had been on the past three Variety bashes as a paramedic with the escort crew.

The four shared the driving in the Elvis themed car with Elvis painted on the bonnet, dressing up as Elvis and blasting Elvis songs.

The convoy often stops at tiny outback schools with as few as eight pupils, who would never have seen 100 cars at any one time.

After 10 years of completing the bash, Mr Hobbs and his teammates from car 141 are showing no signs of slowing down. They have raised more than $155,000 for Variety and have their sights set on reaching $200,000 next year.

Emulating the fundraising efforts of Mr Hobbs and his team, the hands on learning team as Leos (young Lions Club members) have conducted fundraising barbecues at Bunnings, Coles and Drouin Secondary College for charity.

This year the hands on learning team decided to donate $1000 to assist Mr Hobb’s fundraising efforts. The hands on learning team are very proud of what Mr Hobbs and his team have achieved and the feeling is mutual.