Today, two Hobsons Bay residents, David Berner and Robert Mason set off on a two week journey to raise money for cancer research.
Vice president of the Hobsons Bay mens shed David, was delighted to embark on this “exciting journey” with fellow member Robert.
“Both Rob and I are getting on years so we decided we should do something important,” he said.
The duo are participating in the 2023 ‘Mystery Box Rally’, the ‘baby brother’ of the ‘Shitbox Rally’ which challenges drivers to drive a car worth less than $1500 across Australia.
The team titled ‘Old but not under’, was created after David heard his friend talk about the rally.
“He told me how at that time the rally had raised $28 million dollars for cancer, now it is sitting at $40 million.”
David and Robert followed the rules which stated the car had to be more than 25 years old, and purchased an Australian made EL Ford Falcon.
“Before our entry was accepted we had to raise at least $4,000 for the cancer foundation, so we set about raising our funds,” he said.
“With help from the Altona Rotary club, the men’s shed, Car-Trek and a number of fundraising events, we raised a total of $11, 500.
“The generosity and support from people within the Hobsons Bay area has been outstanding.”
Starting today, David and Robert along with five other cars in their party will begin their drive up to rural Queensland.
More than 70 cars are taking part in the rally, which aims to see everybody in the small groups to finish the course.
“It’s not a speed race, it’s an endurance race,” he said.
“We just have our own tools and experience, we have been giving the car a lot of love and tweaks so we are feeling cautiously confident.”
Jennifer Pittorino
