The Cancer Council is one of the largest non-government funders of cancer research in Australia. It conducts and funds research studies across all cancers and all stages of the cancer journey. Part of the Cancer Council’s fundraising history has been the annual car rallies, namely the Shitbox Rally (which UCG has supported in the past) and the Mystery Box Rally. These rallies see participants drive across remote parts of Australia, all helping each other to fix their vehicles on a daily basis so they can all reach the finish line.
UCG’s Senior Estimator, Scott Birkbeck, has been a keen participant in The Mystery Rally for the past three years, and again this year he looks forward to participating in the event. Teams will drive their own 25-plus-year-old cars along a mystery route in this unique five-day challenge which begins on 25 June, all in the name of cancer research. The route is a loop starting and finishing at the same location—Port Lincoln South Australia. All the other details are kept under wraps, and are only given to the teams each morning.
“These events for me were something that I though was a fun way to raise money for the cause, a cause close to everyone’s heart. Something I did not realise I would take home after my first rally was a revitalised feeling of trust and teamwork with strangers from all corners of Australia/NZ and even USA participants. There was not a day that went by that I was not lying under a clapped-out Shitbox Rally: Cancer Council Fundraising car pulling off the broken exhausts or changing tyres in the searing heat of the Australian desert,” Scott said.
UCG looks forward to supporting Scott in reaching his fundraising target this year and, once the rally starts, keeping an eye on his progress. If you would like to donate to Scott’s Mystery Box team, “Wailen Hailen”, you can do so via the web address https://2023.mysteryboxrally.com.au/box-celica/donate/. At least 80 per cent of the donations go to the Cancer Council and no more than 20 per cent goes towards organising the rally.
Donate NowBox Rallies Fund Outstanding Cancer Research Projects Nationally
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is the pinnacle for vital funding for ground-breaking cancer research projects, but their budget only goes so far. The cancer researchers who miss out get another chance at funding via Cancer Council grants. The impact of these projects has been felt right across Australia with many of the grants made possible by Box Rallies’ funding.
For the first time, Box Rallies funds the next highest ranked grants after the NHMRC. This means that Box Rallies will fund some of the most exciting cancer research projects across the country – with the highest potential to significantly impact those affected by cancer.
Find out more about the cause and the research it has contributed to here – https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-involved/partner-with-us/our-partners/box-rallies/
