By Natalee Kerr
A local drive that raised more than $20,000 for children’s cancer last year is set to return next month.
Belmont’s Graeme McMahon is preparing to take on his second Crusin4Kids event after participating in Camp Quality fundraisers for more than a decade.
“About 11 years ago we were looking to get involved with some events, we saw a Camp Quality one advertised and we thought we would give it ago,” the 59-year-old said.
“The first year you do it for a bit of fun but then you find out more about the fantastic work Camp Quality do and that drives you to continue what you’re doing.
“It’s very satisfying to be able to give back to the community this way.”
Graeme said in the past few years he had attended Camp Quality camps interacting with kids directly affected by cancer.
“You get a bit teary when you see who you’re doing it for,” he admitted.
“I’ve got grandchildren myself and would hate for them to go through something like that.”
The local business owner is a regular entrant at the annual Camp Quality EsCarpade and has become a sponsor for this year’s Crusin 4 Kids.
Graeme said he was still “thrilled” about the level of support for last year’s inaugural drive, which featured more than 130 cars.
“It was a fantastic day with a lot of Geelong cars involved,” he said.
“It’s something we definitely want to grow over time.”
This year Graeme and his co-drivers had entered three cars for the 130km trip from Avalon Airport to Clunes on 8 September, he said.
Money raised from this year’s event will again go to toward the charity’s work supporting families with childhood cancer victims.
Anyone wanting to register or donate can visit cruisin4kids.com.au.
