The annual Trillian Trek car rally is passing through Whakatāne next month as part of a fundraiser for Kiwi kids in need.
Cars, buses, trucks and fire engines dressed in weird and wonderful themes will arrive in town on Monday, 5 March for a street parade along The Strand, followed by a ‘park up’ at Mataatua Reserve. Kids are encouraged to come along to watch the parade and make a gold coin donation for the cause.
Whakatāne Mayor Tony Bonne says it’s a special event to be involved in. “We’re delighted to be part of the Trillian Trek journey, which supports a fantastic cause. It’s going to be a great afternoon out in Whakatāne as we see the whacky array of vehicles passing through.”
Formerly known as The Variety Bash, the rally travels across the North Island to raise money for Blue Light, a charity that works in partnership with the Police to reduce the number of young people becoming an offender or victim of crime. The trek has been running for 26 years and has raised more than $10 million for Kiwi kids.
Trillian Trek Director Murray O’Donnell says it’s about putting smiles on kids’ faces. “Our purpose has always been the same, and that it’s for our kids. We’ll be handing out gifts for children during the parade and are looking forward to the Whakatāne and East Cape sector of the journey,” he says. “It’s a wonderful part of New Zealand that not enough people experience.”
The Trillian Trek street parade begins along The Strand, Whakatāne at 3:45 pm on Monday, 5 March, followed by the ‘park up’ at Mataatua Reserve.