The 35th annual Variety TasBash has smashed fundraising targets, raising more than $250,000 for children across Tasmania.
The iconic convoy is currently making its way up the east coast, with decorated vehicles visiting schools and communities from Hobart to Launceston.
This year’s route includes stops at Southern Support School, Kempton Primary and several north-east schools before wrapping up in Launceston on Thursday.
“We are celebrating the 35th TasBash this year. It started back in 1991 and we haven’t stopped turning the wheel since,” Variety CEO Mohammad Aldergham.
“Every dollar raised in Tasmania stays in Tasmania.”
The charity recently granted over $600,000 to Tasmanian children, supporting kids from Flinders Island to Huonville.
Southern Support School alone received more than $16,000 this year for equipment and sensory tools.
Advanced skills teacher Ciaran McDonald said the support had been transformative for his students.
“The relationship with Variety is outstanding for the students. We’ve had all sorts of different programs and provisions and resources put into school,” he said.
The school’s 109 students, who have diverse sensory needs, now have access to an “engine room” with a specialised swing for vestibular regulation.
“It gives them that sensory break time … for young people to engage and get that movement to help them gain a sense of regulation is perhaps what’s most important,” McDonald said.
Long-time participant Ben Palmer has been part of TasBash since 2019 with his bowling club mates.
Their Crackerjack-themed Fairlane, covered in fake grass and mounted bowls, has become a hit with kids.
“It’s brilliant to see the kids and see where the money goes for all the fundraising that we do,” Palmer said.
“It’s hard work going around people and businesses selling raffle tickets and asking for money, but we can be the conduit between those businesses and Variety.”
