Christmas In July Bash To Raise Money For Kids

Christmas is coming early this year and Santa's team of elves are working hard for a good cause.

As part of Variety Bash Queensland, local fundraising team Bashcar 50/50 is hosting a Christmas in July dinner to raise money for Variety - the Children's Charity. The event will be held at Verrano in Stafford Heights and will include a mouth-watering two-course meal with all the fun and festivity you'd expect from a Christmas feast.

Bashcar 50/50 team leader Mal Johnson said they were running the event to raise money for kids who were sick, disadvantaged or had a disability.�

To go into the Bash, you've got to raise money for Variety,� Mal said. We spend the year raising our money and that goes straight to the charity. Then at the end we have a reward running through the outback and playing in these old cars.�

Each team that enters the Variety Bash commits to raising $8,500 to help kids in need, but usually raise much more. Team member Lydia Dawson said they raised $13,000 last year.

We are always thinking of fun ways to fundraise,� Lydia said. We try to get as much money as we can.�

At the end of August, Mal, Lydia and the team will head out in a Volkswagen Combi on a 10-day trip from Winton to Yeppoon and meet some of the families they've raised funds for.

Sometimes, when we give families something like a computer, a push bike or a saddle, everyone has been reduced to tears,� Mal said. We get a big thrill out of seeing these kids get something that will help them.

You don't realise how hard it is for some people, but they're always so happy and positive,� Lydia said. I feel lucky to be able to be a part of it all.�

It wouldn't be a Variety Bash without wacky costumes, which is why the Christmas dinner will also feature a hilarious visit from Santa. Guests are invited to deck the halls by wearing plenty of tinsel, ugly Christmas sweaters, and colourful outfits, because there's also a prize on the night for best dressed.

Tickets are $65 and can be booked online at www.eventbrite.com.au by searching Variety Christmas in July Dinner.

If you can't make it to the dinner, donate to Mal's team at: www.varietybashqld.com.au/t...

Christmas in July Dinner
Saturday, 31 July, 6.30pm-10.30pm
Verrano
69A Wilgarning Street, Stafford Heights