By Alesha Capone
Three friends braved snow, multiple mechanical problems and tough terrain while driving a Nissan Pulsar through the New South Wales backroads to raise funds for charity in 2019.
Altona Meadows resident Duncan Benn, Andrew Meddings of Hillside and Jason Bonnici from Tarneit – aka Team Pulsation – travelled in the 1993 vehicle, nicknamed Betsy, from Mudgee to Finley for the Kidney Kar Rally.
The annual event raises funds for Kidney Health Australia’s yearly Kidney Kids Camp and youth programs.
During their “epic adventure”, Mr Benn, Mr Meddings and Mr Bonnici saw the Big Ram at Goulburn, dressed as cowboys for a performance night and carried out repairs to Betsy in the parking lots of motels.
The mechanical skills of Mr Benn, who is business manager of Hoppers Crossing auto repair shop Hoppers Stoppers, came in handy during the trip.
The trio are planning to participate in the rally again this year, with the aim of raising $3000 for Kidney Health Australia.
More than 50 other vehicles will take part in the event from August 14 to 19.
“We are looking forward to the challenge and adventure of driving a beat-up little car through outback NSW with good mates, especially after the last 18 months Victoria has been through,” Mr Benn said.
Mr Benn said he and the others decided to take part in the rally because the wife of one of their friends, Oden Hickey, suffers from kidney disease.
Mr Benn said he helped Mr Hickey prepare his cars for the rally for a number of years, before being convinced to join in himself.
Mr Benn said he would like to thank Team Pulsation’s sponsors including Wayne from Flexi Personal, Graeme and Mark from Dynamic Technology Solutions, Rob from Westwood First National Real Estate, Mick from Haley Hire, Bevan from BCT Group, Kristian from KJB Accountants, Paul from Steamatic Total Cleaning and Rhonda from Burson Hoppers Crossing.
Visit bit.ly/3yGwswc to make a donation to Team Pulsation.
