This October, a Smurf Mobile rallies from Mackay to Darwin to beat the Big C and showcase the blues.
In 2009, James Freeman – not a Northern Beaches resident but a good bloke nonetheless – lost both his parents to cancer 3 months apart. He decided to do something to help. The Sh*tBox Rally was born. What’s the Sh*tbox Rally? First, get yourself a 2-wheel-drive car worth not a cent over $1,500. Second, drive it across the worst roads in Oz for a 7-day rally through the most remote country towns and isolated regions of our big brown land.
The first rally comprised 25 cars but has since grown to 3 rallies a year, with 250 cars taking part in 2022. Since kicking off, more than $30million has been raised for cancer research, with hopes to raise a further $5million this year. In addition to the money raised for cancer, thanks to the flotilla of sh*tboxes rallying through some very remote country towns, each town enjoys a well needed cash injection, and this year they’ll be treated to more than that, with a couple of Northern Beaches gents set to turn every outpost blue.
Namely Brett Morgan and Michael Peterson aka The Smurfy Smurfs, a pair of adventurous little blue fellows, having in the past been sky divers, scuba divers, surfers, members of Surf Life Saving Clubs and Michael is a coach at Narrabeen Sharks JRLFC. Like most Northern Beaches residents, they love the outdoors, socialising, and giving back to the community.
Brett explains the Smurfs’ motivation, “We’ve all known someone or been personally affected by cancer, including Michael’s mother and mother-in-law who both passed away unfortunately from cancer. For us it’s about giving something back, raising money to help end the disease and having a little fun along the way. To see 250 cars lined up, all with different themes, all in fancy dress is amazing. Really, we just want to do our part to help others.”
Helping others and managing to get a sh*tbox to the finish line is tough enough, but it’s the fancy dress theme that has the Smurfs most revved up. “A lot of people are trying for best dressed/theme of the rally,” Michael gives us the scoop. “But by being Smurfs for the entire trip – yes that’s a lot of body paint!! – we’re hoping for a 2022 best-dressed podium finish! We’ve got plenty of Smurf tricks up our Smurf sleeves for the road ahead.”
Getting the vehicle and camping gear ready is no picnic but the greatest challenge is the fundraising. “Our goal is $50,000 and we’re sure Tawny Frogmouth readers appreciate the huge effort required to raise that amount.”
Currently sitting on $7,410 funds raised, to make sure the Smurf Mobile smashes their $50k target, be sure to donate. But for Tawny readers who want to see the Smurfs in their blue Sh*tbox glory, Brett and Michael are bolstering their fundraising efforts by making themselves and their Smurf Mobile available for local businesses or individuals who’d appreciate a personalised visit from a couple of good-looking Smurfs. Well hello B1 and B2!
It could be for an event, or you just want to get involved. Plus, there’s still space on the Smurf Mobile for your logo should you want to sponsor a legendary duo and an awesome cause.
To donate to the Smurf Mobile’s Sh*tbox Rally and raise funds for cancer research go to www.shitboxrally.com.au and for a Smurf Mobile visit, email brookvaleglass@hotmail.com
The Smurfs would also like to thank their major sponsors Brookvale Glass and Able Doors, as well as minor sponsors Upstate Real Estate, Scott Bensley Constructions, Modern Frameless Glass Systems and Plateau Fine Quality Meats.