A BOOM in interest has seen the Westpac Rescue Helicopter’s Drovers’ Run fundraiser turned into an annual event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Tamworth fundraiser has been a bi-annual event since its inception in 2011, but this year marks a new era for the drive which is setting off on its 2018 edition this Saturday.
Event organiser Jeff Galbraith said the money has continued to flow for the chopper in a challenging environment for charity and the broader community.
READ MORE:
The 17 teams preparing to depart have already pooled more than $62,000 for this year’s event, exceeding the relatively modest goal of $40,000.
Mr Galbraith said the event was encroaching on half-a-million dollars raised for the chopper since 2011.
It has continued to entice new trekkers to the drive, from near and far, as it has become more established.
This year, organisers have shortened the trek to nine days, down from 14, in a bid to attract to some newcomers to the fold.
Twelve of the 17 teams are brand new to the run, Mr Galbraith said.
“For this one, we have entrants from Sydney in the south to Brisbane in the north,” he said.
“These are people from outside of our area bringing money into the service.
“It helps us to reach fundraising goal at this time when we absolutely acknowledge how tough things are in the bush.”
The 17 teams will set off at 8am on Saturday morning from the Caltex at Nemingha on Armidale Road, bound for Dirranbandi.