Albany vintage car owners tackle fourth Variety WA car cruise for a cause, set for drive through Narrogin

Variety WA’s iconic fundraiser for car collectors is gearing up for 2025, with Albany fundraisers taking on their fourth cruise for a cause with more than $16,000 raised for the WA charity.

The “Wind, Wheat and Waves” Creative Car Cruise will take up to 18 fundraising teams on a four-day cruise through the Wheatbelt, Great Southern and South West regions, making pit stops to deliver Variety grants to regional towns and schools along the way, this year including John Butler Primary College and Bindoon Primary School.

The popular cruise for a cause will start on Thursday, March 13 in Joondalup and travel through Bindoon, Toodyay, Beverley, Narrogin and Boyup Brook to end up in Margaret River on Sunday, March 16.

Fundraisers are encouraged to raise or donate $3000 before the event.

Albany residents Renae and Aaron St Jack will join the cruise for their fourth year in their 1970 Ford Mustang, joining Albany friends Grant and Peta Wells in their 1932 Ford Tudor who will be tackling their fifth cruise.

The St Jacks have been fundraising since mid-2024 with sausage sizzles at Bunnings and local community events, raising more than $16,000 for Variety over their four years participating in the cruise.

Ms St Jack said the best part of the cruise was meeting the people their donations were helping.

“We drive a different route every year, so there’s always something new to see and new people to meet,” she said.

“We’re happy to support a good cause and have some fun along the way.

“Variety do a great job with raising money and helping people out all over WA, so we’re glad to represent the Great Southern and everyone who’s donated to the cause down here and also those who are getting some of the money from Variety to help them along.”

2025 celebrates Variety’s 50th year of operation in Australia, and Variety WA chief executive Chris Chatterton said the car cruise brought together some of the State’s most dedicated fundraisers for the charity.

“Some of our drivers this year will have participated in 14 Creative Car Cruises over the years, raising many thousands of dollars to make a difference to kids in need,” he said.

“We at Variety are so very grateful to our fabulous committee and dedicated participants for making such a big difference especially at this difficult time for families.”