Port Macqauarie was on Sunday the start point for a 2188 kilometre journey raising funds for Camp Quality.
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The 2017 ‘Escarpade’ saw some 70 vehicles – all of them looking quite spectacular – assembled on Westport Park.
With over $950,000 already raised, the 2017 group has a target of $1.2 million, said event manager Susan Fleming.
“All money raised from this event – and this is its 26th year – go to Camp Quality to help us continue the good programs that we offer families,” she said.
“We work very hard with families to help them out as best that we can.
“Alongside that, there is also a fun side to this event with every car themed and the drivers and crews dressing up for the occasion.”
Ms Fleming said teams from Victoria, Queensland NSW had assembled for the start of the event in Port Macquarie.
“This year we have 12 new vehicles alongside one guy who has done all previous 25 events. While we also have other teams that have participated in 10 and 15 events,” she added.
Each of the 12 new teams had contributed around $10,000 to the fundraising pool.
“Thanks to Port Macquarie for being so welcoming to us. Everyone is staying all over the place … the town has been amazing and the weather has held off beautifully.”
Course director Ben Mildren said his role was to map the course 12 months in advance and to work with local communities to ensure the smooth running of the event.
“We have plenty of navigational notes available to all crews. This event can be a bit tough for the ‘newbies’ and we ensure that everyone has up to date information,” he said.
“I also talk directly with local towns to ensure that have the capabilities to cater for 250 people for breakfast too … which can be sometimes difficult to organise.
“The vehicles themselves are modified – and lifted a little bit – with run with higher profile tyres. We are running on all kinds of road surfaces but the majority are what you would consider off-road.
“There is a little bit of pressure on the navigators – and with 59 newbies this year, they are certainly being embraced by the ‘Escarpade’ family."
Camp Quality esCarpade is Australia’s happiest and wackiest motoring adventure! The week-long journey is held to raise money to support Aussie kids impacted by cancer.
The course changes every year and in 2017 will start in Port Macquarie on Sunday 22 October and travel through Walcha, Armidale, Glen Innes, Grafton, Alstonville, Tweed Heads, Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Gympie, Kingaroy and Crows Nest before finishing in Toowoomba on Saturday October 28.
