By Afraa Kori
Pakenham resident Luke Nixon and his mate, Matt Warry, are taking on the Spring Shitbox Rally to support cancer research, already raising an impressive $10,318 for the Cancer Council.
This year, all the teams are driving their shitboxes from Alice Springs to Gold Coast via the Oodnadatta Track from 24 October to 1 November.
“This is our first rally so we are looking forward to the experience, the atmosphere, and the community spirit of everyone helping each other make it to the finish line,” Luke said.
Shitbox Rally is the largest community-led fundraiser for Cancer Council in Australia and is now in its 15th year.
All teams are required to raise a minimum of $5000, though most exceed this amount. The Spring 2025 rally has set a fundraising target of over $2,000,000.
“We feel lucky to be selected to participate in the rally. To have an opportunity to raise money for the Cancer Council and cancer research, along with so many other like minded people will be an incredible experience,” Luke said.
“There aren’t many people who haven’t been impacted by cancer. It’s a brutal journey for those diagnosed and everyone around them. The amount of money that box rallies raise every year is incredible and we are proud to be a part of those efforts.
“We are extremely proud to be doing our part to support such a worthy charity. The fundraising is the hard part, so any donation you can give is greatly appreciated.”
Shitbox Rally Spring 2025 is not a race, rather a challenge to achieve the unthinkable. To drive cars worth just $1,500 across Australia via some of its most formidable roads, all in the name of charity.
Luke and Matt purchased a 1994 Ford Fairmont for $1,200, which was neither registered nor roadworthy.
The biggest challenge so far has been getting the car ready for the roadworthy, but they are almost there.
“We have had friends and mechanics selflessly donate their time and skills to help get the car ready,” Luke said.
They have been actively sharing their fundraising goals on social media and are “blow away” by the overwhelming support from strangers who have donated and engaged with their posts.
They will be collecting donations right up until the end of October. No donation is too small, and every dollar counts. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Donate to ‘Not Peddling’ at spring2025.shitboxrally.com.au/not-peddling
