Lanotec, the Australian-made leader in all-natural lubricants and protectants, is proud to be supporting a family team in the upcoming Shitbox Rally, all in the name of raising money for cancer research.
Participating under the team Mayhem banner, father and son Ross and Benjamin May seek to honour their daughter and sister Katie, who passed 25 years ago after a brave five-year battle with Leukemia at the age of six.
The basis of the Shitbox Rally concept is not specifically competitive but rather taking $1,500 vehicles across a formidable rural course in the name of charity and awareness raising.
The Spring 2024 event route starts in Bendigo and ends in Townsville, with overnight stops in Pooncarie, Milparinka, Innamincka, Betoota, Isisford, and Belyando Crossing.
To date, the event has raised over $1,750,000 from the 225 registered teams, bringing the total raised by all Box Rallies close to $50 million in the aid of 63 different cancer research programs.
Currently, Mayhem is closing on its fundraising target of $20,000 for the Cancer Council.
“For me personally, it’s 25 years since Katie died. I’m finding that my son Benjamin, who is 32 now, he is talking about it more, asking questions, he talks about his recollections, because he was anywhere from two years old to seven years old when it was happening,” said Ross.
“I thought to myself that it sounds like it is time for us to do something together to remember her and bring it out in the open.
“We come from a fairly small community, and we are doing a fair bit to open up about it… everyone has their story; cancer will affect almost everybody, and we’ve got to work our way through it together.
“The only way to make a better future is to put more money into finding answers.
“I think the Shitbox Rally is very inclusive and something the entire community can be a part of.”
For the Rally, Mayhem has secured a 2007 Ford Territory. Although it was trashed inside, it is still mechanically sound and fits the event’s cost cap.
Importantly, the Territory offers ample space for camping kit while also providing an extensive canvas. Artists at a local school in Mansfield, Victoria, turned one of Katie’s pictures, “Dreaming,” into a uniquely eye-catching livery.
Mayhem has coordinated various initiatives to assist in their quest to raise funds.
This includes an art auction featuring more than 20 pieces donated by local artists and private collectors from around the Mansfield area.
Supporters have also donated ten prizes for a raffle valued at a total of $3,500.
To support Mayhem’s mission, donations can be made at https://spring2024.shitboxrally.com.au/mayhem.
The Spring 2024 Shitbox Rally starts on October 18th and runs through to the 26th, with further details available at www.shitboxrally.com.au.
