Kidney Kar Rally takes off from Mudgee
3,000 km fundraiser through New South Wales for kids living with kidney disease August 14-19
One of Australia’s longest-running charity car rallies, Kidney Health Australia’s Kidney Kar Rally, has taken off on its week-long adventure through regional New South Wales, travelling over 3,000km from Mudgee to Narrandera via Bateman’s Bay.
From Monday, August 14 until Saturday, August 19, a field of 39 rally cars driven and designed by supporters of Kidney Health Australia will travel across regional New South Wales to raise funds and awareness for the Kids and Youth Program, which helps children and young people deal with the physical, emotional and psychological impacts of kidney disease.
Over three decades, the rally has raised more than $15 million for the Kids and Youth Program, and the target this year is to lift that tally by another $400,000 to support events like the national Kidney Kids Camp.
Kidney Health Australia CEO, Chris Forbes, wished the Kidney Kar Rally drivers well and commended them on their fundraising efforts to date.
“We’re thrilled and grateful to have 39 cars taking off today in the Kidney Kar Rally. These incredible teams have shown sincere dedication to the cause through their fundraising efforts for Kidney Health Australia,” said Forbes.
“Kidney disease is often mistaken as an older person’s disease, but in fact so many Australian kids and youths are impacted, often needing ongoing medical interventions and transplants at a young age. Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program helps kids be kids, helping them and their families find the peer support they need.
“Childhood and adolescence are challenging enough without the enormous physical and emotional burden of kidney disease. It’s why we’re determined to support them through these important developmental years, and why raising funds for this Kids and Youth Program is so vital.”
Australian rally champion, Harry Bates was at the start line to wish the drivers luck as they tackle the regional New South Wales terrain, all in the name of supporting kids with kidney disease.
This is Bates’ second year on the rally supporting Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program.
“This is my second year supporting the rally and it’s fantastic to see a great turnout again in 2023. Every one of the drivers is passionate about the cause and raising money for kids across Australia living with kidney disease and having seen firsthand the affect this funding has on kids at a Kidney Kids Camp, I’m really proud to be part of the team supporting the cause,” said Bates.
To donate to the rally for Kidney Health Australia’s Kids and Youth Program, visit kidneykarrally.org.au
RALLY ROUTE ACROSS REGIONAL NEW SOUTH WALES
| Sunday August 13 | Mudgee (Registration Day & Welcome Dinner) |
| Monday August 14 | Depart Mudgee |
| Monday August 14 | Arrive Oberon |
| Tuesday August 15 | Arrive Yass |
| Wednesday August 16 | Arrive Batemans Bay |
| Thursday August 17 | Arrive Eden |
| Friday August 18 | Arrive Tumut |
| Saturday August 19 | Arrive Narrandera (Finish & Closing Dinner) |
* Note cars depart early AM and arrive in next town mid-late afternoon
Exact locations of departure and arrivals will be sent in media alerts during the rally.
KEY STATISTICS AROUND KIDNEY HEALTH
- Chronic kidney disease contributes to 1 in 6 hospitalisations in Australia.
- Chronic kidney disease affects more than 2 million Australians – that’s almost one in every 10 – with 1.8 million Australians unaware they have kidney disease.
- Kidney transplantation is the preferred treatment for children and young people with kidney disease, as dialysis is a time-consuming procedure that can impact on schooling and social life.
- In 2020, 701 children and young people received Kidney Replacement Therapy, most of whom were aged 15-24.
- Around 80% of young people transition into adult kidney services with a functioning transplant. However, up to 35% of young adults who received a transplant may lose it within 3 years of transitioning into adult services.
- 3 in 4 Australians are at risk of kidney disease.
- On average 66 Australians die per day with chronic kidney disease (more than breast and prostate cancer and road accidents).
Kidney Health Australia is a not-for-profit and the peak body for kidney health in Australia with the aim to protect 5 million at-risk Australians from developing end-stage kidney disease, and to save and improve the lives of people already affected by the disease through support services, educating healthcare professionals, and funding crucial research. To find out more visit www.kidney.org.au
Follow Kidney Health Australia on:
Facebook: facebook.com/KidneyHealthAust
Instagram: @KidneyHealth