Team Santa has successfully surpassed its ambitious fundraising target of $30,000 for this year’s Spring Shitbox Rally, a significant achievement bolstered by a recent charity dinner in Koonwarra. The rally, which supports cancer research, holds particular significance for team member Rod Cope, who is participating for the first time.
A Personal Mission for Cancer Research
Rod Cope, alongside his wife Lyndell, will be driving a Commodore, themed with a Santa and Christmas motif and valued at approximately $1500, from Adelaide to Darwin. Their participation is driven by a personal connection to the cause; Rod was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 at the age of 51. Fortunately, his treatment was successful, and he is now in good health.
“I went through prostate cancer in 2018, and everything’s good now,” Rod shared. “I just want to give something back.”
Beyond raising funds, Rod is committed to increasing awareness, especially among men, about the importance of regular prostate cancer screenings. His own diagnosis came as a surprise, as he experienced no prior symptoms. “I was advised by somebody that I should get checked, so I did, and luckily I did,” he explained. “That’s how they found it.” Having undergone surgery without complications, Rod considers himself fortunate and hopes his story will encourage others to seek medical advice.
“I’m one of the lucky ones,” he stated. “If I can just raise awareness for men to get checked, that’s all I want to do, and raise a bit of money for research along the way.”
Overwhelming Community Support Fuels Fundraising Success
The recent charity dinner held at Koonwarra Hall proved to be a pivotal event in Team Santa’s fundraising efforts. Rod described the community’s response as “overwhelming.” Initially, organizers had anticipated around 100 guests, but the event drew approximately 140 attendees, significantly exceeding expectations.
The evening featured a performance by the Melbourne-based band Remote Collaborators, which includes Rod’s sister-in-law, Tamara Brezzi, who generously donated their time. The dinner alone generated $13,000. This substantial contribution, combined with the $17,000 previously raised through Team Santa’s online donation page for the Shitbox Rally, propelled them past their $30,000 goal.
The distinctive Santa and Christmas theme for their rally car emerged from Rod’s prior involvement in various Christmas-themed charity initiatives. Previously, funds raised had been directed to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. This connection to the renowned cancer research and treatment facility is further strengthened by Rod’s daughter, Olivia, who works as an anaesthetic nurse there and collaborates with the very surgeon who performed his operation.
The Spring Shitbox Rally: A Nationwide Effort
Team Santa is set to depart Adelaide on August 15th as part of the annual Spring Shitbox Rally. Rod and Lyndell will navigate the back roads towards Darwin over six days. The rally is expected to feature around 225 vehicles, all participating to raise vital funds for cancer research through the Cancer Council.
Box Rallies, the organization behind the event, has a remarkable track record, having raised over $66 million for cancer research since its inception in 2010. The upcoming Spring Rally alone has already garnered more than $1.6 million in donations, underscoring the widespread commitment to the cause.
For those wishing to support Team Santa’s mission, donations can still be made via their online donation page. Direct inquiries can be sent to Team Santa at teamsanta2026@gmail.com.
Acknowledgements
Team Santa extends its gratitude to its sponsors for their invaluable support:
- Southern Stockfeeds
- Sentinel-Times
- Kate Lafferty Photography
- SportsPower Leongatha
- Bodyscope Health Clinic
- Willsigns Leongatha
- Gippsland Veterinary Group
- Evans Petroleum
A special thank you is also directed to the Leongatha Rotary Club for their generous donation of $2000 at the fundraising event, which significantly contributed to Team Santa’s overall success.
