By KATH GANNAWAY
PEOPLE power and petrol power are the driving force behind a massive $23,643 donation made to the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal over Easter.
Organiser of the Wandin Custom Car and Bike Show, Sindy Vitale, delivered the huge cheque to the appeal.
She said it was a great day for Wandin and for all the people who contributed by attending the monthly car shows at East Wandin Reserve over the last six months.
There was more good news to come with Sindy and co-organisers, husband Tony, and Annie and Stewart Johnson, announcing that Wandin community groups who took part in the event had also raised a phenomenal amount.
Wandin CFA raised $12,000, Wandin Yallock Primary School $4000, Wandin Rotary $2153 and St Mary’s Primary School $4500.
“That brings our total this season to nearly $50,000 for the local community and to help the kids at the Royal Children’s Hospital, and a big part of that is due to the very generous sponsors who help get this event off the ground each year.
“It was an amazing season and way beyond what we ever dreamed of when the show started with just 56 cars in the car park at the Wandin North shopping centre six years ago,” Sindy said.
The event has become an institution with more than 500 cars and motorcycles pouring into the Wandin East Recreation Reserve on the third Wednesday of the month from October through to March.
“The rumble of engines coming from every direction and the way the cars, bikes and the crowds bring the reserve to life is a fantastic sight,” Sindy said.
Ms Johnson says the strength of the show is that there is always something new, and the great atmosphere.
“You always see something you haven’t seen before, but it’s not just about the cars, it’s also a great family and community event.
“Everyone catches up with friends, old and new, local groups such as the CFA and schools come together to fund-raise and at some of our shows we’ve had The Flaming Moes on stage to entertain the crowds with great foot-tapping music.”
Sindy is justifiably proud of the way the event has blossomed, with just four people taking on the organisation each year and a great band of willing helpers on the night.
“It’s really everyone working together that has made this event the great success it has become,” Sindy said.
“Now to start planning next year.”
