Smurfies gears up for the 2017 Wescarpade

However, for Pinjarra man Mitch Vickers, gearing up Smurfies for every year’s Westcarpade and raising money for Camp Quality is an annual highlight.

“I just like the fundraising aspect of it and I love the cause where it is all going to,” he said.

The rally takes place in a different location every year and is designed raise awareness about Camp Quality’s work supporting children with cancer around the country.

Participants spend the year before the race setting up their cars, which have to be at least 20 years old, and fundraising for the cause.

This is the third year Mr Vickers will take active part in the event, taking Smurfies in a 4,000 km bush trip between Armadale and York in October.

Last year, his team raised $44,000 for Camp Quality, adding to Wescarpade’s $893,000 contribution.

“We are quite happy with the support we’ve got,” he said.

Mr Vickers, who has been involved in charity drives for more than a decade, said the rally was challenging.

“They have all different road conditions, it’s all dirt road there’s no bitumen so your car has to be equipped to do that,” he said.

“Rocky, gravelly, river crossings and the whole thing.”

But he believed Smufies was ready to take on the challenge.

“We are ready, the car is built specially for those conditions,” he said.

Camp Quality delivers national programs which build resilience and optimistic behaviors in children who are living with cancer and aged 0-13 years.

The organisation is currently in the stages of expanding, and hopes to bring their services to as many children as possible – with Wescarpade’s help.

In order to start fundraising to assist Camp Quality in brightening up the lives of children battling cancer, Mr Vickers will be holding a special Kid’s Cancer Fundraising Day at Pinjarra Park on Pinjarra Cup day on April 9.

Attendees will be able to enjoy lunch and live entertainment, and participate in a silent auction.

To buy tickets for the event call Peel Bus Charters on 0412 911 938 or Pinjarra Race Club on 9531 1956. 

To donate towards Mr Vicker’s team contribution go to Smurfies’ fundraiser page.