What started as a desire to help one family in need has grown to the most significant charity support movement on the Fraser Coast, as Rally for a Cause has surpassed its 500th recipient. Started 12 years ago and still funded by community commitment and generosity, Rally for a Cause provides short-term financial and other support to families in need after a life-limiting medical diagnosis or other tragic circumstances beyond their control.
Rally for a Cause recipient liaison officer Ros Rielly recently attended her first Dunga Derby, the charity’s largest annual fundraiser. “When my own family needed support, Rally for a Cause was there for us. To now be part of the team helping provide that same support to others is incredibly humbling, and something I’m genuinely grateful for every day,” Ros said.
“For the first time, I also experienced the Dunga Derby from the other side. Through my work, I see, hear and feel the impact Rally for a Cause has on the people and families we support.
“What I don’t always get to see is the incredible passion, generosity and care of the Dunga Derby participants who give so much of themselves to make a difference.”
She was welcomed into the Dunga family with open arms. “There was so much laughter, kindness, fun and genuine inclusiveness. It was a privilege to spend time with the people who give the Dunga Derby its heart and see firsthand why they keep coming back year after year.” she said.
This year, funds raised through on track auctions and fundraising were distributed to three deserving recipients: Kenilworth’s Maddison (Maddy) Soule, living with an extraordinarily rare Factor VII deficiency; Pink Up Kilcoy Region, helping bring a McGrath Foundation Cancer Care Nurse to the region; and Jono Walsh from Team Childers, a Dunga Derby team member, recently diagnosed with a rare form of Motor Neurone Disease.
“Since 2015, Rally for a Cause has supported almost 500 recipients. This year alone, support was approved for 79 locals facing life-threatening and terminal illnesses, serious injuries, long-term health challenges and the devastating loss of loved ones.
But the impact of Dunga doesn’t stop when the Dungas return home from their four-day rally from coast to country; our Angel Families team also took to the track, with four incredible women from our inaugural Women’s Grief Retreat who have suffered the profound loss of a child, partner or sibling, participating in the Fraser Coast Dunga. Over four days, they found courage, connection, laughter and friendship while carrying stories of loss that will never be forgotten.”
Ros said that Dunga Derby is so much more than kilometres travelled or dollars raised. “Every challenge, every laugh, every bid and every dollar represents someone who knows they are not alone. Thank you for being the heart of the Dunga Derby. Thank you for showing up, backing each other and continuing to make a difference when people need it most. Together, you leave behind more than tyre tracks. You leave hope.”
For more information on Dunga Derby and
Rally for a Cause, visit the website www.rallyforacause.org.au
Photo by Dan Filmer – https://www.danfilmer.com/
