ON Saturday, November 22, San Remo CFA volunteers Ric Pearce and Mark Thiele will host a sausage sizzle fundraiser in front of the San Remo IGA from 10 am until 2 pm. While cooking for the community, they’ll share vital information about summer fire season preparedness and raise funds for their 2026 Shitbox Rally for Cancer Council.
Their trusty companion for this journey is a 2009 Ford Focus, purchased for just $500, which they’ve prepared for the rally. With an ambitious fundraising goal of $25,000, Ric and Mark have already raised nearly $4,000.
“For us, this rally is about making a difference, raising awareness and supporting critical cancer research,” said Mark. “The rally, scheduled for June 2026, requires each team to raise a minimum of $5,000 – and we’re almost there.”
Ric and Mark have joined the 2026 rally in honour of Ric's wife and Mark's sister, Karen, who was a passionate traveller, adventurer and educator. Her mantra, Family, Adventure, Life, is with us every day.
“After an eight-month fight, Karen lost her battle to cancer in 2022,” said Ric. “We know she would love that Mark and I are taking on the 2026 Winter Shitbox Rally together in her memory.”
The duo will take the road in June and drive from Phillip Island to Mildura, where the rally will begin. “We’ll then drive from Mildura to Townsville in seven days through some of Australia’s most stunning and rugged landscapes,” said Mark.
The Shitbox Rally is not a race; it’s a challenge – teams drive cars worth no more than $1,500.
“We’ve only spent $180 on the Ford Focus so far, totalling $680.”
Teams will travel in small groups, helping each other on the way, and this event brings people together who have been impacted by cancer in different ways. Together, Ric and Mark will make memories in honour of Karen and help support cancer research on the way.
Join Ric and Mark at San Remo IGA on November 22 and help them drive hope forward.
Visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581343610781 to follow their journey and www.winter2026.shitboxrally.com.au/bass-straight-bandits to donate.
