Saints Brings $25,000 to 32nd Charity Bash

St Marys Rugby League Club’s terrific trio — Wazza, Burnsey and Mickey — put the pedal to the metal again, with Saints donating a huge $25,000 to Variety — The Children’s Charity in this year’s Variety Bash. 

Club Patron Warren Smith OAM, Vice President John Burns and Director Mick Hilton threw the ’77 Ford Falcon into gear at the starting line in Gunnedah, joining 300 other mates on the 2400-kilometre journey to successfully take the chequered flag in Newcastle last month. 

The trusty Falcon EL, decked out in its brand-new Saints branding, was also packed with merchandise, donations and giveaways courtesy of the Club for rural children. 

In total, more than $95,000 in grants were awarded to rural schools along the route, with a combined total of more than $1.2 million raised this year, according to Variety. 

Now in its 32^nd year, Saints CEO Rod Desborough said the Variety Bash is a spectacular display of camaraderie and community spirit. 

“Saints is proud to support this annual event for the past 18 years, as it raises funds for disadvantaged, sick or disabled children,” said Mr Desborough. 

“We can’t seem to get Warren, John or Mick out of the Saints Bash Car, they just love this yearly adventure. 

“Doing the miles for the kids’ smiles, raising awareness and giving back to the community — it’s in their blood.” 

This year’s Variety Bash marked the trio’s 15^th time together co-piloting the Saints 2760 beast across the country. In 2023, they proudly took out the Spirit of the Bash title. 

“There is nothing more rewarding than rolling up to a school, seeing the children eagerly awaiting us and knowing that we have much-needed resources on board to give,” said Saints Vice President John Burns. 

Saints has given more than $290,000 this year to community projects and organisations through the ClubGRANTS program.