Donation makes sense

By Sarah Schwager
THE annual Variety 4WD Bash set off from Marnebek School in Cranbourne last Friday along with a hefty donation.
Variety Australia, The Children’s Charity, donated $20,000 to the school for children with special needs.
About 15 local four-wheel drives set off from Cranbourne to track through the bush across Victoria and New South Wales ending in Yarrawonga to raise money for Victoria’s disadvantaged and disabled children.
The event began with the handing over of the cheque, which will go towards a sensory room – a special learning facility for kids with high needs that includes visual, tactile and movement apparatuses.
Marnebek principal Dennis Pratt said the school put in a submission to Variety for the sensory room but was overwhelmed by the donation.
“It’s very generous. Variety has been a really good supporter of the school since we opened five years ago, particularly with the Sunshine coaches to transport kids. We now have two buses,” he said.
Mr Pratt said hosting the leaving party was a great way of giving back for all the support Variety had given them.
“All the cars were decorated and the contestants were dressed up in a circus theme so there were clowns, strong men and acrobats,” he said.
There was also a petting zoo, games and activities, early morning sausage sizzle and the school was visited by Hawthorn and St Kilda AFL footballers who joined in the games with the children.
A group of children did a special performance of a song called Cars.
“The kids had a great time,” Mr Pratt said.
“They were knocked out by the animals in the zoo and they loved that everyone was dressed up.
“The ones who got here early also enjoyed a sausage before school.”
The 4WD Bash will visit various schools and organisations including the CFA on its journey.