From car challenges to pumpkin trebuchets, Tiny’s 2.5 is a series of fundraising events set to boost the coffers of local charities while also providing reward for those raising funds.
Tiny’s 2.5 is a new endeavour for Goran Srejic, better known in Canberra as Tiny, one of the co-founders of The Green Shed which has raised more than $1 million for charity since it opened its doors in 2010.
Now, as Tiny prepares to finish up at The Green Shed, he has launched more ambitious plans to raise $2.5 million for local charities in five years.
The first event off the mark is Tiny’s Car Challenge.
“We want to show the rest of Australia that Canberra can raise $1 million through this car challenge,” Tiny said. “All charities get the proceeds; participants are fundraising for their charity not us.”
The top 20 fundraisers overall will have the chance to win a new VW car which will be located at Canberra Outlet Centre. The twist? The top fundraisers, or their nominated person, must be the last one standing with their hand still on the car to win the prize.
Applications for charities will be open from 22 July with fundraising to run for three weeks from 1 August.
The car challenge itself is due to be held on 3 September. While only the last person standing will win the car, second prize is $5,000 from Kellie Chalker-Hall at McIntyre Property, with Tiny saying the prizes are a way to “thank the fundraisers”.
“It’s going to be an annual event,” he said. “Hands Across Canberra have jumped on board because they have 250 charities, but any charity can apply.”
Tiny is encouraging local charities to apply as it’s a great opportunity to generate donations, especially given the tough conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Then it is their job to get their supporters on board and help fundraise,” he said.
In addition to Tiny’s Car Challenge, Tiny’s 2.5 is planning a Pumpkin Chunkin’ Trebuchet event in coming months, which will see participants aim to catapult a pumpkin into a 44-gallon drum in a paddock.
With the trebuchets (catapults) under construction, this event will raise funds for Vietnam Veterans ACT, who are previous beneficiaries of The Green Shed’s Charity Days, “to continue the great work they do” over the next five years.
The Pumpkin Chunkin’ Trebuchet will offer $10,000 in prize money – $5,000 for the winner and $5,000 for their nominated charity.
A third event on the cards is a talent quest at the AIS; however, due to current restrictions, this may be “postponed for a little longer”.
Tiny is hopeful that all three Tiny’s 2.5 fundraisers – the car challenge, pumpkin chunkin’ and talent quest – will become annual events. But that’s not all! He’s also keen to revive the legendary Birdman Rally, which was a popular event at Lake Burley Griffin circa 1985-1992, so watch this space.
For Tiny, his community spirit is led by the ethos “If you can, you should”.
“What we do is come up with a whacky idea, write it down and do it,” he smiled.
“Canberra has been good to me over the years … I just think if you are capable to help others you should. We are all in this together.”
For more information about Tiny’s 2.5 and the upcoming Tiny’s Car Challenge, visit tinys.com.au
This editorial was created in partnership with Tiny’s 2.5. For more information on sponsored partnerships, click here.
