Plans have been underway in the SuperHeroes ACT headquarters, and now the team is calling on all Canberrans to join them in their latest quest. This Sunday, 10 September, squad members hit the streets of Canberra in the eighth annual Classic Cruise ACT to raise funds for Camp Quality.
Engines start at the National Arboretum Canberra at 10am to head to Coppins Crossing, Uriarra, the Cotter, and around Lake Burley Griffin before arriving in Parkes for a public Show and Shine event. The final destination, the Questacon carpark, is expected to just have capacity for all the cars anticipated to turn up on the day.
“We’ll have some exotic vehicles there, all sorts of BMWs, Jags and Porsches – a lot of the exotics. We will also have a lot of very old vehicles as well, one fellow is bringing a lovely old Buick,” says Brett Norton.
The carpark and surrounds will host a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy, offering refreshments, games for the kids and face painting, plus the chance to see the vehicles up close and get to meet one of the heroes.
“We’re doing this for kids. It’s the kids that will recognise the spectacle of the cars, the spectacle of seeing their superheroes walking across the carpark,” he says.
Stepping out of his role as Managing Director of OPC and into the suit of Ironman, Mr Norton is a committee member of the SuperHeroes ACT group. Involved with fundraising for Camp Quality for more than a decade, he says the Classic Cruise has grown from just 80 vehicles to an expected 350 this year with the funds going to help a cause the SuperHeroes are passionate about.
For the past 30 years, Camp Quality has been helping children facing cancer and their families build optimism and resilience through their fun and engaging programs.
“They do a myriad of things to assist families; it’s not only the children but families are impacted greatly as well when a child gets cancer. What they try and do is bring a bit of happiness and lightness back into the lives of these families,” he says.
More than just a camp, the programs provide children with puppet playdate visits in hospital, excursions, a supportive community and specialised care. The organisation’s education program takes place in schools across the country teaching young children about cancer.
“All sorts of different experiences and excursions to support them. The motto for Camp Quality is laughter is the best medicine and that’s something that we all focus on,” he says.
Raising over a million dollars since the Canberra cruise first hit the streets, locals are invited to join Ironman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman and Superman in their own vehicles. Registrations are still open with various car club members, and owners of classic vehicles over 20 years old, luxury exotic cars, company-branded cars, unique vehicles and motorbikes of all kinds encouraged to sign up. Mr Norton urges entrants to seek sponsorship for their drive; one participant raised over $10,000 last year.
Mr Norton will be driving his 1993 Holden, which has been wrapped to resemble Ironman and is a staple of numerous Camp Quality fundraising events throughout the year. With tongue in cheek, he says he shares similarities with the comic book character – they are both always fighting for a good cause.
“Whilst we call ourselves the SuperHeroes, really, it’s these young children who are going through these horrible times, they are the real superheroes out there and we do everything we can to support them,” he says.
Catch the super heroes in action at the Classic Cruise ACT, departing the National Arboretum Canberra on Sunday 10 September 10am, and arriving at Questacon carpark for a Show and Shine later that day. Donations over $2 are tax deductible. To donate or find out more, visit campquality.org.au/event/classiccruiseact
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