A group of friends are about to embark on the journey of a lifetime for the second time after ticking off a “bucket list item” last year.
Viv Coleman, Karen Armstrong and Molly Bendle from St Lawrence and Kate Craig from Sarina are the Opal Chicks, a team undertaking the 2023 Variety Bash from Toowoomba to Cairns, leaving on Tuesday, August 15.
Ms Coleman said it had been a lifelong goal to take part in the Bash, which raises funds for Variety, a charity providing support for children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have a disability.
“I’ve never experienced the emotional rollercoaster of being able to see firsthand what we are giving back into communities, families and children who need help,” she said.
“You are crying and you are laughing 10 times a day on the same day.
“The impact that Variety Queensland makes, to see it firsthand, there’s no way to describe the emotions you actually feel.”
Before the Opal Chicks participated in their first Variety Bash last year, Ms Coleman travelled to Adelaide to collect a Holden VN Commodore they’ve named Vinnie.
“There’s four of us girls in the car together and we all work amazingly well together as a team,” Ms Coleman said.
“We have a great time and we try to make the best of our ability to have fun.”
The team has already raised over $28,000 thanks to donations from the community, fundraising efforts and sponsors including Ray White Sarina.
“We’ve had so many donations of gifts and prizes for raffles,” Ms Coleman said.
“The community support’s been wonderful.”
Returning for their second year, the Opal Chicks are excited to reunite with their ‘Bash Family’, as many participants return to the Bash year after year.
“We’re all very like minded people, and having that Bash Family atmosphere, it’s so uplifting and it’s such a wonderful experience,” Ms Coleman said.
“I recommend it to anyone; you need to do it at least once in your life.”
Search Opal Chicks on Facebook to follow their journey or visit www.varietybashqld.com.au/t/boulderopalchicks to make a donation.
The Opal Chicks held a fundraising Bush Bash Ball earlier this year, pictured here with Richard from Ray White Sarina and Vinnie the VN Commodore. Photo supplied
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