In 2008, Youth Off The Streets (YOTS) welcomed Virtual Display Group (VDG) as an exciting new corporate partner who held a strong vision to truly make a difference in the lives of the young people we support. Despite providing much needed new building signage and funding for an educational scholarship, VDG Director Maurice Roach wanted to do more to help YOTS.
A passionate rally sport enthusiast, Maurice was so inspired by the work of Father Chris Riley that he decided to approach his network within the rally sport industry to create 'Rally for a Cause'. The idea was to raise money by offering up packages showcasing the best professional drivers, with the best cars, and bringing them to Oran Park in Sydney's West for a private rally experience not available anywhere else!
The result has been overwhelming, with NSW's Rally School jumping on board to provide exclusive driver training at the event, and a feast of hot laps kindly donated by champion drivers Neal Bates, Alister McRae, Chris Atkinson and Brendan Reeves.
Achieving such a line up of drivers is a rare feat, and an incredible opportunity for rally car lovers to buy a limited place at this event. The real story here though is that every single cent spent on buying a 'Rally for a Cause' package goes to Youth Off The Streets, not one cent is being taken by the organisers, or the drivers. Everyone is pitching in and donating their time to help support homeless and disadvantaged young people who have basically become 'disconnected' from society.
Youth Off The Streets aims to reconnect those young people through their many programs which include education, counselling, rehabilitation and job assistance. It is through these vital programs that many young people have a chance to build a positive future for themselves.
Companies such as NRMA and Nine MSN have already pledged support for packages, which range from $2000pp for the full day experience, which includes getting behind the wheel of a genuine rally car, hot laps with world class champion drivers and full premium catering. Just $1000pp will buy the hot laps experience with full premium catering.
Organisers, VDG, are hoping the day will raise in excess of $30,000 for Youth Off The Streets, with Father Chris Riley making a special appearance as the guest speaker at the event lunch.
The event will take place at Oran Park on Friday, November 6. The event is close to a sell-out however a strictly limited number of places are still available and packages can be purchased by contacting Joanne Baxter at Youth Off The Streets on (02) 9330 3534 or email to joanneb@youthoffthestreets.com.au
This is certainly one of the most unique and rare opportunities ever made available in Australia, and one that could not have happened without the support of the rally community, especially Rally School and the amazing class of drivers who have donated their time.
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