September 24, 2018
A simple idea to raise money for drought relief produced an amazing $8066 in a day.
And it’s been so successful, organisers have extended fundraising for another month in an effort to push the total past $10,000.
The money was raised at the Bikers4Farmers Drought Meet held at Kingaroy Showgrounds on September 15.
An estimated 800-plus riders – and 575 bikes – came through the gates to enjoy a day of camaraderie.
Riders travelled from as far afield as Mackay, Miles, Gladstone, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Brisbane to support the cause, which asked for a $10 donation per bike at the gates.
Once inside the Showgrounds, bikers could meet up with friends; inspect the jaw-dropping range of bikes on display; watch the Junior Motorcycle Speedway Queensland State Titles being contested in the main ring; or try their luck at winning the many raffle prizes that were on offer, thanks to generous sponsors.
The idea for the Drought Meet came from Kerrie Bantoft and Lynnsay Fryer, who operate Kerrie B’s Motor-Bikery and Big Bike Tours in Wooroolin.
Kerrie and Lynnsay wanted to do something to help drought-stricken farmers, and cooked up the idea for the event after a few quick phone calls to the Kingaroy Junior Motorcycle Speedway Club and the Salvation Army’s Kingaroy office.
“The Junior Motorcycle Club told us they were holding the State Titles at the Showgrounds on September 15, and the Salvos told us they were heavily involved in drought relief work,” Lynnsay said.
“So that determined the date and who the money would go to, and it all came together pretty quickly after that.”
Kerrie and Lynssay used their contacts to put together a big collection of raffle prizes, along with stickers and patches for the day.
They then put word about the event out on motorcycle club networks, where it spread quickly.
“Bikers are a family and they’ll always come out to help other people in trouble,” Kerrie said.
“Right now, our farmers are in a lot of trouble with the drought, so we asked the biker community for help and we were floored with the response.”
Kerrie also praised local businesses who stepped in with raffle prizes.
South Burnett Mayor Keith Campbell performed the Meet’s official opening, and congratulated the crowd for the way they had stepped up to help a good cause.
He also congratulated Kerrie and Lynnsay for putting the event together.
Kerrie and Lynnsay have now decided to extend the fundraising campaign another four weeks with two more events to see if they can push the total amount raised even further.
The first of these will be held on Saturday, September 29, at the bakery in Fitzroy Street, Nanango at 10:00am.
For $5 per head, guests are encouraged to dress up in leathers (bobby-sox for the girls) to enjoy a fun meet-up where they’ll get a sticker.
And the following Saturday, October 6, the couple will be running a Bikers4Farmers stand at the Yarraman Show and Shine.
The Show and Shine will be held at the Yarraman Recreation Grounds in Margaret Street and will run from 8:30am to 1:00pm.
