Camp Quality’s esCarpade arrives in Geelong | photos

Geelong’s Barwon Valley Fun Park was filled with colourful cars on Saturday as Camp Quality’s themed rally completed a 1600km journey from Canberra. See the gallery.

Mario aka Marcus Hughes competed in the event in memory of his son Daniel who died of cancer. Picture: Mark Wilson

Themed colourful cars crossed the finish line at Barwon Valley Fun Park in Geelong on Saturday – after completing the 1600km rally from Canberra to raise money to support kids diagnosed with cancer.

Now in its 32nd year, esCarpade is the signature motoring event run by children’s cancer charity, Camp Quality.

This year marks the first ever start from the nation’s capital, with the unusual and often amusing cars driving 1600km through NSW and Victoria over seven days to finish in Geelong.

Gallery: 100+ colourful cars cross the Camp Quality Geelong finish line

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The 50 themed cars – including homagers to Mario Bros, Superheroes, Smurfs, Simpsons, Incredibles and many more – and more than 100 participants departed from Canberra’s Old Parliament House on Sunday, October 20 and finished in Geelong at 3.30pm on Saturday.

Canberra businessman Brett Norton said he had been involved with the event for 15 years, first as a sponsor and then as a driver, and was this year taking on the role of Iron Man as a member of the Superheroes car team.

“I was deeply touched by the incredible stories of how Camp Quality was helping children and their families facing the huge challenges that arise when family members are diagnosed with cancer,” Mr Norton said.

“Camp Quality is there to help, and they provide some incredible support, but this support needs to be funded and that’s where we come in with our fundraising.”

The event has already raised about $700,000 this year to support Camp Quality’s programs for Australian kids and their families facing cancer.

Camp Quality chief executive Deborah Thomas said esCarpade’s annual car rally was crucial to funding much-needed programs to support children and their families every step of the cancer journey.

“Each year our generous esCarpadians give their time to make this event a huge success,” Ms Thomas said.

“Money raised by esCarpade gives families a vital break from cancer at one of our Family Getaways, Camps and Fun Days, and also helps to deliver the Cancer Education Program, with the Camp Quality Puppets, to primary schools and early learning centres across Australia.”

Originally published as Camp Quality’s esCarpade arrives in Geelong | photos