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Last month, Ishwin and Shinda set off on one of the most rewarding journeys of their lives: the Shitbox Rally. The premise is simple: buy a car for $1,500 or less, then drive it thousands of kilometres across Australia, all in the name of raising money for Cancer Council.
Their route took them from Port Douglas to Melbourne: 3400km over seven days. By the time they crossed the finish line, the pair had survived 15 breakdowns in total - including about seven just getting their car to the start line in Port Douglas.
The most memorable? Half a night spent in the mechanical pits, surrounded by four mechanics and an audience of around 50 curious onlookers, wanting the car back to life. When it finally started, they celebrated, got some sleep, and set off the next morning feeling confident, only to break down again within two minutes. Fortunately, their mechanic worked his magic under the bonnet and had them moving again in just 20 minutes, much to everyone's amusement.
Through every breakdown, one thing kept them going. As Shinda explained, being involved with CMPartners in raising funds for Cancer Council gave him the chance to contribute to a cause that touches so many lives.
Crossing the finish line felt like pure relief for the pair; exhausted, but proud of what they'd achieved. And it was worth every one of those 15 breakdowns: together, Ishwin and Shinda raised $9974 for Cancer Council, nearly double their original $5000 goal.
To everyone who donated, cheered them on, or followed along - thank you. You helped turn a slightly absurd road trip into something that will genuinely make a difference.
