Charity hits back roads to help kids

HAPPY FACES: Some were along for the ride while others popped in for lunch.

About 30 cars and trucks in fancy dress are taking the roads less travelled around the North Island to fundraise for kids.

The Variety Bash, which started 25 years ago, travelled through Wanganui on Saturday in the blustery weather, and stopped on Sunday near Fordell for a fundraising lunch.

Variety Bash director Murray O'Donnell said the charity paid for Fordell School to put on lunch for the group out at Cranstone Farm.

There are about 180 people involved in the eight-day trip which ends in Auckland next Saturday.

"This year we will raise about 200,000," Mr O'Donnell said. "We're giving away about 150,000 in grants."

The charity travelled through cities, towns and smaller settlements on back roads, handing out grants.

Schools in Bulls and Fordell had not applied for grants but were given new printers.

The money was raised through entry fees for the people involved in the Bash.

The Air Force and AA were helping with any mechanical issues for the trip, which saw cars with cupcakes and bags of bread on top, fire trucks and cars, and a big, yellow "sub bus" travelling the country.

A number of personalities including You and Me host Suzy Cato, TV news presenter Simon Dallow, Australian children's comedian Super Hubert, singer Tom Sharplin, and comedian and actor Mark Wright, were also along for the ride.

"They just want to give it their time," Mr O'Donnell said. "They like what we do, we like what they do."