Southsiders 4×4 convoy to raise funds and awareness for Autism Queensland

January 15, 2018

CALLING all four-wheel-driving and camping enthusiasts – the Southsiders 4×4 group wants you to join in for its first-ever convoy from Browns Plains, ending with a family fun day at the Janowen Hills Camping and 4WD Park.

Launched in January 2017 as a Facebook group of 20 friends to organise weekend getaways, the Southsiders 4×4 page now boasts over 1100 members. The group’s main event of the year will be a 150km convoy from Auto One Browns Plains to the Janowen Hills 4WD Park at Goomburra on Saturday, March 24, 2018, followed by a family fun day and raffles valued at over $6500. The group has already raised $765 for the March event since December 2017 when the group hosted a sign-on day at Boss Hogg’s Steakhouse.

Southsiders 4×4 convener Karissa Page said 100 percent of all money raised from the two events will go to Autism Queensland. “We’ll be holding raffles on the day, with everything from 4×4 products and accessories to pamper packs and gift certificates being given away, as well as six underbody washers and rust-proofing vouchers from 4×4 Mega Centre valued at $900 each,” she said. “People can also donate on the day, or if a business wants to get behind the cause they can supply raffle items prior to the event. Autism is very close to our hearts – my eight-year-old son Leland was diagnosed with autism in February last year. Many friends also have children with autism. Southsiders 4×4 member Karen Wilson is on the spectrum herself, together with her five sons, twins Lawrence and Robert (13), Daniel (11), Mark (nine) and Matthew (six). We all just want to give back and say thank you for all the work and support Autism Queensland provides.”

The Southsiders 4×4 group is currently taking registrations for the Janowen Hills convoy and family fun day at southsiders4x4@hotmail.com

Registrations can also be made at Auto One Browns Plains, Village Square Home Centre, 18 Commerce Drive, Browns Plains. You can find and follow the fundraising event on Facebook by searching for Southsiders 4×4 Autism Fundraiser.

All proceeds from the event will go to Autism Queensland, the state’s longest-serving and most-experienced provider of services to people living with autism and their families.