The US Ambassador to Australia will drive 3000km along some of Australia’s toughest roads in an old Ford Falcon to raise money for Cancer Council Australia.
Interviewed by Sunrise, Caroline Kennedy – the daughter of former US President John F. Kennedy – explained how she stumbled upon the Shitbox Rally while at a Bunnings sausage sizzle. The rally aims to raise funds for cancer research.
“I knew it was a tradition here in Australia to go get the sausages at Bunnings, and the people who were selling sausages that day were raising money for the Cancer Council and for this rally,” Ambassador Kennedy told Sunrise.
“They were telling me about their cars, I saw their cars… it just seemed like such a great thing with such broad appeal because so many families, my family, every family has been touched by cancer.
She’s American royalty embracing everything Aussie. How a Bunnings sausage sizzle led Caroline Kennedy on an epic outback road trip.
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) February 8, 2024
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“It’s really a way for people to support those who are suffering and struggling and raise money for such an important cause.
“Australia is a world leader in cancer research and treatment and the embassy community wants to support those efforts while we are here and do everything we can.”
The BA Falcon wagon that Ambassador Kennedy will use in the rally is worth less than $1500, one of the conditions of entry to the rally.
The vehicle is finished in red, yellow and black exterior paint. It has “Shitbox Rally” logos on either side of the vehicle and additional logos on the bonnet supporting the cause.
Where’s Oodnadatta? This April, we’re going to find out! As part of our U.S.-Australia Cancer Moonshot Initiative, we’re joining @BoxRallies in the Outback to support @CancerCouncilOz.
— U.S. Embassy Australia (@USEmbAustralia) February 8, 2024
To support the cause and learn more: https://t.co/RqxpiiZYeA pic.twitter.com/waJld6jwRG
When asked if the $1500 Falcon will get her through the rally, the Ambassador replied, “Yes, absolutely.”
Ambassador Kennedy was asked as someone with her stature and reputation if the Falcon is going to be the “crappiest” car she’s ever been in.
“This is the best car, it’s a Ford Falcon,” she replied.
During the interview, Ambassador Kennedy referred to US President Joe Biden’s efforts to make fighting cancer one of his top priorities.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald in 2023, Ambassador Kennedy mentioned she had an interest in participating in the Shitbox rally.
According to The Brisbane Times, around 500 people are set to participate in the event that will take place from April 12-20.
The route starts in Adelaide and travels along mostly unsealed roads through Roxby Downs, Oodnadatta, Yulara, Warburton, Laverton and Southern Cross before finishing in Perth.
As of today, the Autumn race has raised over $1.3 million for cancer research.
