NEARLY 800km in a jet ski in just seven days.
That’s the grueling challenge waiting for Hervey Bay’s Chris Wicks as he gears up to take on the 2022 Yamaha Variety Jet Trek.
Funds raised by the trek will go towards Variety – the Children’s Charity.
All money raised will help Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability so that they can unleash their full potential.
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Chris will be one of around 120 jet skis riders who will start the trek on 20 March 2022 in Mackay and make their way to Port Douglas – some 798km later – on 26 March.
All participants will need to reach a minimum fundraising target of $2,500.
Good News Fraser Coast caught up with the 27-year-old to learn a little more about his preparation for the trek and his fundraising efforts.
“The trek will be really challenging on the body and mind. You’re out there on a jet ski in the open ocean. It’s a bit of a bucket list thing for me but it’s also great knowing the funds raised will be helping Variety and the work they do,” explained Chris.
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Participants will also be able to meet some of the families who have received assistance from Variety over the years.
“The actual trek is five days on the water and there are sharks, crocodiles, the open ocean; so there is going to be a lot going on!
“But everyone involved is doing it for the same reasons. It’s also a great way to meet new people, network and promote the Fraser Coast.”
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Chris said he was hopeful a large sum of money raised on the Fraser Coast would encourage the trek to stop over in the region for a night or two during future events.
“You can just imagine the impact of 120 jet ski riders and their support teams spending a couple nights on the Fraser Coast,” he said.
Chris has organised a charity bowls day at the Urangan Bowls Club next month to help him reach his fundraising targets.
“The response to the bowls has been really good so far. We want to get between 140 and 150 people out on the green competing in teams of four.
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“It’s a great way for the local community to get involved. I know some other people wanted to take part in the trek but there is already a waiting list for 2022.
“If you want to contribute, then signing up for the bowls fundraiser is a good way to do it,” he said.
Chris said the fundraiser would also be a good way for people to socialise and meet new friends.
“It’s important for our own mental health to get out and interact with other people. It’s definitely going to be an enjoyable event for everyone involved.”
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Chris said he was confident the fundraiser would be a success.
“The Fraser Coast community always gets behind and supports each other.”
In the meantime, Chris is preparing for next year’s event by spending time on his jet ski, making sure his body is conditioned to the long stretches he’ll be spending on the open ocean off the Queensland coast.
For more on Variety – the Children’s Charity, click here.
Things you need to know regarding the Meet and Greet Bowls Day Fundraiser:
Date: 22 October 2021
Venue: Urangan Bowls Club (Corner Margaret and Dayman streets)
Time: 10.30am
Price: $675 for a team of four. This includes bowls day sponsor shirts, lunch, green fees and drinks package.
RSVP: 24 September 2021.
Contacts:
Chris Wicks – 0400 241 449 or chrisw@bobsauto.com.au.
Bob Wicks – 0419 722 746 or bob@bobsauto.com.au.
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser but want to make a donation, you can do so here.
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