Box Rallies' milestone contribution to cancer research

BOX Rallies – Shitbox Rally Australia, Mystery Box Rally and Shitbox Rally NZ – today announced it has contributed more than $10 million to cancer research and awareness.

All funds raised from the off-road challenges go directly to the Cancer Council’s cancer research and awareness programs – while participants of the Shitbox Rally NZ can elect to contribute to either the Cancer Council or the Cancer Society of NZ.

James Freeman founded Box Rallies in 2010 following the death of his parents. Both died from cancer within 12 months of each other.

“Our lives have all been touched by cancer one way or another,” James said. “Box Rallies creates opportunities to bring like-minded individuals together for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to tackle this terrible disease and the impact it has on the community.”

“I am very proud of what we have achieved in just seven years,” he said. “A big thank you to everyone who has supported Box Rallies in the past, present and those fundraising right now for the 2017 events.”

The Shitbox Rally sees participants driving run-down cars – worth not a cent more than $1000 – across some of Australia’s most challenging tracks.

Previous routes have included Mackay to Hobart in 2016, Canberra to Townsville via the Birdsville Track in 2015, and Perth to Darwin via the Gibb River Road in 2014.

Over the past seven years the Shitbox Rally has raised more than $8 million for cancer research, making it the largest independent fundraiser for the Cancer Council in Australia.

To qualify to be in the Shitbox Rally, supporters need to raise at least $4000.

The 2017 Shitbox Rally – from Adelaide to Cairns – begins on May 27, 2017. While the second-ever Shitbox Rally NZ will return in February next year.