TO CELEBRATE their 40th anniversary at the Bathurst 1000, a group of campers has donated $1000 to Bathurst Riding for the Disabled.
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About 35 members of the Executive Team Racing made the annual trek to Bathurst from all parts of Australia this year, something they have been doing since 1971.
The camp decided to celebrate the milestone by giving back to the community they call home for 10 days of the year.
Team president John Foster said the camp raised the funds through an inaugural auction last year.
“It’s nice to give back to the local community for putting up with us,” Mr Foster said. “Mostly, it’s just nice to do something for other people.”
The campers have travelled from Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney to witness this year’s Great Race, as they have done for 40 years.
They injected about $14,000 into the local economy last year in supplies such as food and alcohol.
The age spectrum within the camp ranges from nine years up to 66. Mr Foster said the best thing about the Great Race, aside from the on-track action, was catching up with friends each year.
“We’re a family that’s not a family,” he said. “We have a friendly rivalry within the camp; allegiances are mixed between Holden and Ford.”
Originally from five separate camps, Mr Foster said they enjoyed each others’ company so much, they decided to combine their camps.
The site has a kitchen, shower and toilet facilities and a dining marquee.
“We all have one thing in common – the love of racing,” he said.
Bathurst Riding for the Disabled coach Michael Auld and trainee Lauren Dare were welcomed to the camp on Thursday to accept the cheque.
Ms Dare said the funds would be used to buy equipment for a new horse, as well as riding boots for participants.
“One of our horses died recently, so this money will go a long way,” Ms Dare said. “We don’t get funding from anywhere else, so we rely on donations.”
“It was really nice to be picked to receive this money.”