By Mikayla van Loon
Lilydale residents who are ever up for an early morning gathering and who have a love of cars, this local event that happens each month is the thing for you.
As far as fundraising events go, it can’t get much better than a classic and much loved car rally in Mount Evelyn that supports and welcomes the entire community.
The event, coming up to its sixth year in April and known as Coffee N Cars Mount Evelyn, raises funds for the local CFA brigade and has grown exponentially in that time.
Founder Wayne said the first meeting brought together six classic cars on the corner of Tramway Road and York Road.
“Then we got talking to the owner at the Garden Centre and we moved in there two years ago but we’ve almost outgrown that,” he said.
Last month, Coffee N Cars had between 150 to 200 people turn up to the Saturday event raising $1,050 in just two and a half hours.
“We get people coming from all over the place to support us. It’s about the community and we now have community businesses on board as sponsors to help in different ways and they’re all recognised in our things as well. So it’s bringing the community together and supporting Mount Evelyn,” Wayne said.
In the past, people have travelled from places like Traralgon, Werribee and Broadford, not only supporting the car rally fundraiser but also the broader Yarra Valley.
Over the last two years though, Wayne said the impact of not being able to host the monthly meetup had a negative impact on the fundraising for the CFA and on the community.
Finally getting back into the regular events has been so important for people to get out and about, as well as recouping some funds for the CFA after being unable to fundraise for things like new equipment that the Coffee N Cars money goes towards.
“It’s been pretty important for us because we know that CFA was put in lockdown as well and they’ve had no money and no fundraising happening. So I’ve fought tooth and nail to get back.
“We’ve noticed a trend of more cars coming because people have been locked up, they’ve had all their cars locked up and now they’re eager to get out.”
With gold coin donations for participants who bring their classic car or pride and joy in the form of a new car, Wayne said Coffee N Cars has raised quite a few thousand dollars for the CFA.
“I know they’re very appreciative of the work that we do for them. They value what we do. It doesn’t keep them afloat but it helps provide equipment to them over a period of time.”
The next meetup is on Saturday 19 March at the Mount Evelyn Garden Centre from 7.30am to 10am.
