11 March 2021
Whitsunday local father and son duo, Steve and Rhys Ward are getting ready to make some waves on Rhys’ second and Steve’s eleventh Yamaha Variety Jet Trek which will set off from Caloundra to Gladstone via Fraser Island between 22nd March and 27th March. Steve and Rhys are part of approximately 95 riders on personal watercrafts who will undertake the six-day adventure – all to raise funds to give more Aussie kids a fair go.
By embarking on the adrenaline-packed Jet Trek, Steve and Rhys will travel some of Australia’s most spectacular coastline while directly changing the lives of Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability. That’s why they have set a goal of raising $5,000 to provide practical equipment and experiences for kids in need and their families to overcome the obstacles they face, and help kids be kids.
Steve was first inspired to take part in the action-packed and fun-fuelled trek 11 years ago because it was the perfect combination of raising funds for children while being part of a special jetski community of “Trekkers”.
Thanks to Variety – the Children’s Charity, Yamaha and the dedicated group of Trekkers, families who need a hand up can access assistance when they have nowhere else to turn. Since the inception of the event in 1998, Trekkers have successfully raised over $2.4 million to empower Aussie kids to reach their full potential regardless of ability or background. Now in its 23rd year, the iconic Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is Australia’s largest and most successful charity personal watercraft event.
“Our motto has always been ‘Doing it for the kids’. There are some very special kids and families out there who are struggling a little harder than most and we are more than happy to give up a week of our fortunate lives and dedicate our time to giving, as well as take on the challenges of jetskiing some incredible coastlines of Australia. It’s easy to pay it forward when you see how dramatically improved these families’ lives are. With support we can reach our charitable goal of at least $5,000 this year and I’m really looking forward to the experience of doing this year’s trek once again with my son, Rhys,” said Steve.
Steve continued, “We understand it has been a difficult year for everyone, but we are passionate about this cause and unless we commit to continuing our fundraising efforts, these children may not receive the assistance and support they so desperately need, so we will continue with this passion project of ours for many years to come.”
With a support crew over the past 11 years, consisting of wife Toni and other son, Will, 10, as well as Rhys, Steve alone has raised over $40,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity. Steve and Toni Ward are long term Whitsunday locals, owning and operating multi award- winning Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
You too can make a difference to Aussie kids in need by helping Steve and Rhys reach their goal of $5,000. Simply visit https://varietyjettrek.com.au/steve-and-rhys-ward to donate.
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Media Contacts:
Tiffany Brett
Marketing Manager, Whitsunday Jetski Tours
M: 0417 008 161 | E: marketing@jetskitour.com.au
Further Information:
About Variety – the Children’s Charity
Variety – the Children’s Charity is a not-for-profit organisation that empowers Aussie kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability to reach their full potential. Variety helps kids in need to overcome whatever obstacles they face through grants of equipment, programs and experiences. Find out more at variety.org.au
About Whitsunday Jetski Tours
Multi award winning Whitsunday Jetski Tours offers exciting adventure tours in the Whitsundays and is the first and only guided jetski tour operating from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach to the Whitsunday Islands. Guests can ride the latest model Sea-Doo jetski into the beautiful world heritage Whitsunday Island Marine Park. Three tours operate daily, the Airlie Adventure, also known as the ‘Turtle Tour’ with sea turtles often encountered, the Two Island Safari, exploring the waterways of South Molle and Daydream Islands and the Ultimate Island Trek, an epic jetski journey to the island oasis of Palm Bay Resort. Find out more at jetskitour.com.au