General News
10 May, 2025
Locals give back through Drive to Survive
In what started out as a postie bike ride and turned into a 1500-kilometre three-day state drive, the Morrow brothers recruited partners, siblings and car enthusiasts to join their fundraising initiative, Drive to Survive.
Raising money for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institution in Ballarat, the team set off on March 29 for a trip that will be remembered for years to come.
Dimboola's Zoe and Steve Krahe were among the many recruited to participate in the Drive to Survive after Gavin Morrow spoke to Little Desert Rodders, Rockers and Collectors Inc.
"It was something we've always wanted to do and it sounded like fun," Mrs Krahe said.
After the different elements of the trip, which included cross-dressing, were listed they were intrigued even more.
"Our ears sort of pricked up after that," she said.
Mrs Krahe said both she and Steve had lost loved ones to cancer, and some of her clients had been treated by Professor George Kannourakis, a paediatric oncologist and haematologist in Ballarat who also treated Fiona Elsey.
The couple set off in their 1976 Ford Escort Panel Van on the three-day trip with the Morrow brothers and other participants to their first stop in Ballarat, where they toured the research facility, witnessing the research program first hand.
"The tour of the lab was interesting and there was lots of information," Mrs Krahe said.
"The equipment there has been donated by families and would be worth thousands."
Day one took them to Mildura, then across to South Australia's Riverland and the Barossa Valley, Birdwood and 'The Bend' at Tailem Bend before they headed home to Horsham.
Themed days brought joy to participants wearing an interesting hat on day one, cross-dressing on day two and dressing in a costume that was out there and lasted all day on day three.
"People were coming up to us and asking why we were dressed up," Mrs Krahe said.
"We would then explain it all to them and most would donate to the cause."
Even the long drives were made fun, with participants ticking tasks off of a list that was distributed at the start.
It included taking a selfie with a train, a photo of a street name of someone on the drive, a photo of an animal starting with K and many more.
The Krahes raised around $5240 and walked away with the "most raised" trophy.
"We're just very thankful to everyone who donated," Mrs Krahe said.
"The generosity of people just amazed us."
When asked if there was a favourite moment from the experience, Mrs Krahe found it hard to narrow it down.
"I think the cross-dressing day was a favourite," she said.
"It was all lots of fun."
Drive to Survive raised more than $20,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.
"Thanks to the sponsors and all who donated – they're amazing," Mrs Krahe said.
