SmashFest 2011 - Demolition Derby

25 Mar 2011 | Articles

Volunteering Auckland is often asked ... "How do we recruit volunteers? ... the traditional methods e.g. posters, brochures, etc just don't seem to have the attraction they used to, to get people to say, "Yes!"

As an organisation we are always looking for new and exciting ways to let people know about Volunteering Auckland and the many opportunities available to volunteer … hence … <a href="http://www.smashfest.co.nz/" target="_blank">SMASHFEST</a> Demolition Derby's World Record attempts at Waikaraka Park, Onehunga, Auckland at Easter Weekend 2011.

Volunteering Auckland's General Manager's first attempt at a Demolition Derby was in front of about 5,000 people at Waikaraka Park at Easter Weekend 2007. One of only 5 women and about 125 cars. Her second attempt was in 2008 with over 140 cars on the track. Third attempt will be Easter Weekend 2011, Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April, 2011.

Cheryll said of her first attempt, "After 4 jalopy races ... where the car broke down during each race ... the volunteer mechanics finally found the problem and Car 127 was finally able to finish the last race. On the fifth race prior to the Guinness Book of Record Demolition Derby our driver even jumped over the ramps set up on the track ... heart-in-mouth ... stomach-in-boots!

With a now damaged sump ... collatoral damage from the jump ... the Derby was started. What is it about cars and boys when it comes to smashing into each other? "

After inflicting a bit of damage to a few of them herself our General Manager decided to pull over to live to "derby" another day!

Vol_SmashFest3The body is dented ... the engine barely runs ... but its still OK for another attempt! And that's just the driver!!! All in all ... a fabulous ... exciting .. adrenalin-pumping weekend that put Volunteering in front of a new audience.

Come along , join in at Easter Weekend Saturday 22nd - 23rd April, 2011, at Waikaraka Park, Onehunga.


Volunteer Stories

The people are all sweet

When I first came to New Zealand I received a lot help from others and for the first time I got a feeling of being encouraged and blessed.