Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Finnish Ambassador to Tackle Outback in Charity Car Rally
Would you trust a budget vehicle to traverse the rugged Australian outback? Finland’s ambassador to Australia, Arto Haapea, is set to test the limits, participating in this June’s Shitbox Rally, a fundraising event challenging participants to drive cars valued under $1,500 across vast distances for charity. Inspired by his predecessor and motivated by a personal connection to the cause, Haapea is gearing up for this outback adventure.
Following in Kennedy’s Footsteps: Inspiration for Outback Challenge
Last year, Caroline Kennedy, then the US ambassador, participated in the Shitbox Rally, journeying from Adelaide to Perth and crossing the Nullarbor Plain in a well-used Ford Falcon. Haapea credits Kennedy’s participation as his inspiration, remarking that he closely followed her journey on social media.
“I told my team, this is something we must undertake. If she can accomplish it, I am definitely going to,” Haapea told Guardian Australia.
Navigating the Outback for Cancer Research
Between June 19th and 28th, the Finnish ambassador will navigate challenging terrains from Perth to Darwin in a 2005 blue Toyota Camry. This “shitbox,” as they are affectionately known in the rally, was sourced through Facebook Marketplace and secured in Avalon, near Melbourne. Luke Hilakari, Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary and of Finnish heritage, generously donated the vehicle.
“Happiest Car in the World” Joins the Rally
The Toyota Camry has been humorously christened the “Happiest Car in the World,” playing on Finland’s consistent ranking as the world’s happiest nation for eight consecutive years. Steven Morton, Haapea’s partner, will serve as Team Finland’s official co-driver for this demanding journey.
The pair are not entirely new to Australian road trips, having recently completed a scenic drive from Canberra to the Great Ocean Road. “That was truly breathtaking, yet mostly on paved roads, which will not be the reality with the Shitbox Rally,” Haapea noted.
A Personal Connection to the Cause
Beyond the influence of ambassadorial camaraderie, the Shitbox Rally’s core mission resonates deeply with Haapea. A cancer survivor himself, having been diagnosed with testicular cancer in his early twenties and later experiencing a relapse, Haapea has first-hand understanding of the battle against cancer. Following successful, life-saving treatment, he remains a strong advocate for cancer research funding and enhanced patient support systems.
“The feedback received from the Finnish community has been overwhelming. Numerous individuals have shared stories of losing loved ones to cancer or confronting cancer diagnoses personally,” he explained.
Shitbox Rally: 15 Years of Fundraising for Cancer Council
The Shitbox Rally, since its inception in 2010, has cultivated a devoted following over fifteen years, raising $50 million for the Cancer Council. Founder James Freeman OAM, who tragically lost both parents to cancer within a year, emphasizes that his central aim “has always been to fund cancer research.”
Last year, Freeman guided Kennedy on a tour of Sydney’s Garvan Institute, a primary beneficiary of the rally’s fundraising efforts. They visited laboratories and engaged with researchers conducting “cutting-edge cancer research in Australia”.
Camaraderie and Challenge on the Outback Roads
Freeman expresses his “honour” at the increasing interest from prominent figures in the rally, highlighting it as a uniquely “level playing field” for everyone involved.
Participants, Freeman explains, quickly grasp the magnitude and supportive atmosphere of the event once on the road. “The initial stretch of unsealed road in your ‘shitbox’ is often an ‘Oh my God’ moment – noisy, bumpy, dusty,” Freeman recounts. “Then inevitably comes the first flat tire, the first breakdown. But you’re never truly alone in this rally. There are always support teams and fellow participants ready to lend a hand.”
Finnish Community Support and Outback Exploration
Team Finland has set an ambitious fundraising target of $30,000 and has already garnered considerable support from the Australian Finnish diaspora. “We have a sizable Finnish community in Australia, and their response has been incredibly positive,” Haapea states.
He has mapped out areas with significant Finnish populations along their rally route, planning to connect with community members and forge new relationships. Despite admitting a long hiatus from camping since his early twenties, Haapea expresses enthusiasm for joining 500 fellow participants for nightly stargazing under the vast outback sky, adding, “It’s all part of the adventure.”
Cultural Connections and Future Diplomatic Adventures
Haapea draws parallels between Finnish and Australian cultures, particularly the shared values of being “easygoing and nature-loving people”. He cited “honorary Australian Valtteri Bottas,” the Finnish Formula One driver celebrated for his Australian-inspired mullet and mustache combination, as an example of this cultural affinity.
The ambassador also acknowledges the parallel histories of Indigenous peoples in both Australia and Finland, expressing his intention to deepen his understanding during the journey. “It’s shaping up to be a truly remarkable adventure,” he concludes.
Whether this novel approach of “Mad Max-style” soft power diplomacy gains further traction remains to be seen. However, Haapea confirms growing curiosity within Canberra’s diplomatic circles. “I am actually optimistic. I’ve heard from several ambassador colleagues who are quite intrigued and enthusiastic, so perhaps there will be more to come in the future,” he suggests.