And First National Real Estate chief executive Ray Ellis said the bushfire crisis makes the week-long trip "all the more worth it".

Mr Ellis kicked off the CEO's Coastal Campervan Dash in the North East on Wednesday visiting offices in Beechworth, Bright and Wodonga.

"Now more than ever kids will need help," he told The Border Mail.

"The trip has been organised for a few months now and I almost cancelled it last week when I heard all about the devastating bushfires.

"But it was my wife who actually said 'this is why you have to do it'.

"There are going to be kids out there who have lost everything, their new Xbox from Christmas or their pets on the farm.

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"This disaster is putting a lot of stress on people's mental health and we need them to know that Kids Helpline are here to help."

Mr Ellis said the trip wasn't to take away from the fundraising efforts for the bushfire appeal, but to "simply raise awareness in a tough time".

"This isn't about real estate, our business or money, this is about raising awareness," he said.

"If we can save one young person from suicide that is worth it.

"I was at an awards night in Brisbane when a woman came up to me and thanked me for mentioning Kids Helpline in my speech.

"She told me her son called the helpline the other night and would have taken his own life if he didn't - that is what it is all about.

"Immediate help is out there, you just have to pick up the phone."