First Geelong Camp Quality Convoy looming

Victoria's inaugural Geelong Camp Quality Convoy will see truckies come together to make a difference for kids battling cancer

The Geelong Camp Quality Convoy will take place on Sunday, February 15, and will see trucks assemble at Avalon Airport to Melbourne's west for a mass run to the Geelong Showgrounds.

Although it's the first time the convoy has been staged, around 50 trucks have already registered for the run with pledges from a further 50. Organisers say they're hopeful of achieving a final tally of as many as 400 trucks for the event, while motorcycles are also more than welcome to register.

trucksales.com.au will be there in the thick of it and riding shotgun in DECA's Freightliner Argosy, so don't hesitate to come up and say g'day at Avalon or in Geelong.

The Geelong Camp Quality Convoy hopes to replicate the success of similar convoys held annually in NSW's Illawarra region and in Townsville in Queensland.

Geelong Convoy President, Graeme Reid, heads up a dedicated team of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make the event a reality. He says the people of Geelong are no strangers to getting behind a good cause.

"We know how much the Geelong community throws its support around events that help those less fortunate and we're confident this event won't be any different," he says.

"We want this to be an event the Geelong community can be really proud of and we're already looking forward to seeing the smiles on the kids' faces when the convoy gets underway."

One kid sure to be smiling will be convoy ambassador Mac Darby (pictured), from Geelong West. Having previously battled cancer, the five-year-old and his family were supported through the ordeal by Camp Quality – assistance for which his mum, Andrea Benton, is grateful.

"We're proud to be the Convoy ambassador family after all that Camp Quality has done for us while Mac was sick," she said.

A national charity, Camp Quality provides a range of support for kids living with cancer, as well as supporting their families through a difficult time. It's just $50 to register a truck or motorcycle for the Geelong Camp Quality Convoy, with proceeds to help the charity continue its vital work.

The convoy will also be preceded by a charity auction at auctioneers Richie Brothers on Friday, February 13. A range of businesses have donated goods and services totalling $70,000 (at the time of writing), with everything from wine and DECA driving courses to work wear, a $1000 fuel voucher and a seven-day holiday for six to Port Douglas going under the hammer.

The auction will be held at the Richie Brothers facility at 200 O'Briens Road, Corio, from 6.30pm.

The convoy will finish with a family fun day and entertainment at the Geelong Showgrounds.

Geelong Camp Quality volunteer Sarah Henderson says the celebration will have something for family members of all ages.

"We've got a big family day planned at the showgrounds for which we've already got music acts as well as a variety of displays locked in," she says.

"There's a whole range of family events and the kids will be able to come along and have a look at all the trucks and bikes, while there will be some rock 'n' roll acts for any parents who want to stay on a little later."

To register your truck or motorcycle for the Geelong Camp Quality Convoy or to make a donation visit http://campqualityfundraising.org.au/event/geelongconvoy, while more information can be found on the event's facebook page at www.facebook.com/geelongconvoy.

First Geelong Camp Quality Convoy looming

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