Geelong Convoy looming
After a successful inaugural event last February, organisers say they're gearing up for a bigger and better 2016 Camp Quality Geelong ConvoyPreparations are in full swing for the 2016 Camp Quality Geelong Convoy, which will see trucks and motorcycles head from Avalon Airport, west of Melbourne, to the Geelong Showgrounds on Sunday, February 14.
The first Camp Quality Geelong Convoy got off to great start last February, with around 200 trucks and over 50 motorcycles turning out. That run, and the charity auction just before it, saw a total of $136,000 raised for Camp Quality, which helps sick kids with cancer and their families.
Next year organisers are hopeful of an even bigger turnout, as the event expands towards emulating the well-established Camp Quality Convoys in the Illawarra (NSW) and Townsville (Qld).
"We're hoping for 500 trucks in 2016, that's our aim," says Lee Emberton, Camp Quality State Manager Victoria/Tasmania.
"Next year is all about building participation to grow the event."
Emberton adds that the format for the event will largely remain the same, with the run preceded by a charity auction at Ritchie Bros Auctioneers in Corio and the run itself culminating in a family fun day at the Geelong showgrounds.
"But we will be making a few little changes to give the drivers a better experience," Emberton adds.
The event was officially kicked off at a recent truck and machinery auction at Ritchie Bros, with the next convoy's ambassadorial family in attendance. Eleven-year-old Hayley Rabbas and her family were assisted by Camp Quality when Hayley was struck with brain cancer last year, and the family knows only too well what a huge difference the charity's assistance can make.
Some major backers are on board too, with Geelong's 93.9 Bay FM, Ritchie Bros, Winter & Taylor Isuzu, Avalon Airport and PACCAR Australia all throwing their support behind the convoy once more.
Registration is open for the 2016 Camp Quality Geelong Convoy, and until January 1 is available at the special 'early bird' discounted rate of $35 per truck or motorcycle – just enter the code 'Convoy16'. From January 1 it's back to the usual $50.
For more information and to register visit http://www.convoy.org.au/geelong/.
Photo: Hayley Rabbas (blue shirt) with her family, along with Camp Quality volunteer and truck driver Joff Van Ek (far left).
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