Though the Convoy For Kids Sydney won’t go ahead as planned, this time it heads into the virtual realm, with a series of fundraising initiatives for a very worthy cause.
Started in 1992, Convoy for Kids has grown into a popular family event, attracting around 500 trucks. Every year it raises funds for the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service through truck entries into the convoy, food and merchandise sales, raffles, donations and an auction.
NETS provides an emergency service for sick or injured babies, infants and children who need to be transferred to a specialist perinatal or paediatric centre, servicing over 250 hospitals in NSW, the ACT and beyond.
Convoy For Kids had to make the tough decision to cancel the 2020 convoy and family day, which was due to take place on 1 November due to the uncertainty of the COVID restrictions.
Instead, a variety of initiatives will take place online, including merchandise for sale, to help raise money for sick kids.
“We’re not running a convoy this year but are giving people an opportunity to jump on our website and still support us. We’ll have certificates of appreciation for those who would normally be part of the convoy available for $20 and we’ve made up more merchandise to sell online too,” said Convoy for Kids President Mark Smallwood.
Together with the shirts, hats and flags that are usually available, this year there will also be plush toys and model trucks and trailers added to the mix.
But you’ll need to get in quick as the model trucks and trailers are strictly limited, with only 200 available.
“All proceeds will go to NETS,” said Smallwood. “In recent years we’ve raised an average of around $70,000 and we’re hoping to build on that. In the past the funds raised have helped to buy humidity cribs, this time we’re hoping to raise funds that will go towards the purchase of an ambulance.”
Further details will be available on the Convoy For Kids website soon, with merchandise and certificates of appreciation available for purchase on November 1, the day the Convoy For Kids was due to take place.
“We were hoping to be twice as big this year, so in 2021 we’ll come back even bigger,” added Smallwood. “We’re hoping to have 600-700 trucks in the convoy next year. Now that we’re at the Hawkesbury Showground, there’s plenty of room to expand. For next year, we’re actively engaging more sponsors and have more companies coming on board in a bigger way.”