A B-double owned by Dawson’s Haulage runs up and down the Newell Highway in support of Dolly’s Dream, which is taking a stand against bullying.
Today, Friday May 13, is Do It For Dolly Day, an annual day held each May, where Dolly’s Dream invites everyone to wear blue, which was Dolly’s favourite colour.
On Do It For Dolly Day, the community is also invited to come together and commemorate Dolly, participate in fundraising activities, support the important work of Dolly’s Dream and spread the Dolly’s Dream message to be kind and speak even if your voice shakes.
And it’s these powerful words that have been emblazoned on the side of the Dolly’s Dream B-double, spreading the message to road users, as a reminder of the devastating impact bullying can have.
Dolly’s Dream is run by national children’s charity, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, in partnership with Tick and Kate Everett, who have gone through what no parents should ever have to endure.
They created Dolly’s Dream after losing their 14-year-old daughter Dolly to suicide, following ongoing bullying.
Their goal is to raise awareness and help prevent other families from the grief they have had to face.
They want to change the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide, through education and direct support to young people and families.
When the owner of Dawson’s Haulage, Graeme Dawson, first heard of Dolly’s story, he wanted to show his support.
“When I first heard about what had happened to Dolly, I thought we need to do something about this. I wanted to get the message out there and support the family. No one wants to lose a kid and if you can save even one family from a tonne of heartache, it’s all worth it,” he said.
He approached Freighter and said if no-one else has done it yet, let’s create a B-double to help spread the Dolly’s Dream message.
Paired with a Kenworth T900 Legend, the truck and B-double set are based at Dawson’s Haulage’s West Wyalong Depot in NSW. It runs to Brisbane and back every week, travelling the Newell Highway.
In support of Dolly’s Dream, Graham also sells Dawson’s Haulage merchandise, with all money raised donated, with half going to Dolly’s Dream and the other half going to Country Hope, a charity that provides support services to country children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Through donations, Dolly’s Dream develops of vital bullying prevention and online safety programs that can be provided to kids, families, schools, and communities across Australia. To donate to this important cause, please click here.