The atmosphere was electric as 180 shined-up rigs rolled into Perth for its second annual Camp Quality Convoy for Kids last weekend.
A roar of engines filled the air as trucks travelled a 53km route around Perth City and Osborne Park, starting and finishing at Hockey Stadium.
Back at the stadium, a family fun day took place with free rides, face painting, balloons, toy trucks and mini go-kart rides for the kids while the adults enjoyed the live entertainment and truck display.
An incredible $412,384 has been raised for Camp Quality, a charity that improves the quality of life for children facing cancer.
Sandie Hall, Camp Quality’s GM of Revenue, told Big Rigs that the organisation could not be more delighted with the support from the WA trucking community.
“It’s been absolutely tremendous,” she said. “We set a fundraising target of $250,000, thinking that was ambitious, and they’ve blown us out of the water!
“This was the second year of the Perth convoy, and even last year we were overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, raising $190,000.
“But to see those donations rise to over $400,000 in a tough economic climate is incredible.”
Local truckie Shane Coyne earned the honour of lead truck in the convoy by raising the most money – rustling up $25,463 in donations all by himself.
“Shane signed up because it was a great cause, and he’s just got a huge heart,” said Hall.
“I think his community really got behind him – the people he works with, customers, suppliers.
“I think he was a bit overwhelmed at how much he managed to raise but it was a beautiful truck to lead our convoy.”
This year’s Perth event saw the highest number of trucks at a Camp Quality convoy to date.
Entries were capped at 180 due to capacity issues at Hockey Stadium, but Hall thinks there’s room to expand next year.
“Looking at the way we parked this year, I think we could fit in another 50 trucks if we stay on the same site, or we might move somewhere else.
“We got so many ideas and so much feedback from the Perth community, we just want to grow!
“It’s a win/win because the Camp Quality families receive support, but it’s also a great opportunity for WA truckies to get together and show their values.”
Top fundraisers
- Shane Coyne – $25,463
- WA Fuels/Tracie Donaldson – $18,161
- Mitchell Bishop – $14,172
- Phil Crossen – $11,962
- Noel Dearing – $9,689