Big-hearted truck drivers banded together to bring a smile to children’s faces over the weekend at the first annual Brisbane Truckies’ Toy Drive.
About 16 shiny rigs and several utes rolled up to the Mower Supastore in Brendale, many of them with donations in tow.
In total, three utes were filled with brand-new toys, which will go to the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre to help families who have been impacted by domestic violence.
The event was organised by transport company Bean Express and the Mower Supastore, with the owner of both companies, Chris Doosey, telling Big Rigs that they were really happy with how the day went.
“It was a great turnout,” he said. “Santa was handing out lollies and the kids got to climb in the trucks and have a look – it was a lot of fun.
“We’ll be delivering the toys on December 20, so we’re looking forward to that.”
Courtney Michelle Parfrement, operations manager of Bean Express, put a lot of work into organising the event and said it was wonderful to be able to give back.
“I have a personal connection with the Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre and when Chris said that he wanted to do a toy run, I suggested doing it for them,” she said.
“The centre is amazing and I wanted to make a difference to other families because I know how hard it is out there.”
The team at Bean Express are looking forward to doing another toy drive next year, and making it bigger and better than ever.
“I was the President for the Brisbane Convoy for Kids but now I’ve stepped away, I’ve done my 12 months – but I still want to help the community,” said Doosey.
“So we’ll definitely be doing another toy drive next Christmas, and probably one in the middle of next year too.”
Doosey is also hoping to organise a Drive for Depression next year, to help reduce the stigma around mental health issues in the transport industry.
“One of the biggest things in the transport industry is depression – so many truck drivers suffer from it,” he said.
“I want guys to be able to open up more.
“We’re hoping to get out to Willowbank Raceway, maybe around August or September – we just need to sit down and work out the plan.”