When Joff van Ek first pictured a sea of trucks roaring through the streets of Geelong for children facing cancer, he could have never imagined how far that vision would go.
Ten years later, Camp Quality Convoy Geelong gives Joff a sense of pride and joy annually.
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“As a kid, I loved watching convoys with my dad, and when I lost a close friend to cancer as a teenager, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to support organisations like Camp Quality,” he says.
“I contacted Camp Quality with the idea of a fundraising truck convoy in Geelong, and from there, the idea grew and came to fruition.
“I never imagined Convoy Geelong would grow into what it is today. Seeing hundreds of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud to be part of an event that makes an incredible difference for kids and families in need.”
This year marked the 10th anniversary of Convoy Geelong, and what a celebration it was.
All up, 260 trucks took part in the event on March 5, all beautifully prepared and ready for the popular Show and Shine.
“For 10 years, Convoy Geelong has united the trucking and transport industry with the wider community to make a life changing difference for kids facing cancer,” Camp Quality’s general manager of revenue Sandie Hall says.
“The generosity of our truckers, sponsors, and supporters over the past decade has been extraordinary, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone event.”
Over 1,200 people came to the family festival, plus hundreds more lined the streets of Geelong to watch the convoy enroute.
Sandie says the day was a “tremendous success” and the “best yet” with families and supporters cheering the trucks on as they cruised on past.
“The Convoy didn’t just turn heads – it made some serious noise along the route, bringing smiles to kids and adults alike, all in support of kids facing cancer,” she says.
“The fleets really stood out for me this year, with businesses like PrixCar and Soilworx entering teams of drivers – Riordan’s fleet of red Kenworth’s was particularly impressive and hard to top.”
And this year, the event surpassed expectations, raising an impressive $296,000, shattering its initial $250,000 target.
A monster Mack led the charge as Lead Truck winner Brad Drew from Drews Plant Hire raised over $17,000 individually and over $38,000 as part of his team.
The convoy itself was an awe-inspiring spectacle, but there was plenty more to do and see at the Family Festival, with rides, face painting, roving entertainment, carnival activities, food trucks, garden games, music and award presentations too.
“The day provides a much-needed break from cancer for hundreds of Camp Quality kids and families, who have a truckload of fun, supported by our amazing volunteers,” says Sandie.
One of the most touching moments of the day was when some of the Camp Quality kids put on their judging hats and official vests and had the chance to judge the trucks for the Kid’s Choice Award, with this year’s honour going to Elex Muskee’s stunning Kenworth.
For Sandie, this convoy means so much not only to her, but of course to the many kids and families impacted by cancer.
The day itself is a celebration of months of hard work, from the fundraising efforts of our supporters to the Camp Quality team and community coming together to organise the event,” she says.
“It is also a great opportunity for the trucking community, who rarely have the chance to come together, to showcase their values, generosity, and community spirit in a fun and impactful way.
“The overwhelming success of Convoy Geelong this year is a testament to the generosity and enthusiasm of the local trucking community, and families that attend.”
With a decade of memories and milestones behind them, Joff, Sandie and the Camp Quality team look forward to what the future holds for Convoy Geelong.
So, mark your calendars from now, as next year’s convoy promises to be even bigger, louder, and more impactful than ever before.
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