In Pictures: 2015 Adelaide Convoy for Kids

Peter and Di SchlenkDecember 3, 2015, 3:22 pmDecember 3, 2015

The Novita Children’s Services partnership with the CMV Group ensured this year’s Adelaide Convoy for Kids was a huge success. Peter and Di Schlenk write

This year’s Adelaide Convoy For Kids, held on October 18, was the 20th running of the event. Despite having a ‘gap year’ in 2013 the convoy has emerged as a credit to the CMV Group and Novita Children’s Services.

The early Adelaide Convoy for Kids featured triple road trains, double road trains and hundreds and hundreds of trucks carrying kids on various routes through Adelaide.

Lessons were learned from past events and new ideas brought to the table. The Convoy for Kids returned to Adelaide streets last year with revitalised drive and energy.

This year three convoys from Murray Bridge, Gawler and Port Adelaide merged before arriving at CMV Truck Sales at Cavan for the Convoy Carnival.

There were many fun activities for everyone to participate in at the carnival including jumping castles, face painting, glitter tattoo artists, giant games, arts and crafts, ride on cars, remotely controlled cars, and much more, and not forgetting the trucks.

Local radio station Mix 102.3 had their street crew in attendance and they handed out goodies while giving kids the opportunity to paint, draw and play giant Jenga.

Entertainment throughout the day was provided by Simply Acoustic, the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, and Dance Play.

The day was a huge success with the total number of trucks involved just over 400, including 81 trucks entering the Show ’n Shine and an impressive 250 in the convoy.

Safety first

Jono Crawford from CMV.

Much thought and planning had gone into the day, including designated areas for loading kids into trucks and buses as well as carnival spaces.

For the organisers, it was important to give the kids a decent run in a truck and not just a run around the block.

Jonathon ‘Jono’ Crawford of CMV Group says the safety of the children during the event was paramount.

“With excited children and trucks, it can be a recipe for disaster,” he says.

“It is why we separated the carnival from where the loading of children and departure for the convoy occurred.”

“It was a plan that worked very well.”

The change in venue came about in an effort to maximise the funds raised for Novita.

“We could eliminate costs with hiring of a venue and parking while increasing accessibility for the trucks,” Jono says.

“A lot of trucks are based in northern metropolitan Adelaide and we thought we could control some of the factors like public conveniences and the like and present a better convoy and carnival.

“We wanted to involve the general public and not just the Novita families.

It was a chance for all to come and enjoy the day.

“It was an opportunity to embrace Novita as a fantastic charity but also the transport industry,” Jono says.

“Transport is a great industry — it has a big heart and it’s great to be able to show and share that.”

With many CMV staff volunteering to set up on Saturday and giving their time on Sunday, Jono was pleased that they wanted to be involved and that they really enjoyed it.

Both manufacturers and suppliers came together to support the day.

It was really impressive to see that other truck manufacturers joined in the event even though it was hosted by CMV at their Kenworth and DAF premises.

It was a day when the industry came together to help support Novita with their invaluable work with children with disabilities and supporting their families.