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Convoy delivers hope to Albury kids

The truck industry’s generosity was on display at the successful 2018 Albury Convoy for Kids

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Albury’s Convoy for Kids was revived on September 30, attracting 200 trucks and raising over $40,000 for local kids’ charity, Country Hope.

Well-known local owner-driver, Andrew ‘Twitty’ Twitt, coordinated the start of the convoy. “It went off without a hitch,” says Twitty who was thrilled ‘perfect’ weather greeted the sparkling trucks when they lined up around the Border Express depot at Barnawartha North.

“It was a fantastic roll up. You couldn’t have asked for any more. The amount of people lining the route and the amount of people that turned up at the showgrounds on the day – and just the support from the drivers.”

Dawson’s Haulage paid $6000 to lead the convoy.

The honour of leading the convoy was decided at an auction at the starting line, and Dawson’s Haulage paid $6000 for the privilege. Justin Twyford was proud to be in the driver’s seat of the company’s 2018 Kenworth T900.

Owner-driver Rory Bell bid $3000 to be the second truck in the convoy, and Matt Oates bid $1000 to be third in line.

The convoy included a good mix of old and new trucks. Among the older vehicles was Wangaratta Urban Fire Brigade’s 1938 Dodge pumper, driven by Robert Skase.

Truck drivers tooted and waved to appreciative crowds as they travelled along the Hume Freeway and through Wodonga and Albury to the Albury Showgrounds. A show-and-shine featured four live bands, a chainsaw sculptor, show rides, helicopter joy flights and trade stalls.

Strongman, Derek Boyer, entertained the crowd by pulling a Border Express truck.

About 40 volunteers worked hard on the day. Kynan Heinjus was one of the main organisers. He says truckies “have got a heart of gold and they just love getting behind kids and helping out charities”.

Money raised by Country Hope during the day will be used to support the families of children who have been diagnosed with life threatening illnesses including cancer.

See our full pictorial report in the November issue of Owner//Driver.

Photography: Tamara Whitsed | Video: Tamara Whitsed

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