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i98FM Illawarra Convoy raises record charity funds

Truck companies and local businesses in the Illawarra area dig in for charity

A police escort guides the convoy, led by Yatcon Civil’s Kyecon Kenworth, towards Shellharbour Airport during the i98FM Illawarra Convoy.

A record-breaking $2,760.974.25 is the final tally for i98FM’s Illawarra Convoy, held on November 17. The amount was announced on air during the i98 Breakfast Show with Marty Haynes, Christie Hayes and Ryan Cram on November 20.

The day saw 753 trucks and 913 motorbikes travel over 70 kilometres from Illawarra Coal’s West Cliff Colliery at Appin, through the streets of the Illawarra, to finish up at Shellharbour Airport. The Convoy arrived for a huge free family fun day, featuring live entertainment from The Hoodoo Gurus, The Veronicas, Jayne Denham, local band Swells and The Yatcon FMX Freestyle Motocross riders.

Each year in the days before the event, bidding takes place for who will lead the motorbikes followed by the trucks in the Convoy. For the first time ever, one group secured the lead in both groups with ‘Kye’s Convoy Dream’.

The Yates family of Peter, Sheridan and their two daughters Alysha and Bella were front and centre to honour the memory of their son and brother Kye Yates who tragically passed away in June this year. The family along with support from friends and the local community raised an astounding $105,000 to lead the motorbikes and $500,000 to lead the trucks in order to fulfil Kye’s longstanding wish of one day being at the front of the Convoy.

In addition to the above, donations from the truck and motorbike auction exceed last year’s final tally of $2 million dollars before an engine had even started. Local businesses who donated the $2,243,245 to the cause included The Dandaloo Team, The People’s Truck, Illawarra Truck Repairs and Spares, MJ Rowles, Coles Illawarra, Motocity, Superior Nutrition, Carr Brothers and Bikers 4 Heroes.

The November 20 announcement now means that a total of $16,165,097.91 has been raised in the Convoy’s 15 year history. All monies raised go to the Illawarra Community Foundation who will distribute funds to local charities and families who are facing life threatening illness. Submissions for funding and donations can be made at the Convoy website.

“It never ceases to amaze me how generous the people of the Illawarra are,” Haynes said during the d i98FM Breakfast Show. Haynes is also the convoy’s founder.

“This money will help to make a real difference to those who are bravely facing other illnesses and hardships in our community. To everyone who has supported convoy, thank you … be nothing but proud of yourselves.”

Photography: Warren Aitken

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