Convoy for Kids, Sydney 2023 rolled from Sydney Dragway into the Hawkesbury on Sunday, October 29, with a family fun day at the Hawkesbury Showground.
Over 200 trucks, hot rods, some buses, classic cars, two motorcycles, fire engines and a Newborn and Paedriatric Emergency Transport Service Ambulance (NETS) joined the convoy.
Convoy for Kids Sydney is raising funds to purchase equipment for the NETS Ambulance Service.
Mark Smallwood, president of the Convoy for Kids Sydney, was completely thrilled with the turnout from truckies across Sydney.
“This year, it looks like have been able to double the funds we have raised from last year. Some of the donations are still rolling in,” Smallwood said.
Convoy for Kids thanks the many sponsors on the day: Transport Workers’ Union of NSW, DSE, Winston Express, AirRoad, Retriever Towing, Radio Station SWR FM and Gilbert and Roach. We also are supported by volunteers from the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Company and owner-drivers from across Sydney, polished the chrome, in some cases twice, and climbed on board with their families to participate in this historical fundraiser started over 30 years ago by truck drivers and their families.
Convoy for Kids heard from one AirRoad driver, Darren Costello who has been participating for over 25 years, happy that AirRoad has continued to offer support for the convoy.
“We would welcome more sponsors, and are incredibly grateful for the support we have already,” Smallwood said.
Hundreds of Hawkesbury locals also turned up in support visiting, admiring the polished chrome, taking hot rod rides and strongly supporting the day.
“It was a great Western Sydney day, an early start and we love that despite everything the world is throwing at them, companies, truck drivers and their families choose to dig deep, truckies are still caring for kids, wanting to be part of the Convoy for Kids Sydney,” Smallwood added.
“The Convoy for Kids Sydney committee is thrilled so many wanted to take part, and we will be back next year. Many more drivers and their trucks are very welcome. We thank Sydney Dragway and Hawkesbury Showground and will continue to use both venues next year.”
Convoy for Kids Sydney have been raising funds for the NETS NSW Ambulance service for many years.
NETS NSW themselves say that one in 49 children will use their service sometime during their childhood. NETS services an area of 815,810 square kilometres across both rural and metropolitan areas of NSW and the ACT.
“NETS NSW relies on community support to maintain and renew the equipment and the ambulances they use,” Smallwood said.
“Convoy for Kids have previously purchased an electric trolley which carries the transport system for sick children on planes, and on the road in a NETS ambulance. Truckies are happy to help NETS NSW with their shopping list.”
Convoy for Kids Sydney will return at the end of October in 2024, and organisers are putting out the call for sponsors who can help build the funds raised for the NETS NSW Ambulance Service.
For more pics from the day, make sure you grab your free November 10 issue of Big Rigs, or download the free digital edition at bigrigs.com.au from the same day.