Geelong's big-hearted convoy hits 10

MORE than 250 trucks will journey 43km around Geelong this weekend for the 10th anniversary of Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong.

The annual fundraiser is held in support of the children’s cancer charity’s programs and services, which aim to bring positivity and fun to children and families impacted by cancer.

The convoy will set out from Beckley Park at 9am tomorrow (Sunday, February 23) and travel in a large circuit through Corio, Lara, Waurn Ponds and Geelong, before returning to Beckley Park at about 11am.

From 10.30am, Beckley Park itself will transform into a free family festival featuring live music, face painting, roving entertainment, rides and a fundraising awards ceremony when the convoy returns.

More than 250 trucks are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event.

Joff van Ek, who was part of the team that initiated Convoy Geelong in 2015, said he never imagined the fundraiser would grow into the event it is today.

“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.

“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.”

After raising more than $200,000 at last year’s convoy, Camp Quality has set a $250,000 fundraising goal for this weekend’s milestone 10th anniversary event.

The charity is now nearing its goal, having raised more than $230,000 this morning.

Last year, more than $200,000 was raised through the event for children and families impacted by cancer.

Camp Quality chief executive officer Deborah Thomas expressed her gratitude to the Geelong community for its ongoing support.

“We cannot do what we do to support Australian children and their families during their darkest days without the generous support of the local community, such as those who have generously raised funds for this milestone event,” she said.

“Every year we see more and more families register for our services and we strive to provide support for them from diagnosis through to remission – as well as in the tragic case of bereavement.”

For more information, to donate or to see when the convoy will travel through your suburb, head to fundraise.campquality.org.au/convoy/geelong