Convoy to aid sick kids

A fleet of trucks will drive in convoy through Albany on Sunday, September 10, to raise funds for the children’s ward of Albany Regional Hospital in the first Convoy For Kids.

Director Joe O’Malley and his wife have put the entire event together after taking part in the Perth version.

Mr O’Malley said it was a great chance for the transport industry to join the community and give back to future generations.

“The hospital needs the assistance from this town and the Great Southern region,” he said.

“I don’t know whether people realise or not, but if a child is sick, they will go to the local hospital, but if they are quite sick they will bring them down to Albany and when they are super sick they will go on to Perth.

“So from Katanning on down, when children are really sick, Albany is the hospital.”

At this point there are 50 trucks in the line-up, but Mr O’Malley said they could end up with 70 or 80.

“It’s not just for prime movers and we know of one truck that is coming in if it’s a fine day which was built in 1929,” he said.

“If it is as successful as it is looking, we are looking at doing it every second year.”

Money is raised through the truck entrance fee, children’s donations to ride, and any additional donations made on the day.

Everyone is welcome to go along and watch, with trucks and families gathering at 7am at the Coles Orana carpark.

“Coles have donated all their carpark area and they are doing a sausage sizzle before the convoy so people can have something to eat before they go and all the money from that is going to the hospital as well,” Mr O’Malley said.

“There will be things that the kids can see that morning down there, like police and fire trucks before they go for the run.

“The owner of Le Grande is doing a truckies’ brekkie for the truck drivers.” The trucks are due to leave at 9am, giving children and parents enough time to board their trucks.

The route, particularly intersections, will be looked after by local traffic management all the way — ending at the coffee shop near Albany Entertainment Centre.

“The main thing is for everyone to come along and enjoy the morning, go for a run in a truck and the kids will love it,” Mr O’Malley said. “The kids themselves can say they gave $2 to help the hospital and kids of their age.

“It brings the families together.” To enter a vehicle, phone 0407 421 270.