Camp Quality Convoy Victoria hits the road again to send kids growing up with cancer to camp.
The third annual Camp Quality Convoy Victoria will be held on Sunday 30 April, with hundreds of trucks and motorbikes travelling from Avalon Airport, Lara, to Tabcorp Park, Melton, culminating in a Family Fun Day with ambassador, Brownlow medallist Tony Liberatore.
Australia’s leading provider of aftermarket truck and trailer parts, Truckline, has also announced this week that it will support the goal to raise funds to help send 150 Victorian kids growing up with cancer on Camp Quality camps in 2017.
Cheering on the huge convoy of trucks and bikes will be Vid Jelo and Claire Stubbs, along with their daughters Katherine (3) and Rosie (5), who know first-hand how important Camp Quality is to families impacted by cancer.
“Our daughter Katie was only 18 months when she was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis and doctors found tumours behind her left eye. Our family was devastated when we learned about Katie’s tumours,” said mum Claire.
“Camp Quality was there for us through it all. The Family Camp at Anglesea was an unforgettable experience. It was so good to get away and be with other families who understand what you are going through, as well as having a great time. The wonderful Camp Quality volunteers and staff take charge and take care of the kids, giving the parents a much-needed break. Katie and Rosie can’t wait until they’re old enough for Kids’ Camps.
“We’d like to thank all the trucks and bikes raising money through the Convoy from the bottom of our hearts for the difference they are making to families like ours by giving them the chance to go to camp.”
The event also holds special meaning for Truckline’s Territory Business Manager (VIC/TAS) Casey Stewart, who sadly lost her niece to childhood cancer at just five years of age.
“I’m personally really proud of Truckline’s support of this event, and excited to be involved. It was a terrible tragedy for my family when we lost my niece, so I’m keen to do anything I can to support other families living with cancer,” Casey said.
“Camp Quality is a fantastic organisation that does so much for children growing up with cancer, through programs and services to help them and their families through such a difficult time.”
Camp Quality Fundraising Specialist for Victoria and Tasmania, Jo McKeown, said the support from Truckline and other sponsors ensures the event raises as much money as possible.
“Without the generous support from Truckline and sponsors Avalon Airport, Ritchie Bros Auctioneers, Tabcorp Park and Power Torque, we wouldn’t be able to hold an event such as the Convoy and raise as much money as we do. Having corporate sponsors means we can put all of the funds raised into giving Victorian kids impacted by cancer every opportunity to thrive,” she said.
The Convoy is a celebratory affair, with spectators lining the streets to be part of the action. At the end of the Convoy route, participants, spectators and families get to enjoy a day of entertainment at the Family Fun Day.
Truckline National Manager Mick Henderson said supporting the community is a priority for Truckline.
“This event is personally very important to our team, with employees such as Casey affected by childhood cancer. With 24 branches around Australia, including three in Victoria, we value our role in individual communities, and events such as the Camp Quality Convoy are a great way for us to get involved,” he said.
The Convoy will start from Avalon Airport at 9.30am, and arrive at Tabcorp Park from 10.30am. Entry is free – with an option of a gold coin donation – and there will be live entertainment, display vehicles, raffles, silent auction, kids’ activities and food vans. The day wraps up at 2.30pm.
