In its 10th year, the Geelong Convoy for Kids on Sunday, February 24, has broken records – both in trucks attending and in money raised.
One of four convoys held around the country each year, Geelong is where it all started, and the support for Camp Quality by the trucking community continues to amaze and humble founder, Valerie Entwhistle.
Val’s instigation of Camp Quality 42 years ago, to bring joy to the children undergoing cancer treatment, came from her own heartache.
“My dad committed suicide and left me devastated,” Valerie said.
“I was feeling of no worth it all. I was hunting for something to do that would restore my self-worth and I was lucky enough to read a magazine article about a child with cancer and what happens with the family when the child is diagnosed.
“It deeply touched me that this little girl was dealing with their own life-threatening illness and here I am, an adult not dealing with my own dad’s death. So I jumped in the deep end. I wanted to set something up to support kids with cancer.”
Camp Quality founder, the amazing Val Entwhistle.Valerie admits that she wouldn’t want to repeat the first couple of years, however, because everywhere she went there was negativity.
“Believe it or not, I had more than one comment along the lines of, ‘Who wants to volunteer for children with cancer, after all you might catch it’. Truly, back in1983 I was faced with that everywhere. People constantly said to me they would give a little donation but didn’t want anything to do with it. So it was tough the first couple of years.
“Making it worse, the very first cancer doctor I spoke to in Sydney, when I told him what I wanted to do said I needed to find something else to do, because kids with cancer in Australia don’t need your programs – go and find something else.
“I left that hospital in tears. Here is a man who works 24 hours a day with kids with cancer and he couldn’t see the benefit.
“So I wallowed in grief for a couple of days then I went to the Prince of Wales Children’s Hospital in Sydney and I got the exact opposite response from a doctor who said anything you can do to encourage our children through treatment we will back you. And we were off!
“At the first camp there were 38 children, and parents who trusted us when we were nobody. Now, today, when I look at the response of the community and the trucking industry, I can’t express my gratitude enough for their support.
“Days like today where we can connect the trucking community, their families and their supporters directly with our kids and their families who are also here as part of this fun day – when you bring everyone together it really creates magic and it shows these guys why they have been working so hard to raise much needed money.”
The lead truck in the convoy this year was Brad Drew from Corio in his 1990 Mack V8 Value-Liner. Brad individually raised an astounding $16,090. Brad is the third owner of the Mack, having bought it out of Tasmania and having spent the past five years, “getting it into shape.”
The Colac Crew raised over $45,000, the third year in a row it won the honour of Highest Fundraising Community Team.Brad was closely followed by Gavin Calleja, raising $14,492, and Rodney Light who collected $11,915
Brad Drew’s business, Drew’s Plant Hire was the Highest Fundraising Corporate Team, collecting $33,872.
The Highest Fundraising Community Team award was – for the third year in a row – The Colac Crew, with an amazing $45,741.
The efforts of these persons, companies and communities is astounding, but just as important is everyone who raises any amount – big or small – and takes part in the convoy.
Some like Prixcar arrived with 27 trucks, Riordon Group had 10 and Wettenhalls had eight of their fleet turn up.
Others, such as Mick Whitty arrived from Springfield with his cheque and his 1980 W-Model KW named ‘Hay Fever’.
“She works on a farm,” said Mick. “One of my very good mates lost a childhood friend to cancer and I’ve lost a family member recently as well. It’s not just about that but I think it’s just a tremendous thing to do to help these families that are going through a really tough time.”
The work of Val Entwhistle and the team from Camp Quality is simply wonderful in giving kids hope, joy and meaning.
That they are so supported by the trucking industry is spectacular.
To the some 270 trucks and their drivers who supported Geelong Convoy for Kids, stand up and take a bow. We salute you all.
For more pictures from the event, make sure you grab the March 14 issue of Big Rigs from the usual outlet, or click here to download the free digital edition from that date.
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