Autocare Services’ prime movers were part of a convoy of more than 550 trucks, utes and motorcycles in this year’s event, which attracted 200 more vehicles than last year.
The event ran for some 60km from Forest Lake in Brisbane’s south, finishing at the Redcliffe showgrounds in Brisbane’s north just before noon on Saturday, November 1.
Funds are raised by the event through entry fees for trucks and other vehicles. Entrants bid additional money to be the lead truck in the convoy and to have their brands sign-written on the sides of participating trucks.
Autocare Services team from Fisherman Islands that participated in the convoy
Additional funds are raised through entry fees at the showgrounds and additional activities, food catering and entertainment as well as individual fundraising events by entrants.
Eddie Glennon, state manager for Autocare Services in Queensland, told GoAutoNews Premium that in addition to the 10 trucks, funds were raised by Autocare Services staff through various activities.
Autocare Services raised $4500 through fundraising activities including raffles built around State of Origin, a pizza day and sausage sizzles. Staff also contributed their time in preparing the trucks and driving in the event.
This year marked a return to the event by Autocare Services for the first time since 2013.
“One of the drivers suggested it and our transport manager Wayne Brownlie has picked it up and run with it,” Mr Glennon said.
Autocare Services enters similar truck convoy fundraisers throughout Australia as the company is passionate about supporting the communities in which it operates.
Mr Glennon said organisation for the 2020 event will start early next year in preparation for its fundraising activities including bidding for lead place in the convoy.
“We like the idea of bidding for lead truck as it is a bit of a different attack on the event,” he said.
This year’s winning bid was $3500 which goes straight to Hummingbird House.
The Hummingbird House Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in February 2011 to address gaps in services for Queensland children and their families.
Since its inception, Hummingbird House Foundation has developed strong connections locally, nationally and internationally with specialist paediatric palliative care services.
The competence and character of the Hummingbird House Foundation Board has led to an official International Children’s Palliative Care Network twinning agreement with the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices in the UK, and strong working partnerships with Bear Cottage in New South Wales and Very Special Kids in Victoria.
Hummingbird House Foundation’s primary role is to support fundraising, advocate and provide strategic oversight and guidance for Hummingbird House.
By John Mellor
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