MIRAMICHI, N.B. — In what is being billed as potentially the largest truck convoy the region has seen, a group of East Coast truckers is rallying to support one of their own.

Kim Lawlor, nicknamed Big Daddy, is a well-loved trucker who’s been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  He’ll be honoured May 25 with a convoy slated to kick off at Gibersons Transport in Miramichi, N.B. More than 100 truckers have already signed up, according to Roxanne Doran Smith, one of the event’s organizers.

Other organizers include Kathy Hare, Judy Tracy and Ruth Loggie. Doran Smith said “As a committee, we are attempting to have one unit from every possible trucking company on the river take part, as well as units from all the companies Kim has driven for, and all of his fellow truckers.”

She added “It is entirely possible that this could be the largest convoy of trucks ever to hit the Maritimes. We are anticipating – and have a strong feeling – that the convoy will host a minimum of 125-200 trucks, and that the afternoon of activities may well be the largest community and trucking industry non-profit fundraiser of the year. We do not know how many individuals who will take part in the Big Daddy Show and Shine Family Fun Day, however we are prepared at this point to handle in excess of 500 citizens, not including the registered drivers and their families.”

Those who take part will enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, face painting, presentations and a barbecue. There’ll also be a live and silent auction and a show’n’shine.

“With the aide of the community of Miramichi, the trucking industry and related businesses and the truckers and their families themselves, we can financially and emotionally support Kim and his family,” Doran Smith said. “This support will give them the strength and courage to continue on this, a very difficult journey.”  
The day’s events wrap up at about 4 p.m. with a convoy of all units, which will head out from Giberson’s Transport and meet up at the old courthouse in Newcastle.

“We have made all of the arrangements with the City Police to ensure the safety  of all the trucks as well as the community at large,” Doran Smith said.

All proceeds collected will go to Lawlor and his family.

For more details or to take part, call 506-622-1005 or e-mail rodosm@nb.sympatico.ca