DORCHESTER, Ont. – A convoy of charitable truckers will once again be taking to the highways in Western Ontario this fall to help drive out breast cancer. On Oct. 13, the newly-renamed Trucking for a Cure convoy (formerly Convoy for a Cure – Ontario West) will set out from the Fifth Wheel truck stop in Dorchester en-route to the TA Travel Centre in Woodstock to raise money for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s (CBCF) Ontario Region.

Event organizers have set an ambitious goal for the group, hoping to earn $50,000 for charity. Over the past two years, the convoy has raised more than $81,000 for the CBCF.

Organizers have been working in earnest throughout the past year to get the Trucking for a Cure’s (new) name out there, creating a new and improved Web site, increasing its social media presence via Facebook and LinkedIn, and putting in some good old-fashioned face time through its committee members at various trucking events, including Truck World, the Clifford Truck Show, the Road Today Truck Show and the Fergus Truck Show.

“At Trucking for a Cure, we feel we are creating a different view in the eyes of the public in general. (Through) attending the various events throughout the year, we are able to talk with the people not only about our unique convoy and cause, but also about what it is we do out here as drivers in the industry,” said Trucking for a Cure organizer Joanne Mackenzie. “They begin to understand the importance it has to their day-to-day needs. Usually by the end of the conversation, they’re not only thanking us for what our convoy is doing, they also thank us for what we do as drivers.”

As in past years, the convoy itself will feature a plethora of “pinked out” trucks bearing breast cancer supporters’ calling card
colour, but new this year will be the appearance of the CBCF’s pink tour bus, making a stop as part of a province-wide tour.
Following the convoy’s completion, attendees will hear the song stylings of southwestern band Kerosene Creek, guest speakers from CBCF Ontario, and also have the chance to win various prizes including tires, tools, CBs and more.

Fundraising for this year’s convoy is being conducted through online and offline pledges by drivers, company sponsorships, in-kind donations and a silent auction. The driver with the highest amount of pledges will have the honour of being named lead truck for the convoy.

In addition, the event’s ‘Pink Ribbon’ sponsor Peterbilt Ontario has offered to match employee donations, dollar for dollar.
“Peterbilt Ontario has played a major role in our convoy over the years through their support and guidance,” Mackenzie told Truck News. “Along with our sponsors, the support from trucking companies allowing their drivers to take part in the convoy is just as important. We encourage them to take part in the convoy by having in-house fundraising, 50/50 draws, etc., to help their drivers raise the highest pledges for that lead position in the convoy.” 

For more information or to register, visit www.truckingforacure.com.