CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Having been inspired by the success of Rachele Champagne’s all-female convoy here in Ontario last October, Vanessa Ferguson has launched the first Prince Edward Island Convoy for Cancer.

Working in conjunction with the P.E.I. Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society and the PEI Trucking Sector Council, Ferguson, along with local trucking companies and truck drivers, are currently gathering pledges in their communities across Prince Edward Island in support of the convoy.

The event, which gets underway at 10:30 a.m. on June 20, will see a group of tractor-trailers, dump trucks, cement trucks, and buses escorted by highway safety and police vehicles from Stratford onto the by-pass and up Route 2 to Slemon Park. 

There will be a rally celebration at Slemon Park to welcome the convoy starting at 12 p.m. and ending at 2 p.m. The rally is open the public and will feature a BBQ, truck displays, music, 50/50 draw, door prizes and speeches from cancer survivors. All funds raised from pledge sheets and the rally will go the P.E.I. Chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society.

“I have seen many friends and family in the trucking industry battle cancer over the years and unfortunately many have lost that battle,” said Vanessa Ferguson, planning committee chair. “I wanted to start something in memory of my Dad, Jack Ferguson, who was a heavy-duty mechanic for 37 years. He died of thyroid cancer in 1995.  I am so excited to honour his life by raising money that will help so many people right here in P.E.I.”

For more information taking part in the convoy or making a donation, contact the PEI Trucking Sector Council at 902-566-5563.