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Convoys in Ontario raise $115,000 for cancer research
By Sonia Straface
PRESCOTT, ONTARIO
It was another successful con- voy season this year in Southern Ontario.
Trucking for a Cure – which hosts two convoys every September (one in Woodstock, Ont., and another alternating between Prescott and Brockville, Ont.) – raised close to $115,000 in support of breast can- cer research for the Canadian Can- cer Society.
The two convoys took place on Sept. 15 (Prescott) and Sept. 22 (Woodstock) and had 128 drivers participate.
“Our numbers are down a lit- tle,” said Joanne Mackenzie, the event organizer for both convoys. “But that happens. There seems to be a lot more trucking events hap- pening around this industry this year, which is good, but companies can only go to so many events and donate so much money. So, I get it.”
Despite numbers being down, Mackenzie said the convoy was still one for the books.
“We did actually have seven more drivers than last year in Prescott,” she said. “It’s the smaller of the two convoys, but it’s unique in the fact that we’re not on the highway for very long. We get off the highway and actually drive through downtown Brockville and go through all the little towns back to Prescott, and everyone in the community pinks everything out for us. They get really into the spirit.”
This year, Vision Truck Group in Cambridge, Ont., provided mem- bers of the Owner-Operator Busi- ness Association of Canada (OBAC) with a brand new Mack Anthem to drive. The drivers of the new truck raised $3,340 for the cause.
“Vision Truck Group was honored to provide a Mack Anthem model to the OBAC team for such a worth- while cause,” said John Baker, direc- tor of sales, Vision Truck Group. “It was great to see supporters rally around the Anthem and pledge their support to help find a cure.”
Mackenzie started the convoy nine years ago after her aunt passed away from cancer.
“Breast cancer was one of the cancers she had,” she said. “And breast cancer is near and dear to my heart because I had a breast cancer scare of my own. Thank- fully, I found my lump early and only needed a bit of radiation. I’m cancer-free now. But it was really my experience with my aunt that kickstarted this. And I just wanted to do something to give back and keep her closer to my heart. “
Mackenzie added that the con- voys are all about cancer aware- ness and education, as well as to help build bridges between the reality of trucking and public perception.
“We want to show the public that we’re not a menace out on the highways,” she said. “We are humans. And we are passionate about driving. And about chari- ties. And about things others care about. I think these convoys really bring a light to trucking, and the light on trucking hasn’t been too bright lately. So, I hope these con- voys help.” TN
It’s tradition to “pink out” your truck in the name of breast cancer aware- ness at the Trucking for a Cure convoys in Southern Ontario every year.
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