Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong celebrated 10 years

Camp Quality’s Convoy Geelong is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, bringing together over 250 trucks for a 43km journey through the area in a powerful display of support for kids facing cancer on Sunday, 23rd February.

As one of the biggest trucking events in the country, Convoy Geelong has raised significant funds over the past decade to support Camp Quality’s programs and services, bringing positivity, fun, and laughter to children and their families impacted by cancer.

Joff van Ek, who was part of the original team that had the vision to bring Convoy Geelong to life, said he never imagined when he first started, the impact the event would have on so many lives.

“As a kid, I loved watching convoys with my dad, and when I lost a close friend to cancer as a teenager, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful to support organisations like Camp Quality. When we launched Convoy Geelong 10years ago, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. Seeing hundreds of trucks stretching as far as the eye can see is an incredible feeling, and I’m proud to be part of an event that makes an incredible difference for kids and families in need.”

Also attending the fundraiser is childhood cancer survivor Hayley Rabbas, who has attended Convoy Geelong every year since after being diagnosed with Medulloblastoma just before her 10th birthday, spending much of that first year undergoing treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

Through Camp Quality, Hayley and her family found joy in Camps and Family Fun Days, making lasting memories. Now 20 years old, Hayley credits Convoy Geelong and passionate supporters like Joff for making a lasting impact on families like hers.

Camp Quality CEO, Deborah Thomas says. “We cannot do what we do to support Australian children and their families during their darkest days without the generous support of the local community such as those who have generously raised funds for this milestone event.

“Every year we see more and more families register for our services and we strive to provide support for them from diagnosis through to remission – as well as in the tragic case of bereavement.”

Camp Quality’s General Manager of Revenue, Sandie Hall, expressed her gratitude to the trucking community and supporters who have helped Convoy Geelong reach this milestone.

“For 10 years, Convoy Geelong has united the trucking and transport industry with the wider community to make a life-changing difference for kids facing cancer. The generosity of our truckers, sponsors, and supporters over the past decade have been extraordinary, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone event,” says Sandie

One of the families attending this year’s Convoy is six-year-old Penny and her father, Martin. Diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukaemia (ALL) at age two, Penny endured nearly two years of treatment, facing severe side effects, including anaphylaxis. Now six and in Year 1, Penny has been part of Camp Quality since 2021, enjoying Family Camps, Fun Days, and Kids Camps. Penny and her dad are excited to join Convoy Geelong in support of the cause that has meant so much to them.

Convoy Geelong will start and finish at Beckley Park, traveling through Lara, Corio, Waurn Ponds, and Geelong.

Find out more about Convoy Geelong here.