Convoy to roll into Redcliffe

Hundreds of big rigs will roll into the Redcliffe Showgrounds on Saturday for the annual Brisbane Convoy for Kids.

Now in its 13^th year, Brisbane Convoy for Kids Treasurer Leanne Prince said this year will be bigger than before.

“At this stage we have more than 400 vehicles registered, but that number will grow,” Leanne said.

“Each year continues to get bigger and bigger, and this year will be no exception.

“When you look at the first convoy we held in 2010, we only had 112 trucks involved.”

All the vehicles taking part in the convoy will travel from Larapinta along the motorway to the Redcliffe Showgrounds.

“We will be making our way along the Redcliffe Foreshore and then up Oxley Avenue on our way to the Redcliffe Showgrounds,” Leanne said.

“There are going to be lots of vehicles to see, so I would suggest getting down to Redcliffe early so you get a prime position to see the trucks.”

When the convoy arrives at the Redcliffe Showgrounds, that’s when the family fun day begins.

The day will include a full display of participating trucks, vehicles and bikes, truck show judging, live entertainment all day, food stalls, interactive displays and stalls, free kids rides, entertainment for the little ones, face painting, an animal farm, magic shows, night lights display and fireworks.

Leanne also says there will be an auction where people can bid on some cool items.

“We will have everything from baby items right up to fridges,” Leanne said

“We have an amazing collection of items, including a resin surfboard that glows in the dark, and a guitar that has been signed by 30 big country artists.

“If you can’t find something to bid on, you aren’t looking hard enough.”

The gates at the Redcliffe Showgrounds will open at 9am.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for concession and $5 for children aged 5-16.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate.

For more information about the event, log onto the Brisbane Convoy for Kids website or follow Brisbane Convoy for Kids on Facebook.

Money for a worthy cause

Money raised from the Brisbane Convoy for Kids will be donated to Wesley Mission Queensland’s Hummingbird House, which is Queensland’s only children’s hospice, and one of only three children’s hospices in Australia.

It provides specialised pediatric palliative care services to children and young people with a life-limiting condition, helping them make the most of every precious moment they have.

Hummingbird House General Manager Fiona Hawthorn said money from the annual Brisbane Convoy for Kids makes a big difference in the lives of sick children and their families.

“Hummingbird House is privileged to be the beneficiary of Brisbane Convoy for Kids, who have supported us for the past six years," Fiona said.

“The funds raised from this fantastic event enable us to support families in a range of ways, from short break stays, to family support during or following the death of a child, to grief and bereavement counselling for as long as a family needs it.

“Brisbane Convoy for Kids is an actioned pack event that brings families together over big rigs, good food and fantastic entertainment! If you’ve never been, make sure you get down there this weekend.”

For more information about Hummingbird House, visit their website.