Bernadine Halliday’s love affair with Special Olympics began 18 years ago when a co-worker asked her to help out at the Provincial Summer Games.

Since then, she’s been deeply involved in nearly every event the organization has produced, taking on significant leadership roles in the annual Special Olympics Festival, the Hacker’s Classic curling spiel, Provincial Winter and Summer Games and of course the World’s Largest Truck Convoy.

But having loads of experience with other events did not prepare her for her involvement with the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, one of Special Olympics Nova Scotia’s newer fundraisers.

“I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I was asked to participate,” Halliday says. “But after the first Convoy I was incredibly moved that so many truckers – most with no connection to Special Olympics – participated and raised money for a cause they knew little about.”

She’s very proud of both the event experience offered at the Truck Convoy and the amount of money raised last year.

“I spotted a little girl wandering through the crowds at the festival hangar,” she recounts. “I asked if she was lost, she said no – I’m just going over to the kids area to play and colour.  I was so pleased that parents felt secure and comfortable enough to allow their children to wander!  I was glad we’d been able to create this type of atmosphere for the Convoy participants.”

The experience fueled her desire to continue her volunteer commitment and today she oversees the return ceremony. Her excitement for this event is building and contagious!

“I can’t wait to see some of the truckers and families who keep coming back,” she says. “They always show-up with such huge smiles, they know they’re doing something truly remarkable and are now part of the Special Olympics family.  The truckers who’ve never participated are instantly hooked; it’s remarkable to talk to them – especially when they tell us how they can’t wait til the next year.”

Volunteering for Special Olympics is a passion for Bernadine, and over the years she’s mentored hundreds of others to give back.

“My favourite part is when new volunteers discover the absolute joy our athletes have for each other, competing and for life,” she says. “When new volunteers are done with their task they always thank me for allowing them to help and can’t wait to return.  We’ve got people who return year after year; it’s not because they enjoy the hard work, it’s because the athletes refuel our hearts with their love, compassion and humanity!”

New volunteers to Special Olympics Nova Scotia are always welcome. If you are interested in volunteering for the Truck Convoy or any other program sign up today! https://www.truckconvoyns.ca/participate/volunteers/

Since 2004, Wolseley Canada Inc. has been a strong supporter of Special Olympics Canada. A National Sponsor, Wolseley has donated more than $2.5 million through employee fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

A sponsor for the previous two years, Wolseley and its associates has dedicated volunteer hours to the convoy. In 2013 and 2014, Wolseley volunteers greeted and directed all drivers and athletes, helping the convoy run smoothly and efficiently.

On the morning of the convoy, truck drivers, volunteers, and athletes alike meet up to get ready for the celebration of the day. With over a hundred trucks, it can sometimes seem hectic, but it’s with the help of the volunteers that the convoy starts on time.

“The best thing about being involved in the convoy is the athletes,” says David Hill, Atlantic Regional Operations Manager at Wolseley. “Being involved with Special Olympics for all these years, you get to see the growth in the individuals every time you seem them at events like the convoy and summer games.”

Wolseley has been a sponsor for the previous two convoys and last year hosted the first Public Convoy BBQ as well as attended as a Silver Sponsor.

With sponsors such as Wolseley Canada Inc. and its volunteers, #convoyns2015 has a little helping hand in ensuring that the event goes well. In 2014, Wolseley set up a cheer station. Will that happen again this year? Come on September 19th and find out!

Trucker registration is currently at 88 – hurry now and reserve your spot. Signup forms are available on our website or by contacting Anne Marie Shannon by email or phone at (902) 429 – 2266 ext. 2.

Since the first World’s Largest Truck Convoy in Support of Special Olympics Nova Scotia in 2012, Hull Transport Ltd. has been involved.

Hull Transport has had the honour of being lead truck in two of our convoys by being the truck with the largest amount of pledges collected.  A feat accomplished with the help of his trucker buddy Andrew Snow.

For Bob Hull, the convoy is more than a succession of trucks.

“The hard working volunteers, the athletes… it affects you in a positive manner,” he says. “The combination of truck convoy and Special Olympics is a favourite for me.”

A silver sponsor for the fourth year, Hull has a great relationship with Special Olympics Nova Scotia – and the athletes, too. Bob Hull says that meeting the athletes is one of his favourite parts about the convoy. It’s all for a great cause, and for Bob Hull, it’s a cause he and Hull Transport Ltd. believe in.  He looks forward to the convoy every year.

For Bob Hull, September 19th is marked on his calendar and Hull Transport Ltd. is looking forward to it. Can’t wait to see you at the convoy!

This week we hit 81 trucks – ringing us in at  54% capacity! Register now so you don’t miss out – signup forms are available on our website or by contacting Anne Marie Shannon by email or phone at (902) 429 – 2266 ext. 2.