Blog

Written by Anne Marie Shannon, Director of Events & Communications Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

Receiving registrations from companies and drivers can often be a great moment of reflection on why we work so hard to raise money for Special Olympics by offering events like the Truck Convoy. Quite often we are moved by a story or memory that is shared over the phone about why being a part of this event is important to you – our participants. Why do you drive?

This week, as the Director of Events & Communications, I had the chance to speak in length to a driver who was more than happy to share with me a very personal and moving story about why he asked his company to enter him into the convoy this year. “It is hard to not get emotional when I talk about this” says Leonard Wilson from TDR Transportation and Logistics. Leonard is what he tells me is a “line haul” driver with over 20 years experience in the industry and hopes to one day get his class one and hit the road for long haul runs. During his career, he tells me he was fortunate to be introduced to a co-worker’s son who had both physical and intellectual disabilities. Leonard, who is slightly hearing impaired talked about the initial struggle to communicate. “ At first it was hard for us to talk, I couldn’t hear very well and he couldn’t talk very well. Eventually over time I got used to his gestures and from there it was instant friendship.” Leonard and his new friend would sit many days behind his work and talk about all the great things friends would talk about. “He was truly an inspiration to me, I have a special place in my heart for people with a disability. They enjoy the things in life that we take for granted”.

It was this friendship that has made Leonard want to be more than a participant for this year’s convoy. Leonard is creating what he has called his “convoy folder”. This will contain the best of hits from yester years and today. He has done this for his “trucker buddy” that he will host for the day. “They can play any song they want or the same song for the entire trip. This day is about them”.

Leonard has also taken to making sure his truck is the best it can be. He has already worked on re-painting the trim work and has approval from his company to take the truck off the road the day before to shine it from front to back. “It will be the best it can be, because they deserve the best”.

If you are a member of any social media sites, many of you will recognize his name. He is friendly, kind and determined. His goal is to raise $1000.00 in pledges and has been diligent is asking friends, family and colleagues to support his goal. He is currently at just over $800.00 so I have no doubt he will reach his goal in the next month. “ I know if everyone does their part in raising pledges, together we can all make a big difference.”

Thank you to all who have shared the many moving stories and memories with us. Each of you are doing an amazing thing. We have always said “Truckers have #bighearts”. Here is yet just one more example of that.

If you know someone who wants to be a part of this year’s convoy in Dartmouth NS, registration forms can be found online or by calling 902-429-2266 x 2. Or, if you are moved by Leonard’s story and would like to donate to his fundraising efforts, or any of those collecting pledges, you can find their donation pages here.

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.