2012 Convoy

With 57 trucks and $18,900 raised, the 2012 World’s Largest Truck Convoy for Special Olympics exceeded our wildest expectations. Truckers from around the province united in a convoy that stretched nearly a kilometre through the busiest streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, and Eastern Passage. Families gathered on the sidewalks to cheer on our mighty convoy — while the celebration at Shearwater was a blast for everyone involved.

The convoy began at “F Hangar” 12 Wing Shearwater, before proceeding through Dartmouth, Cole Harbour, and Eastern Passage. On its way, it passed many notable landmarks, including Dartmouth General Hospital and the Cole Harbour Shopping Center. Afterwards, hundreds of people joined us in a celebration at “F Hangar,” CFB Shearwater. Live music was presented by local group Outbound and artist Regan Boucher.


Participants

On September 15, 2012, truckers and companies from across the province joined together to form a mighty convoy. Here are the companies who volunteered their time and efforts to help Special Olympics athletes.


Partners

We are proud to be partnered with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which is run by police officers, RCMP, sheriff’s deputies, support staff, police volunteers, and other law enforcement professionals from around the world. The Law Enforcement Torch Run consists of scheduled relay events, usually held in conjunction and coordination with Special Olympics functions.

Every year, more than 85,000 volunteer law enforcement officers participate in the torch run throughout 35 nations, raising more than $38 million for local Special Olympics programs… more than $300 million since its inception in 1981!

Inspired by the impact Special Olympics had on his life through his participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, combined with his family’s involvement with the trucking industry, Norm Schneiderhan, a Corporal with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, created the World’s Largest Truck Convoy in 2001. Since then, the convoy has spread across North America, with participation in 24 states and 4 provinces.

Halifax Regional Police

The convoy wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Halifax Regional Police, who provided logistical and operational support to ensure that the convoy ran smoothly.

Fire Departments

We would also like to extend our thanks to the fire departments from the following communities:

  • Cole Harbour
  • Eastern Passage
  • HRM
  • Woodside

Defenders Motorcycle Club Chapter 10

These amazing men and women are part of a Canadian organization united around their common love of motorcycling. All of its members have served or supported service in the defence of our country. During the convoy, they served as our outriders.


Sponsors

Silver Guardian Partners

Hull Transport

Athlete Partners

Halifax Transfer Inc.

Barbecue Sponsors

Banner Sponsorship

Friends of the Convoy


Photo Gallery

Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos taken during the 2012 convoy. To see all of the photos we took, check out our photo albums on Facebook:

Saturday Morning

Truck Convoy on the Streets

Celebration


Videos

The official Convoy 2012 video, plus some videos of the event taken by  intrepid observers along the route.

Official Video

Q104 Morning Crew in Eastern Passage

The following videos of the truck convoy were posted on YouTube by bulldaisymom:

Truck Convoy Part 1

Truck Convoy Part 2


Truckers Have Big Hearts

As the day closes and I reflect on our day, I can not even speak without getting tears in my eyes! So many wonderful truckers have left such a wonderful impression on me. This group overwhelms me. To think they raised $10,000 in pledges — for an organization many have no connection to — is amazing to me.

One trucker wanted lead truck so bad, but gave up the bid to let another company with an athlete win, because he could not bear to bid against an athlete.

I have been doing fundraising events for Special Olympics for 10 years. My dad is a trucker. This event has by far been the best yet. It has drawn so many emotions from all. Even my long-term volunteers, who I have never seen cry, cried today!

Long story short — truckers have an amazingly big heart. Thank you!

Anne Marie Shannon
Director of Events & Communication