Special Rigs for Special Kids 2019
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The dust has settled on the latest annual truck run for the long-established Special Rigs for Special Kids charity, which was held in its hometown of Dunedin at the end of August
Now in its 28th year, the charity brings together trucks and special needs children for a run around the city and further afield to Mosgiel, all assisted by a large contingent of volunteer helpers and organisations.
"Our run usually sees around 190 to 230 trucks turn up for the event, and this year we had 237 trucks, so it was an exceptional turnout," says run founder and head organiser Greg Inch. Greg says the organisational team pairs up truck drivers with a special needs child for the day and allocates trucks according to how many from a family they need to transport.
"If there’s just a child and a caregiver we will put them in a day cab truck, whereas if there is a family we will try and provide a truck with a larger cab," he says.
"The main thing is to include the siblings as special needs kids can receive a lot of attention, so we want the whole family to feel included."
Funds raised from the event this year was shared among six charities, with a mixture of funding and products being distributed by Special Rigs for Special Kids administrators.
"Naturally, we need to ensure anything handed out is accountable and often we will use our group buying power to purchase equipment or goods, as this can substantially increase what some of the smaller charities receive," Greg says.
Plans are already underway for the next run in 2020 and Greg says they are also getting enquiries about the 30th run, which will be held the year after.
"Already one freight company is talking about bringing their entire fleet down from Christchurch for it, so we’re planning on a biggie then," says Greg.
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