Christmas Convoy for Kids rolls through Grande Prairie Sunday

“We’ll be continuing up past the college and the Westgate shopping centre, and we will continue up the bypass to (the) Prairie Mall and then north out of town into the McRae Industrial Park.”

Fleming is encouraging people to come out and watch.

“We’re looking to have around 100 decked out, fully lit-up trucks with Christmas lights, the horns, full holiday energy, and we’re really hoping for a massive community turnout.”

“It should be a really fun evening for parents and kids alike.”

Fleming adds that the large parking lots along the route would be the best viewing spots.

He says the truckers “are pretty excited” to take part.

“We’ve got a group on Facebook that caters to these truck drivers. It was an idea that was brought about here a few years ago to hold this Christmas convoy to raise money for local charity, local kids.”

“The drivers really jumped on board, and we’ve had a couple of good years, and we’re hoping this year is the biggest one yet.”

Fleming says they are collecting toy and cash donations for Helping Hands, Odyssey House and Sunrise House.

“The reason we picked them was because of their activity with youth in our community.”

“The (Christmas) Convoy for Kids, kids (are) our primary objective. We want to make sure all kids have a good Christmas this year.”

Fleming adds, last year the convoy raised just over $16,000. The goal this year is $25,000.

Donations can be dropped off at the H2Oil trailer parked at the Prairie Mall from 2 p.m. Sunday until the convoy passes by. Cash and new, unwrapped toys are being collected.

by Curtis Galbraith