Dunedin’s special day
THE RESIDENTS OF DUNEDIN AND MOSGIEL LINED THE STREETS to smile and wave as the Special Rigs for Special Kids event hit the road for the first time in three years.
Like so many other events, Special Rigs for Special Kids had been put on hold while the country dealt with the Covid-19 pandemic.
But momentum returned as a convoy of 220 trucks rolled through the streets on August 28.
Founder and organiser Greg Inch noticed some differences this time around, with some contacts having moved on and a few companies that had closed.
“There was extra work making sure everything was right in the two or three weeks leading up to the event” says Greg.
Assembling at the Edgar Centre under the control of volunteer helpers, the convoy of trucks, excited children and happy drivers, made its way through Dunedin and Mosgiel waving and tooting to the hundreds of people who had lined the streets to watch the parade.
Dunedin resident Mike Compton said: “It’s such a positive and happy event. I looked over to Concord Garage from my front deck and saw an intellectually disabled man in his wheelchair bouncing up and down, clapping, with a huge smile on his face. Seeing the absolute pleasure that he and others were experiencing was just wonderful.”
Greg Inch mentioned that a lot of parents who’ve talked to their children after the event have said they get a lot out of the day.
“It’s not just watching a shiny truck, they get to see and wave to the special needs kids, learn about doing something for the community and putting their best foot forward,” says Greg.
The committee has already started organising next year’s event, which will be the 30th Anniversary.
“We’ve got generations that have grown up with it here,” says Greg. “It’s instilled in the community that this is not just a truck show, this is something unique and special.” T&D
Above: Fulton Hogan turned out in force at Special Rigs for Special Kids
Above right: The old and new of Reilly’s Towage and Salvage.
Below right: A busy morning at the Edgar Centre enrolling participants.
Below: Mcewan Haulage driver Andy Brockbank’s passengers Chelsea and Esme were all smiles.