Popular Truck Light Convoy Returns To Vancouver Island

Nov 18, 2021 - 3 years ago

Saturday December 4th 2021 is the date of the 23rd Island Equipment Owners Association Truck Light Convoy and Food Drive. After a year on pause the drivers and sponsors are excited to bring back the anticipated annual event and start to rebuild community spirit back in neighborhoods.

Those attending in person are recommended to wear masks and spread out to practice physical distancing when watching the convoy roll along the 35km route through five municipalities in Greater Victoria. Anyone looking for a virtual option are invited to watch CHEK news filming live as the trucks start off at 5:45pm from Ogden Point at the Breakwater District. It is a terrific opportunity to enjoy the convoy sights and sounds from the comfort of your own home.

Popular Truck Light Convoy Returns To Vancouver Island

The Island Equipment Owners Association represents local civil contractors, heavy equipment owners and operators, and equipment suppliers on Vancouver Island. The IEOA incorporated as a Society in 1964 and now 57 years later 175 companies form the membership. The IEOA offers members the opportunity to connect, learn and benefit from each other’s experience and projects. The IEOA supports rate equity, fair business practices and giving back to the communities in which they live and do business. Assisting with community projects in need of equipment or materials and rolling the convoy to support food banks are a few ways they are giving back to the community where they live and work.

Popular Truck Light Convoy Returns To Vancouver Island

The first convoy started in 1998 with an idea by a local truck driver, Nirmal Johal. He gathered eleven friends with commercial trucks to drive around town decorated in Christmas lights and treated the community to a fun sight while campaigning for food bank donations. The following year there were forty eager trucks ready to join and the IEOA assisted with organizing the growing event and then as the quote goes ‘the rest is history.’ In the past twenty plus years this event has experienced tremendous growth and success and has become a traditional part of celebrating the Christmas season for many people. The trucks reflect the pride of the owners who decorate with hundreds of feet in light strings and cheery props ranging from the traditional Snowman and elf themes to the Grinch and Minions. Santa will be enjoying the convoy ride on his mobile toy shop trailer and is looking forward to waving at the crowd. The bright lights and big sounds of the convoy rolling through the streets bring out thousands of people to bask in the glow of seasonal fun and absorb the warmth of the theme, giving back to others. Collections to date of over 183,000 pounds of food donations and over $74,500 in monetary donations have supported local food banks and nonprofit organizations.

Popular Truck Light Convoy Returns To Vancouver Island

A few things are different this year as we maintain efforts to keep our community safe. Light-up events in Oak Bay and Langford will not be happening the night of the convoy but each municipality is planning great family activities over the holiday season. At the finale of the Truck Convoy, we will be rolling into Westshore Motorsports Park around 8:30 pm and trucks will be parking around the racetrack. Spectators are welcome to bring food bank donations to the speedway parking lot and come into the grandstand area to see the trucks all together in their glowing glory, but the gates will not be open to allow access into the marshalling area. A hot chocolate warm-up and visit with Santa inside the racetrack are still on pause, but we look forward to their return next year.

Popular Truck Light Convoy Returns To Vancouver Island

The most convenient way to support the convoy efforts are with an online food bank donation. The registered charities receiving donations can provide a taxable donation receipt and can use the donations in areas of greatest need for their clients. Nonperishable food bank donations will be accepted during the two weeks before the convoy, the IEOA website has more details on locations and food bank websites. IEOA Members encourage the public to find a charity or group that means something to them to help however you can, food and clothing donations or volunteering your time and resources all help support our community grow stronger together.

The participant list is almost full at 80 commercial trucks with drivers and companies who have been a part of past convoys already registered. Convoy drivers are excited to get on the road and share their lights and sounds with the watching crowds. They are ready to start to rekindle the community spirit we have all been holding back with efforts to keep each other safe this past year. They missed seeing all the kids and families smiling and waving along the route last year and are preparing their lights and decorations to be the best they have ever been.

The Island Equipment Owners Association would like to thank The Supply Post publication for support in sharing these details and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

To learn more about the Truck Light Convoy, and where to donate to the food drive, visit www.ieoa.ca.

Source: IEOA