Topmark truck convoy raise funds

At the end of 2004 the Rotorua branch of the Child Cancer Foundation was delighted to receive a surprise call telling them they’d be the recipients of any funds raised by TopMark Motors during their truck run from Auckland to Rotorua!

Held on the 27th of November 2004, and organised by TopMark Motors principals Bernie Perez and Jeff Berriman for Ford, Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge trucks and related vehicles of all ages, their enthusiasts, and families, the rally was run with a view to having fun while raising money for the Child Cancer Foundation. The run started at Topmark Motors in Manurewa and other trucks joined the convoy throughout the day. Virtually every American marquee with a commercial truck in its catalogue was represented. Ford F150s, Dodge Rams and Chevrolets vied for attention from the public as the impressive convoy headed south. Wherever the trucks went, large crowds gathered to stare at, inspect and talk, and the all drivers were all surprised by the attention and detailed knowledge of even the youngest admirer!

When they arrived in Rotorua all vehicles were assembled in the car park at the Skyway Gondola and Luge, where representatives from the local branch of the Child Cancer Foundation joined in with some local families. The children (and some ‘not so young’ children) were entertained with rides in a variety of Dodge and Chevrolet trucks including a NASCAR Truck series replica and were then whisked up the hill on the Gondola for some rides on the luge.

That evening a prize-giving banquet and dance was held, during which former League Star and current Dodge Ram driver, Tawera Nikau spoke inspirationally about life, the challenges he has faced, and how he dealt with them. The way the young children battling cancer responded to his presence at the Skyway Gondola said it all…generous with his time, and with a kind word or hug for all the children, and some of their parents, Tawera made a lot of people’s day.

After a further round of fund raising, during which prizes (generously donated by TopMarks Motors, Andrew at Tri-Star Shipping, Radio Hauraki, Auto-Trader, Maguires Car Care, Mothers and G.M.Fitzgerald Investments Ltd) were raffled and auctioned.

As a result of the efforts of all involved, (the generosity of both the sponsors who donated prizes and the participants who gave continuously throughout the day, the children who collected so enthusiastically on behalf of others) $1100 was raised for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Thank you all so much for the enthusiasm you generated, and special thanks to Mark Dignan - who acted as a go-between and coordinator for the Child Cancer Foundation and TopMark Trucks.