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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is expanding with organizers planning what they are calling Convoy for a Cause as another way to raise money for Special Olympics athletes in the NWT.

The event, planned to start at 2 p.m. March 17, will see a massive convoy of big-rig trucks drive a 15 km route along Highways 3 and 4, through downtown Yellowknife to their final destination at the Multiplex.

"To our knowledge, this is the first convoy for charity north of 60," said Lee Martin, director of the torch run.

She said they wanted to expand on their success last year where the NWT chapter raised the most money for Special Olympics athletes in the world.

"So Const. Warren Hudym and I said 'We want to do another event. So what can we do?'"

That's when the idea for the convoy came.

"So we said, 'Why don't we see what the trucking industry here has to say about that?'" said Martin.

Martin said she is hoping the event will raise $5,000 through registration fees and a friendly competition to see which driver and company can raise the most money.

Once the trucks arrive at the Multiplex, the public is invited to meet with Special Olympics athletes as well as the drivers.

Last week, Martin and Hudym had contacted 16 trucking companies, all of whom have expressed interest.

"It's our first year, but just based on the feedback, I think we are going to see a minimum of 50 (trucks), but we could see upwards of 150," Martin said. With 50 trucks, the convoy would span about 1.5 km.

Hudym made a point of emphasizing that it isn't just about the money, but raising awareness.

"Money's always good. Money's always needed, but it's important to raise awareness too," Hudym said.

Convoy for a Cause will only include the trucks themselves, not trailers, in order to allow truckers to drive through town.

"This funding makes our programs possible. So, all of the sports that we offer, this helps pay for the facilities rental to do all that, and that's our major cost," said Lynn Elkin, executive director of Special Olympics NWT.

"Special Olympics is fortunate for having the Law Enforcement Torch Run as our primary fundraiser in the Northwest Territories.

"Without support of the convoy and other things they do, we wouldn't be able to offer the programs we do for the 40-plus athletes who participate," said Elkin.

To date, the torch run has raised approximately $145,000 for Special Olympics athletes in the NWT with their Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge in May and Hercules Aircraft Pull in September.

Martin said drivers don't have to worry about losing income to participate in the convoy because arrangements have been made to work around schedules.

Law enforcement will be stationed at intersections to ensure everybody involved is safe.

Martin said if everything goes well, they hope to make Convoy for a Cause an annual event in addition to the other two major events.

"I think it's a great idea," said Bill Marshall, who drives for Ventures West. He said he would be happy to participate if he has the time.

Ron Near, director of winter road operations for the Tibbitt-to-Contwoyto joint venture, said he hopes the response is good.

"We encourage any drivers who can find the time to participate," said Near.

Pat Strus is the mother of 21-year-old Chris Strus, who recently went to Athens for the Special Olympics.

"I think this is just amazing," Pat said. "I'm thankful that the community has this kind of interest in our athletes and our programs."

"I'm really excited," said Chris. "I just want to thank everybody."

Trinity Helicopters is supplying a helicopter so that the convoy can be filmed from the air.

The torch run is co-ordinating with dispatchers to ensure drivers don't lose business to participate in the convoy.

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