SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
For the second year in a row, the NT Law Enforcement Torch Run took to the streets with Convoy for a Cause to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Blair Weatherby leads the convoy as the truckers approach Old Airport Road on Highway 3. - photo courtesy of Riley Veldhuizen |
Approximately 20 truck drivers took part in the 15-km parade, all without their trailers for safety reasons.
"They started at the tank farm on Kam Lake access road, passed the Sand Pits before going on to highways 3 and 4 before winding down Franklin Avenue to the Yellowknife Fieldhouse," said RCMP Const. Warren Hudym.
The truckers paid respects to Grant Lawrence Ambler and Leroy Alfred Conner, who died in a Feb. 19 transport truck accident on Highway 3.
"During the final wrap-up at the Fieldhouse, we had a moment of silence to recognize this unfortunate incident and as a reminder of some of the challenges and dangers that the drivers endure," Hudym said.
"We recognize the importance of the trucking/transport industry to the economic stability - and survivability - of the NWT, so we also wanted to recognize them for their support for our fundraising efforts for Special Olympics NWT."
This year, Convoy for a Cause raised more than $11,000. It is not as much as last year's $31,000, but that year was a bit of an anomaly, said Hudym.
There were a lot of factors that may have kept people away last weekend, said Hudym, including the Long John Jamboree and the cold weather.
The driver that raises the most funds for the run gets to lead the convoy. It was the second year in a row Blair Weatherby of Weatherby Trucking Ltd. snagged the lead spot.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has two other major fundraising events during the year, which are the First Air Hercules Pull and the Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge. Last year, Convoy for a Cause was added because organizers wanted to try something different, according to NT Law Enforcement Torch Run director Lea Martin.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an international organization made up of law enforcement agencies from dozens of countries. Its goal is to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics through various community events. The NWT chapter includes law enforcement agencies and other groups from Yellowknife and around the territory.
