The showers didn't stay away but nothing could dampen the Illawarra spirit as thousands turned out in convoy shirts or costumes with chairs, umbrellas and picnics for the 2021 i98FM Illawarra Convoy.
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Before the first wheel turned on Sunday $1.145 million had been raised from the bike and trucks auctions and $1.315 million from The House Convoy Built auction on Saturday.
When auctioneer Ben Mitchell's hammer fell Bob, Kerrieanne, Amelia and Rose Porter had a new home.
When asked by Marty Haynes what their favourite thing about the house was the Porter children said the heated floors. While Mrs Porter said she loved the house and the cause so much she had been to every open day.
Mr Porter told the Illawarra Mercury they plan to move in as soon as they can and went and had another look at their new home first thing Sunday morning after a big night of celebration.
He said it was still sinking in they had secured such a special house that will become a family special home.
"We didn't think we were in with a chance. We feel quite lucky," he said.
"It is such a bonus we can help such a worth cause while buying our dream home. We needed a property and this worked out really well for us. But the kids are already having a wrestle over who gets what bedroom."
On Sunday morning the bike convoy was led down the mountain by the Coles Illawarra team.
Regional manager Peter Anderson said he couldn't be prouder of 1180 staff from 11 stores who helped raise $206,000 to win the lead bike auction. They did so with some fun fundraising activities.
"One of the most popular ones was throwing a pie in their manager's face," he said.
Mr Anderson said he was away that day but will be up for it in 2022 and hopes that helps Coles Illawarra raise even more for local children. He said the COVID lockdown did make fundraising more challenging but credit to all Coles employees who in recent years have raised $750,000 for Convoy.
Mr Anderson said no family fun day meant Coles didn't run its traditional fundraising food stall at the event. So that meant he and more staff could participate in the actual convoy.
"We had 35 bikes, two online vans and a Coles prime mover and pantec in the Convoy this year," he said.
Marty said thanks to Coles it was the first time in Convoy's 17 year history that the lead bike donation had been higher than the lead truck.
"In what has been a difficult year for everyone, we are thrilled with the results," he said.
"The continued support we receive from the community is simply incredible."
In the bike auction Moto City and Kye's Convoy Dream bid $50,000, Bikers 4 Heroes $45,550, Superior Carr Brothers $30,000, Ride for Hope $18,000 and Aramex $10,000.
Kye's Convoy Dream secured lead truck with a donation of $95,000 followed by MJ Rowles at $84,000, Team Dandaloo at $80,000, Ross Transport with $64,000 and Cleary Brothers at $62,000.
Among those standing on the roadside waving the bikes and trucks on was Ron Zalunardo who said he had been doing so for 15 years. Other than last year he has only had ever missed Convoy when he was in hospital.
Mr Zalunardo said he supported the event because he wanted to help children who are sick or unwell.
"I have been a blood donor most of my life which is my connection with helping so many little kids I will probably never meet. Supporting Convoy is another way I can help. I will keep coming as long as I can."
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
