The final total is in and despite there being no family fun day this year the i98FM Illawarra Convoy still managed to raise a record amount over $3 million.
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Illawarra Community Foundation manager Mark Rigby said the grand total announced by Marty Haynes on the i98Fm breakfast show on Wednesday morning was $3,047,473.
Mr Rigby said the 2021 event saw 573 trucks and 596 motorbikes take part and the wet weather did not dampen the community's Convoy spirit with thousands lining Wollongong and Shellharbour streets to show their support.
He said the record breaking tally came after the lead truck position went to Kye's Convoy Dream, a team dedicated to Kye Yates who sadly died in 2019.
The team won the lead truck bid with $95,000 going to the cause. MJ Rowles contributed $84,000, Team Dandaloo $80,000 and Cleary Bros $64,000.
Mr Rigby said Bluescope Steel still generously contributed $100,000 despite there being no fun day to sponsor.
He said the motorcycles were a big contributor this year with the Coles Illawarra leading the charge with a $206,000 winning bid after 1180 staff took part in the fundraising effort.
Motocity and Kye's Convoy Dream team donated $50,000, Bikers 4 Heroes $45,500, Superior Carr Brothers $30,000 and Ride for Hope $18,000.
Mr Rigby said The House that Convoy Built auction on Saturday raised $1,315,000 for the cause.
"The idea of building a house for auction with 100% of proceeds going towards the Illawarra Community Foundation came about after Team Dandaloo's Al Doherty, Rob Starcic and Paul Hadley met with property group Sheargold and pitched the idea to the Illawarra Community Foundation, before GJ Gardner Homes took over management of the build, and MMJ and renowned auction Ben Mitchell coordinated the sale of the house," he said.
During the build more than 120 tradies, businesses and suppliers contributed to the construction and used 130,000kg of concrete, 3,200m of timber frame, 430 metres of Colorbond roofing, 38,440kg of bricks, 1.240 metres of electrical wiring, 19,980 nails, 178 litres of paint and over 1,900 hours of donated labour.
During the i98FM Breakfast Show on Wednesday Mr Rigby revealed the total fundraising effort over the last 17 years was now more than $20 million.
"It never ceases to amaze me how generous the people of the Illawarra are," Marty Haynes said.
"With so many of our lead truck and bike teams unable to run their fundraisers this year due to ever-changing Covid-19 restrictions, to achieve this result is crazy.
"The tradies and suppliers for the House That Convoy Built, helped diversify the fundraising for Convoy this year, in place of the lead truck and bike fundraising which has helped us reach this phenomenal result.
"This money will help to make a real difference to those who are bravely facing other illnesses and hardships in our community. To everyone who has supported Convoy, thank you."
All money raised in this year will go to the Illawarra Community Foundation who will distribute funds to local charities and families who are facing life threatening illness.
Submissions for funding can be made at the Convoy website www.illawarraconvoy.com.au.
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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.
