Truck convoy set to raise money for Special Olympics

WINNIPEG – Get ready to roll, the World’s Largest Truck Convoy is set to take over the Perimeter Highway.

Drivers can expect to see traffic backed up along the highway but it is all for charity.

The  international campaign is spear-headed by the Law Enforcement Torch Run and helps to raise money for Special Olympics Manitoba.

It’s expected 200 big rigs will be taking part in this year’s convoy.

“You’re never going to see this many trucks all at once,” the convoy organizer Matthew Bassett said. “It’s all for a great cause.”

Basset is one of more than a dozen motor carrier enforcement officers with Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation helping guide drivers along the Perimeter route.

“Some of the drivers team up with Special Olympics athletes…that’s always nice to see,” Basset said.

Last year the convoy raised $59,000 with a total of 190 trucks.

Since its inception in 2001, the one-day celebration has helped to raise more than $4 million.

The convoy is scheduled to leave Oak Bluff at 11 AM and will travel counter-clockwise around the Perimeter.

It could take the trucks an hour and a half to make their way around.