Sunday’s fifth annual Touch A Truck event attracted hundreds of spectators wanting to see heavy duty machines up close.
But the event, held in Hanwell, New Brunswick, aimed to do more than just provide a fun and educational experience for children.
The event was held in support of the Sgt. Mark Gallagher Vocational School in Haiti, named after the late RCMP sergeant.
“Sgt. Mark Gallagher unfortunately died in Haiti in the earthquake,” Hanwell Mayor Chris Melvin explained. “There was a community that came together and they wanted to do something. Rather than putting money directly into Haiti, they wanted to do something to help Haitians rebuild their own community.”
“We can honestly say that every dollar that we bring in at the gate ends up in Haiti,” Melvin said.
Aside from the fundraising goal, the mayor said the event also simpy offered locals an opportunity to have a good time.
“Who wouldn’t want to travel in a big dump truck?’ Melvin asked. “Who wouldn’t want to play with a firetruck?”