Truck show helps families in need

COMMUNITY EVENT: Louis Marais and Campbell and Caila Sanderson browse through the trucks on display at the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show on Saturday.
COMMUNITY EVENT: Louis Marais and Campbell and Caila Sanderson browse through the trucks on display at the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show on Saturday.

TRUCKS big and small filled the Mount Gambier Showgrounds on Saturday as the community came together to support those in need during the festive season.

Travelling from Penola, over 100 trucks ended their journey in the Blue Lake city for the Mount Gambier Family Truck Show, all with the main aim of raising money for ac.care.

Coming from as far away as Adelaide and Melbourne, event organiser Adam Smith said he was “blown away” with the generosity of both the local community and participants.

“The feedback has been unbelievable and the showgrounds were filled with people from 10am to 3.30pm,” he said.

“While it was only a gold coin donation for entry, we had people throwing in $5, $10 and even $100 notes, which is just amazing.

“At the moment we are counting up that money, but we know there will be a lot that will go towards helping local families this Christmas.”

On top of the funds raised, Mr Smith said the large number of donations of toys to gift as presents this Christmas was also welcome.

“I want to thank all of the sponsors both local and visiting for taking the time to be part of this event and donating so generously to the cause,” he said.

“The generosity of this community is astounding and I am so thankful for everyone’s support.”

Already planning next year’s event, Mr Smith said it will be even bigger and better than this year’s.

“We are considering combining with the harness racing, but just have to come up with a date that works for everyone,” he said.

“It is definitely going to be an annual event though.”