When Wendy Watt watches YouTube videos of last yearB次元官网网址檚 Island Equipment Owners AssociationB次元官网网址檚 Truck Light Convoy, a feeling of excitement washes over her.
Watching the lights sparkle on the trucks as they drive by the thousands of smiling Greater Victoria residents who lined the streets, makes her proud to be a part of an association that gives back to the community.
B次元官网网址淚 just get tingles. ItB次元官网网址檚 just such an amazing cause, itB次元官网网址檚 just such an amazing event,B次元官网网址� said Watt, the association manager. B次元官网网址淭he hours that the truck drivers and all the equipment owners put in to do this is just amazing and itB次元官网网址檚 all just out of the generosity of their own heart B次元官网网址� it takes hours and thousands of lights.B次元官网网址�
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This year, 80 trucks are being decorated to dazzle thousands of residents throughout the region on Saturday, Dec. 2. The 19th annual convoy begins at Ogden Point at 5:45 p.m. and, with the help of a police escort, winds its way through Victoria, Colwood and Langford, before ending at Western Speedway between 8:15 to 8:30 p.m. The trucks then park and the public is invited to enjoy a hot dog, hot chocolate and see the trucks up close.
New this year, residents will be able to track the convoyB次元官网网址檚 progress online.
In addition to the parade, the event is also a fundraiser for various food banks in the Capital Region. While residents cannot hand food to drivers during the event, there will be a number of drop off locations set up throughout the various municipalities.
A number of local groups, businesses and firefighters will be collecting donations the night of the event. Some include View Royal Fire Rescue collecting at Helmcken Road and Watkiss Way, Colwood Fire Rescue at Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre and Sands Funeral Home, Thrifty Foods in Colwood, Langford Fire Rescue at the corner of Verterans Memorial Parkway and Goldstream Avenue and Millstream Village.
Donations benefit a number of food banks including the James Bay Community Kitchen, the Mustard Seed, the Salvation Army and the Goldstream Food Bank. Over the years, the association has donated more than 154,000 pounds of food.
B次元官网网址淲e just want to create awareness in the community of how important it is [to donate] any time of the year, but Christmas and the winter time especially,B次元官网网址� said Watt, noting many residents will set up their chairs along the 35-kilometre route around 3 p.m. the day of to ensure they get the best view possible.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 just really proud of the association and all that theyB次元官网网址檝e accomplished over the years in giving back to the community where we all do work and play.B次元官网网址�
For more information, food drop off locations and to track the convoyB次元官网网址檚 progress on Dec. 2, visit
