(For overseas viewers, Dolly’s Dream is an organisation established by Kate & Tick Everett in memory of their 14 year old daughter, Amy ‘Dolly’ Everett, who tragically took her own life in January, 2018 after experiencing severe cyberbullying.)
We all know of Dolly’s Dream and the wonderful work that so many do to support this wonderful charity.
At the Clarendon Kenworth Classic in September there was a virtual Dolly’s Village set up in the centre of the grounds.
Matt Lynch and daughter, Logan – who suffered on-line abuse – were there with Logan’s brainchild and Matt’s, Dolly-decaled Kenworth Agitator, a scene stealer in its own right.
But Matt and the family’s involvement goes well beyond a dressed up truck with the family having raised close to $280,000 over the past two years in and around their hometown of Nowra on the NSW South Coast. On Dolly Day each May there are now over 80 local businesses that participate thanks to the Lynch family’s efforts.
Then we meet Carlee and Aaron Harvey who began sewing Dolly’s Dream badging on clothing to “make a couple of hundred dollars for the cause.” Today the couple have over 70 items of Dolly merchandise and have made the organisation over $1.1 million.
“Truckies are the absolute best,” said Carlee. “The most generous, giving and caring people you will find.”
Mick Camilleri cooks up a storm at the Klassic and for the past couple of years all money raised goes to Dolly’s Dream.
This year he and the team cooked upwards of 500 kilos of the best, tender and most flavoursome meats on Mick’s array of slow cookers and smokers.
“I’m just a truck driver with a bit of a passion for cooking, I guess. Well, a passion for cooking, and a passion for a cause. And along the way we’ve created an atmosphere where people can come and relax. It's a crazy weekend, but if you can relax a bit and enjoy it, it all helps, you know, mate.”
This story would not be complete without the other piece of ‘the Village’.
Mark Inglis is the General Manager of Dawson’s Haulage out of Albury/Wodonga. Many will have seen the Dawson’s B double plying the highway adorned with Dolly’s Dream signage.
“It all started with Goz (Graeme Dawson). I believe he'd seen the documentary on ABC Television, and was quite moved by the cause. The trailers were conceived in conjunction with Troy Kitchen at Freighter Trailers. They'd been talking about Dolly's Dream and they came up with the idea of decking out a B double set of taut liners for the cause.
“Since then it's gained a lot of popularity and traction. We've since become a corporate sponsor of the charity, and we get involved with fundraising events such as this one. All the Dawson’s merchandise proceeds go towards Dolly's Dream.”
Should anyone need help contact the 24 hour hotline: 24 DOLLY (13 36 55) or if urgent: 000.
To donate to this most worthy of causes go to www.dollysdream.org.au
Truckin With Kermie is proudly supported by
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