Special Rigs for Special Kids Event Celebrates Community Spirit

The annual Special Rigs for Special Kids event in Dunedin drew a remarkable turnout, showcasing the enduring spirit of its inception 34 years ago. Co-organiser Greg Inch highlighted the event’s growth from a simple idea to a significant fixture in the local social calendar. Initially conceived to pair special needs children with large trucks for a memorable experience, the event has evolved into a celebration of community and connection.

Inch emphasized the impact on the children involved, stating that the event fosters confidence and joy among participants. One of the volunteers, Vanessa Hutchison, shared her personal journey, having first attended the event as a fascinated four-year-old. Now 27, Hutchison expressed her joy in giving back through her volunteer work as a photographer.

“I grew up going on special rigs for kids, and being able to volunteer in my adulthood brings me so much joy,” she said. Hutchison noted that her experiences at the event helped improve her social skills significantly. “For me, I was not a very sociable person, so to be able to get inside one of those big trucks and meet some awesome people and make friends was really great.”

The event took place on October 14, 2023, where approximately 250 trucks participated, embarking on a roundabout journey that included destinations like Fairfield and Green Island. This year, the convoy of trucks stretched over 12 kilometers, much to the delight of the spectators who gathered to witness the spectacle.

“The community loves what Greg Inch and the rest of his team does,” Hutchison remarked, reflecting on the atmosphere of joy and excitement that enveloped the event. The truck drivers convened at the Edgar Centre, ready to share the day with their young passengers, many of whom experienced the thrill of riding in a large truck.

Inch expressed gratitude for the numerous firms and individuals who volunteered their time and resources to make the event possible. “You’ve got the overall cost of the rigs and high road-user charges, so the drivers are really doing a service for these families and children,” he stated.

As planning for next year’s event began immediately following this year’s success, Inch noted the unpredictability of participation. “We mostly don’t know the number of drivers and families participating until the day before the event. People keep turning up — it’s so exciting.”

The enthusiasm surrounding the Special Rigs for Special Kids event not only highlights the commitment of the community but also the lasting positive impact on the children who take part in this unique experience. With plans for the future already underway, the event is sure to continue its legacy of joy and connection for many years to come.