It was a day for good bastards, rough diamonds, and plenty of happy kids and their caregivers as the 2019 Rigs for Kids paraded around greater Dunedin under the winter sun.

Photo: Sharp line-up of Dynes gear unloading children at the drop-off point.

This is not a truck show, but a chance for the transport industry to show and throw its support behind Greg Inch and his incredible team of volunteers, all for the cause of putting big smiles on as many faces as possible – whether it be children or adults on the day.

After the ride, there was food put on for drivers and their passengers and, later, a charity auction that raised around $9000. Proceeds from this went to Pregnancy Help Dunedin, The Kiwi Family Trust, Otago Down Syndrome Society, NICU Dunedin Hospital, distraction bags for children visiting the ED at the Dunedin Hospital, and Play Specialists at the children‘s ward at the Dunedin Hospital.

“We have sponsors with no commercial expectations, and transport operators who freely supply their trucks year in and year out. We can‘t thank them enough,” says Greg. After 28 years – and still going strong – Rigs for Kids is now starting to see second-generation drivers coming through and paying it forward.

Photo: JG Henderson operator Colin Campbell with .his crew for the run, Angel and Pauline.

Photo: Pacific Haulage Western Star operator, Hadleigh Saxon and his team, Tamara and Brett.

Photo: The kids quickly associated the bright green Sterlings with the South Island‘s Summerland Express Freight.

Photo: Fire and Emergency New Zealand had a number of trucks on the ride. The old Ford even got out for a run.

Photo: A Fulton Hogan Mercedes-Benz Actros put a smile on many young faces.

Photo: The new Blackhead Quarries Arocs traded dirt for tarmac on the day.