Southland Hug a Rig Day organisers are celebrating another successful event.
The free event gives people of all ages with special needs or lifelong medical conditions the opportunity to take a ride in a big rig, classic car or hotrod.
Ian and Dianne Elstob organise the day.
It was an event the couple were proud of, Mrs Elstob said.
‘‘We have two special needs sons ourselves so we know how important these sort of events are.
It was ‘‘the looks on their faces’’ that made it all worthwhile, she said.
There had been just the right number of participants for the vehicles, which meant there were no queues or vehicles waiting for passengers.
‘‘They just continued to be on the go.’’
About 70 volunteers staffed the event.
‘‘Without a lot of their support we wouldn’t have run such a great event.
‘‘It takes a lot of planning and organising.’’
The couple were very grateful to everyone who helped with the day, she said.
Money raised at the event through raffles was given back to the community.
In the past, the event had supported groups including Gore and Balclutha Riding for the Disabled, Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House, Mrs Elstob said.
