ESCANABA — The Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI), the Airstream RV Owner’s Association is preparing for the 60th Annual International Convention/Rally being held this year in Escanaba July 22-29 at the Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds.

WBCCI represents 118 individual Clubs/Units across Canada, the United States, and most recently new clubs in Australia and Europe. The International is divided in 12 regions that represents just over 6,500 individual RV units and in excess of 12,000 individual members.

Members are dedicated to fun, fellowship, and adventure in their iconic Airstreams, organizers said. Travel to Unit Rallies, Region Rallies and the Annual International Convention/Rally provide opportunities to visit with friends and fellow members. Rallies also provide the opportunity to work on and support the various community service programs sponsored by WBCCI.

Last year in Lewisburg, W.V., club members responded to the flood disaster there with countless volunteer hours and over $50,000 in donations to help bring relief to those impacted by that disaster. Over the past two years members of WBCCI have supported the “Wounded Warrior Program” in both Canada and the United States providing in excess of $75,000.00 with funds still coming in from our various member units.

“WBCCI members support Habitat for Humanity; provide mittens and hats for children and also lap blankets for seniors in communities we visit. WBCCI has provided thousands of stuffed animals for children in need of comfort over the years and have provided several thousand pounds of can tabs in support of Ronald McDonald charities providing wheelchairs for those in need. A recent program was introduced to collect used eye glasses to be distributed by the Lions Club in the various areas we visit to those in need. An ongoing very popular program is our Blood Donor Clinic,” a press release stated.

Each year at our International Convention/Rally a local child with a special need is selected for support by the rally attendees. This child is the beneficiary of several thousand dollars to provide ongoing care.

Along with Rallies, WBCCI members enjoy caravans that travel across Canada and the United States. Caravans travel to Alaska, Newfoundland, California, Mexico and all points in between.

The big red numbers on an Airstream represent a WBCCI member. If you have an Airstream product you are invited to join the club. Information is available at www.wbcci.org.