On this episode, Jeremy Reymer, CEO of DriverReach, is joined by Shannon Currier, director of philanthropy and development with the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping drivers and their families.
Over-the-road semi-truck drivers are an integral part of the transportation industry. When situations arise that put drivers out of work due to injury or illness, though, all too often it’s hard for them to pay necessary household expenses for themselves and their families.
Since the founding of the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund 15 years ago, the organization has assisted thousands of OTR semi-truck drivers in some of the most stressful times of their lives while they are not working due to medical problems.
Empowered by its donors and sponsors, St. Christopher covers necessary expenses for drivers, including their rent or mortgages, utility bills, vehicle payments, and insurance payments, which can often be some of the biggest bills.
“We are offering help and hope to drivers when they don’t have any. We’re helping these drivers have some peace of mind while they’re home recovering from these illnesses and injuries,” Currier said. “They can focus on that and then get back on the road and continue to provide for their families.”
Financial assistance isn’t the only way the organization helps drivers. St. Christopher offers free access to health and wellness resources and programs. These include a smoking cessation program, vaccine vouchers, cancer screenings and a diabetes prevention program.
By donating to St. Christopher, carriers are supporting the industry as a whole but also demonstrating that they value drivers.
“I think that it shows that you’re invested in your drivers when you’re donating to a fund that [drivers] respect, they donate to. We have been supported by drivers since day one. That is who has kept us going for years and years. They’re investing in themselves, investing in each other. Who doesn’t want to work for a company that’s investing in their drivers?” Currier said.
Also, letting drivers know about the free health and wellness programs does not cost a company a dime, Currier added. Connecting drivers with those resources, however, can go a long way toward improving drivers’ lives.
To learn more about the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, click here.
More from Taking The Hire Road:
Ward pilots TCA into next chapter
Safeguarding trucking’s reputation and compliance
Empowering drivers and staff alike
The post How St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund supports truckers and their families — Taking The Hire Road appeared first on FreightWaves.
