TravelCenters of America has kicked off its annual Round Up campaign, running from May 26 to September 4. Customers at participating TA, Petro, and TA Express locations can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar, with the difference going directly to the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.
The St. Christopher Fund provides financial support to over-the-road and regional truck drivers and their families during times of illness or injury. Since 2010, TravelCenters of America has raised $3.1 million for the charity through its campaigns and initiatives.
In 2022, the Round Up campaign raised over $100,000 for the St. Christopher Fund.
“Professional drivers are the backbone of the nation’s economy and TA is committed to supporting drivers in need by easing the financial burden brought on by health concerns,” said Jon Pertchik, chief executive officer of TA. He feels the drive reflects the company’s commitment to the men and women behind the wheel.
“This annual campaign is part of our holistic approach to the health and well-being of professional drivers; we remain committed to also providing services and amenities like healthy food options and fitness centers to help them stay healthy while on the road.”
About the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund
Since 2007, the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund has been dedicated to assisting over-the-road drivers and their families who are unable to work due to illness or injury. The fund provides direct payments to help cover household living expenses such as rent/mortgage, utilities, vehicle payments, and insurance.
As the organization’s Director, Donna Kennedy highlights the valuable partnership with TravelCenters of America, which helps make their work possible.
“Studies have shown that more than 70% of the 3.5 million professional truck drivers in the U.S. have one or more serious health problems, and I could not be more proud of our work with TA to give any professional driver experiencing illness or injury the much-needed support they deserve,” Kennedy said. “Alongside their Round Up campaign, TA’s work to provide health and wellness programs is crucial to our mission here at SCF.”
Looking beyond just financial aid, the St. Christopher Fund goes the extra mile to cater for truckers’ health and wellbeing. Specifically tailored to their needs, the organization’s Rigs without Cigs program supports smoking cessation and provides practical advice for maintaining a tobacco-free lifestyle. Keeping in mind the alarming prevalence of Type 2 diabetes among truck drivers, the charity’s Driving Down Diabetes campaign aims to tackle this issue head-on by initiating preventative measures and minimizing risks associated with the disease.
Source: Land Line
