Supporting Truck Drivers in Crisis: The Mission of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund with Shannon Currier

Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast

In this episode of Freight Nation: A Trucking Podcast, host Brent Hutto is joined by Shannon Currier, the Director of Philanthropy at the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.

Join them as they discuss:

• St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund: their mission, the assistance they provide, and the positive impact they have on drivers’ lives
• Driver health and wellness
• Personal stories
• How to help
• Philanthropy in the trucking industry

Shannon Currier is Director of Philanthropy at St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting truck drivers in need. She has cultivated relationships with top industry leaders and key stakeholders, secured strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, increased organization revenue by 24% average year-over-year, and secured numerous major gifts of $100,000, and significant contributions varying from $5,000 to $75,000 from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Before this, Shannon was Children’s Ministry Director for West Park Baptist Church.

Episode Highlights:

12:12 - 19:48 - St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, named after the patron saint of safe travels, was established to provide short-term financial relief to truck drivers facing health-related setbacks that affect their ability to work. The fund addresses urgent needs like medical expenses that threaten drivers’ livelihoods. Over time, the organization has expanded its focus to include health and wellness programs aimed at preventing long-term health issues common among drivers. These initiatives are developed with input from a driver council and are designed to support drivers in making healthier lifestyle choices, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and longevity in the profession.

23:17 - 26:05 - Shannon outlines the focused support provided by the St. Christopher Fund, emphasizing their strategy of addressing high-priority expenses for truck drivers. The fund covers essential costs such as household expenses, rent or mortgage, utility bills, and vehicle payments, but does not extend to medical bills due to their high costs. Assistance is provided for up to a couple of months to help drivers maintain stability. Applications are processed by having drivers submit their bills directly, which ensures that the funds are used as intended and allows for accountability to donors. This method also helps alleviate immediate financial pressures for drivers facing crises.

29:58 - 39:52 - Shannon shares impactful stories showcasing the effectiveness of the St. Christopher Fund's programs. Clarence Jackson's experience highlights the financial relief provided after severe medical issues, with the fund covering rent and essential expenses, which profoundly affected his faith in the industry's support. Danny Lawson's journey with the "Rigs Without Cigs" program illustrates the positive outcomes of health and wellness initiatives, including smoking cessation and ongoing healthy habits training. These stories not only underscore the fund's commitment to driver well-being but also inspire recipients to advocate for and contribute back to the organization, furthering its mission.

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