Truckers thank Red Cross, Salvation Army for help during border crisis

The trucking industry has thanked the Canadian Red Cross and The Salvation Army for delivering food and water to truck drivers as they waited in traffic or were forced to park in truck holding areas while they attempted to cross the Canada-US border.

The delays occurred during the several days following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Truckers made a donation of $2,500 to each organization in recognition of the food and beverages delivered to thousands of truck drivers caught in traffic delays.

“The trucking industry is very grateful to these charitable organizations, as well as to the Canadian Coast Guard in Sarnia – all of whom provided assistance to truck drivers. We also want to extend sincere thanks to the many organizations, church groups and businesses that donated food supplies for distribution to transport drivers,” said David Bradley, president, Ontario Trucking Association.

In the days that followed the US attacks, thousands of truck drivers were stuck in traffic jams as they waited for as long as 24 hours to cross the border. Truck drivers were forced to inch their rigs along roadways for hours up to the border crossing points or were forced to park in makeshift truck parking lots while they waited their turn to approach the border. In both cases drivers often did not have access to food or water.

The cheques were presented to Salvation Army Captain Neil Lewis and Tanya Elliott of the Canadian Red Cross by Challenger Motor Freight transport drivers Dave Bennison and Beau Rose along with OTA President David Bradley.

The Salvation Army sent representatives to two Ontario border crossings, where they distributed coffee, cold drinks, sandwiches and meals from emergency canteens. Similarly, The Canadian Red Cross distributed hot and cold meals, snacks and beverages. In Sarnia, the Coast Guard worked cooperatively with these community agencies to help deliver aid.