Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for returning purse to owner
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Daljit Sohi, from Triple Eight Transport Inc. out of Abbotsford, British Columbia, a TCA Highway Angel for noticing a woman dropping her purse at a rest stop, then driving for three hours to return it to her.
On November 29, 2024, while traveling from Banff to Salmon Arm, Shailly James, from High River, Alberta, stopped near Golden, British Columbia, to assist her 4-year-old child. Unbeknownst to James, her purse fell during the stop. It contained $1,100, a gold chain, credit cards, and her identification cards.
Triple Eight Transport driver Sohi witnessed the event and followed James in his truck to return the purse.
While driving, James noticed a truck driver following her, which caused some concern. When stopped to refuel at a gas station in Sicamous, Sohi approached James and informed her that he had found her lost purse. To her relief, everything in the handbag was accounted for.
“I was so happy that, thank god, he found it,” James said. “Then I tried to give him $500 as a reward, but he didn’t take it.” She plans to send a thank-you gift to Sohi at his company office.
Stellar works with employees to raise over $40,000 for United Way of North Central Iowa
Stellar Industries, an employee-owned and -operated manufacturer of mechanic and service trucks, service cranes, service truck and van accessories, has worked with its employees to give back to the local Iowa community. Stellar employees raised over $20,000 for United Way of North Central Iowa, and Stellar matched the collective employee contributions, resulting in a grand total of $40,368 donated to United Way during the 2024 holiday season.
Stellar’s annual donation to United Way of North Central Iowa is a reminder of the company’s commitment to the communities they call home. In 2024, Stellar also contributed to local initiatives, including donating a UR10 collaborative robot to North Iowa Area Community College’s Industrial Automation and Robotics Technology program, a monetary donation to a local childcare center in Garner, and more.
“Charitable giving has always been a priority for Stellar and our employees,” said David Zrostlik, president of Stellar. “To once again be able to provide a wonderful organization with funds raised by our dedicated employees is truly an honor.”
Chevron helps restore reefs
Having grown up in a family that loves to fish, Alexandra Cheramie, a Chevron corporate affairs advisor, understands the importance of finding the perfect place to cast a line. But in south Louisiana, finding these good spots has become a little more challenging, as some marine habitats have been damaged by storms.
To help restore those habitats, Chevron sponsored the installation of Cajun coral modules—3D printed concrete that resembles natural reef. The modules attract marine life, and they were installed in Timbalier Bay and other locations by the Coastal Conservation Association as part of their REEF Louisiana Program.
“The entire project is personal for me because this is not only where I work; it’s also where I live,” said Cheramie. “I’m hopeful that one day we’ll take our son and daughter out to fish at this artificial reef.”
CCA Louisiana submerged the Cajun coral near Pelican Island, which was a popular destination for fish until about a decade ago, when a storm damaged it, displacing many fish.
Just months after they installed the reef, marine life returned. This marks the 14th time Chevron has partnered with CCA Louisiana to restore local reefs.
“Projects like the Pelican Island reef installation illustrate how innovation and collaboration can revitalize coastal habitats,” Cheramie said. “This reef will help support the marine life that calls it home for generations to come.”
TravelCenters of America recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month, announces new anti-trafficking initiative
TravelCenters of America has supported the important work of TAT for over a decade. TA will start hosting Junction Briefings this year at select sites nationwide, in collaboration with TAT.
TAT Junction Briefings are free, in-person events designed to train truck stop and travel center employees and facilitate communication and collaboration with law enforcement. Presenters will provide an overview of human trafficking, explain how truck stop and travel center employees may be encountering human trafficking, and share red flag indicators and local examples.
Junction Briefings will be held quarterly at TA locations within 10 miles of a major interstate or highway junction. To accommodate different shifts of workers, two to three sessions will be held on the same day. In addition to TA employees, other nearby truck stop and travel center employees are invited to participate.
“It’s important that we are providing every opportunity we can for our team to be trained to recognize human trafficking,” said Debi Boffa, CEO of TA. “I have personally witnessed the impact our team members can have as the eyes and ears of the highway. We look forward to building stronger relationships with the local law enforcement community and thank TAT for the opportunity to host these important meetings at our sites.”
Toyota to provide a million meals to Canadians, starting with a $300,000 donation to Food Banks Canada
Toyota Canada recently announced a $300,000 donation to Food Banks Canada, kickstarting the company's goal to provide a million meals to Canadians living with food insecurity.
Food Banks Canada reports that there will be over two million Canadians visiting a food bank this month, a record high. To address this need and to build on the company's efforts to support food security in Canada during and since the pandemic, Toyota Canada has introduced "Toyota Million Meals,” a national plan to provide one million meals through corporate donations, employee efforts, and dealer network programs like Toyota Cars For Good.
"We believe no one should have to wonder where their next meal will come from," said Leslie Miller, VP of corporate services and CFO, Toyota Canada. "The Toyota Million Meals goal is about uniting our resources, efforts, and compassion to help build stronger, more food-secure communities across Canada. We're proud to partner with national organizations like Food Banks Canada who are on the front lines every day."
In early 2020, Toyota Canada and its dealers contributed over $1 million to local food banks nationwide. They've continued to provide support since that time, and today's contribution to Food Banks Canada further demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting one of Canada's most pressing needs: food security.
Toyota's recent support for food security also includes a $100,000 donation to Breakfast Club of Canada, announced in September.
