Bendix employees help build home for trucker in need
ELYRIA, Ohio – When the industry gives back to its truckers, it’s a beautiful thing.
On May 22, more than 120 Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems employees rolled up their sleeves to help build the walls of a house for a truck driver in need.
The construction project took place at Bendix’s Elyria headquarters, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Medina County and Help Build Hope.
The three-bedroom, one-bathroom, 1,100-square-foot home is being built for Andy and Kristina Phillips of Brunswick, Ohio.
Andy is a full-time truck driver and he and Kristina have three children: Madison (8), Connor (7), and 2-year-old Lucas, who requires extensive supportive care due to a rare brain malformation called lissencephaly.
The new home is being built to better accommodate Lucas’ on going care needs than their current apartment.
Special modifications to the house include a motorized chair lift, donated by Bendix.
“The support and efforts of our employees are the heart and soul of Bendix’s ongoing commitment to building communities and positively impacting our neighbours,” said Maria Gutierrez, Bendix director of corporate responsibility and sustainability. “Part of our company culture is striving every day to put our social responsibility to work and make a difference, and it simply doesn’t happen without the inspiring generosity of our team members and their families.”
Bendix also donated $1,500 toward roofing the home.
After building the house’s frame, volunteers wrote messages and well wishes on the beams and walls. Bendix says the house is set to be completed by October.
“We’re thankful to Medina Habitat for Humanity, Bendix, and all the volunteers,” said Andy Phillips. “Our family is so appreciative of what’s going on here, and this is really going to help a lot.”
“It’s just amazing how many people came out here,” Kristina Phillips said on the morning of the build. “It’s nice to know people are willing to donate their time.”
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Greg,
Everyone CAN BE involved! Its up to each of us to reach out in our communities and make an effort to help. Habitat for Humanity is a huge organization with affiliates all across the country and they always need volunteers. And most communities have many organizations that are working to help people in need. Believe me, we have no shortage of people who need a hand up in this world! Look in your community and find a cause that you can support; a trucker in need, homeless veterans, a food pantry, a Habitat affiliate. The needs are endless. And be prepared for an experience that may change your life too.
What a nice thing to do , should be more things like this and get them promoted to allow the rest of us to get involved.