Christmas can be a tough time to be a truckie. While most people are with their families, celebrating and making memories, the freight task never ends – so truck drivers often have to spend the day on their own, hours away from home.
With this in mind, one kind-hearted truckie’s wife is urging members of the community to “adopt a truckie” this Christmas.
Julie Duncan, who is married to Murrell Freight Lines truck driver Ron Duncan, said she first came up with the idea about four years ago, after a truckie friend of the couple said he was going to be spending Christmas alone on the side of the road.
“He wasn’t going to be anywhere near us, so we couldn’t take him in,” explained Duncan.
“So I thought – what if there was a Facebook group where people could post if they were willing to host a truck driver for Christmas?
“Whether the driver is living in their truck or they have to work, I thought there might be people out there who would welcome them into their homes for dinner or a couple of beers.
“I know from a mental health side of things, it’s a terrible time to be on your own.”
Thus, the group “Adopt a Truckie” was born, with many generous people reaching out to drivers over the years.
Danielle Schultz, who is also married to a truck driver and has been involved in the group for years, told Deals on Wheels: “When we’re home, we open our home to a truck driver so they have someone to spend Christmas with.
“I know my husband has been alone at Christmas, and it’s not nice, so we invite people to share a meal with us.”
This year, members of the Adopt a Truckie group have already offered up everything from cold drinks to home-cooked dinners.
Jodi Ferris, who is based in the Hawkesbury area of Sydney, commented on the page: “Always a big feed, cold drinks, shower and washing machine facilities.
“Please don’t be too shy and don’t stay alone for Christmas.
“My hubby and my dad are both truck drivers and I’d hope someone would offer them the same.”
John Grant has offered a free lunch or two to truckies who will be based near Melbourne Bowling Club in Windsor, with parking on Dandenong Road a five-minute walk away.
Meanwhile Nikita Pearson, on the northside of Brisbane, can deliver breakfast near Narangbah exit, or truckies can join her and her family for lunch in Dayboro.
Duncan said that while truckies might not always take up people on these offers, it makes a difference to know that someone cares.
“A lot of truckies are quite solitary and they don’t want to impose to impose on strangers at this time of year,” she said.
“But we get comments all the time saying they’re so appreciative that people think about them.”