When the industry gives back to its truckers, it’s a beautiful thing.
This past week, 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.
On May 22, the Bendix employees pitched in to build the walls of a three-bedroom home. The Bendix grouponjunction with Habitat for Humanity 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.”