Trucks for Change Network addressed the integral relationship between charities and fleets at the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) conference.
Pete Dalmazzi, president and founder of Trucks for Change, brings together logistics companies from across the country and matches them with registered charities in an effort to transport materials or donations.
"Almost all freight companies donate to charity," Dalmazzi said. "It's time to think about how your company donates to charity."
At Trucks for Change, Dalmazzi and volunteers find fleets with available capacity to move donations to reputable and registered charities across the country.
"We work with many different charities across the country," said Dalmazzi, noting that Trucks for Changes works weekly with Habitat for Humanity and food banks of Canada – while also consistently providing support for the MS Society of Canada, Canadian Red Cross and other charities.
Currently, the organization is working on streamlining requests from organizations to help efficiently deliver donations.
"We facilitate charities so they can receive their donations (promptly) – if they are unable to collect their donations, the goods (such as food, clothing or building supplies in the case of Habitat for Humanity) are routed directly to the dump," Dalmazzi said, adding that their delivery process also has an impact on the environment due to a decrease in waste.
Dalmazzi asserts that the non-profit organization promotes a win-win situation between charities and carriers.
"Fleets can use charitable contributions to build their brand," said Dalmazzi. "We will put your name out there."
According to Dalmazzi, the efforts of Trucks for Change also reflect a positive side of trucking operations.
"This is a positive story we can tell about our industry, a story that reflects all the good work being done," Dalmazzi said.
And good news travels fast, as more and more trucking companies help out.
"We are growing exponentially as our adoption rate across the country picks up," Dalmazzi.
Still, Trucks for Changes wants to see involvement grow.
"We would like to eventually earn the endorsement of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association and have more companies join the program," said Dalmazzi. "We want you to help us fill trucks so we can fulfill needs."
