Trucker Appreciation Breakfast
“On The Road Again!”
Last Saturday morning, April 1st, those entering the back door of Blenheim Baptist Church were awed with the shiny new grill of a Freightliner Cascadia accented with an equally impressive big-rig chrome front bumper.
It has been four years since the church’s last Trucker Appreciation Breakfast. Three years ago, the COVID lock-down ended any planning at the ‘last minute’. With the COVID-fear now somewhat subsided the fifteenth annual event became a reality.
The truckers received a warm welcome, and were treated to a breakfast of eggs, sausage, pancakes, and toast. The coffee ‘went down well’, too. Pastor Bill Terris, coordinator of the event, praised the kitchen crew for all their effort in keeping the hot food coming. He added, “Thanks to Marc and Mike at Blenheim Community Funeral Home for donating the coffee!”
Over seventy drivers and guests attended the drop-in gathering from 7:30 -10:00 a.m.; they enjoyed the fellowship and complimentary meal. Pastor Bill exclaimed with a smile, “The fun, conversation, and teasing in our gathering is phenomenal! The stories triggered by the renewal of friendships certainly leave a lasting impression (!). It was great seeing trucker friends, and having some newcomers along, too.”
He added, “Our church team has, again, excelled! Thanks to SM Freight, and R. Brush Farms for lending us truck parts to complement the banners, truck pictures, and videos that accented the room.”
Many conversations concerned the truck-related toy displays. The collectors received due recognition for their craftsmanship. Contributors included:
- Alan Pool, and his brother Mitch, who displayed a variety of diecast trucks.
- Matthew Sterling of Pain Court, with brother Rob, who presented his automated Lego trucks and machines along with other truck toys.
- Mac Allison brought his impressive wooden trucks.
- Dennis and Linda Bryson of Watford, newcomers to the event, featured an impressive Mack truck display.
- Dan Hould provided a variety of his wooden trucks as centerpieces for our breakfast tables.
- Pastor Bill set up his detailed 1/64 scale truck diorama – an ever-evolving hobby.
Some of these contributors have been involved in 4-H throughout their lives. In recent years Pastor Bill has made presentations to 4-H members to teach them how to built toy farm scenery. Annually the ‘Chatham-Kent Toy Show and Sale’ takes place in January at the Bradley Center in Chatham. This event is in support of Chatham-Kent 4-H, and is a very worth-while family event to attend.
Highway tractors were parked at the back door entrance. Thanks to SM Freight for their Freightliner Cascadia, and to Joe Curtis for his big International; both trucks shined and were impressive – providing a classy welcome.
Community, or truck-related, businesses donated door prizes. The church expresses a big “THANK YOU!” to all. “THANKS!”, also, to those who donated toward the breakfast.
A high school student, Damien, was able to gain volunteer hours by helping in many ways. Many commended, “You did a great job, Damien!”
Last Friday evening ten community friends dropped by to preview the toys, and the Breakfast set-up. Pastor Bill commented, “It’s always good to have friends drop by.”
Chaplain Len and Sue Reimer of the ‘Transport For Christ’ Chapel at the Drumbo Truck Stop (Hwy 401, Exit 250) were in attendance. At this location a tractor-trailer is set up as a trucker chapel; chaplains provide a spiritual haven for truck drivers. Pastor Bill is our local ‘Transport For Christ’ Chaplain.
These chaplains offer personal or family support to the trucking industry. The ‘Transport For Christ’ prayer line is 1-888-980-7729. Chaplain Len can be contacted at 519-536-6045. Chaplain Bill can be reached locally at 519-784-2676.
Each driver received a Transport For Christ gift bag which include Christian literature and a DVD entitled ‘COURAGEOUS’. Included also were small practical gifts, and trucker-sized cookies provided by the church. All this to say, “Thanks for bearing the load, going the distance, and coming home safe!”