Christmas can be a lonely 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.
This year, members 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.”
Duncan is also encouraging any caravanners who come across truckies on Christmas day to say hello.
“If you’re a caravanner having breakfast in some parking bay somewhere and you see a truckie getting out of the truck and kicking his tyres or whatever, offer him a cuppa and a biscuit.
“If you’re travelling with kids, maybe ask if the kids can have a look in the truck.
“Most truckies are really proud of their trucks and want to show them off. It’s just a bit of interaction.
“Truckies are delivering your fuel, your food, everything – so it’s nice to reach out.”