Five Good Things: Philanthropy, volunteerism, and recognition shaping trucking communities

Forward Air raises $526,000 for veterans at 2025 Drive for Hope Golf Tournament

Forward Air recently hosted the fourth annual Drive for Hope Golf Tournament in Braselton, Georgia. Through its philanthropic platform, Operation Forward Freedom, the company raised $526,000 to benefit Hope For The Warriors (HOPE), a national, nonprofit organization founded by military families to support veterans and their families. Forward Air has partnered with HOPE since 2020 and has raised more than $1.75 million.

“We are proud to support Hope For The Warriors and the incredible work they do to improve the lives of veterans every day,” Shawn Stewart, president and CEO of Forward Air, said. “This year’s tournament was our most successful event yet, as we joined forces with so many of our business partners for a truly wonderful cause—but our work is not finished. We will continue to grow our partnership with HOPE, so we can expand the impact on those who have served and need our support.”

This year’s Drive for Hope event featured a dinner and silent auction with a guest speaker and HOPE beneficiary. He shared his story of an explosion in Iraq that left him severely wounded and spoke about how Hope For The Warriors stepped in to provide assistance to him and his family.

The $526,000 raised at the tournament was the largest amount ever raised at the Drive For Hope Tournament, which included a record number of sponsors, attendees, and golf participants.

Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America grant creates new opportunities for workforce readiness at Northeast Ohio high school

Thanks to a nearly $70,000 grant from Knorr-Bremse Global Care North America (KBGCNA), a Grafton, Ohio, school launched an initiative known as Harbor of Hope to prepare students of all abilities for life after graduation.

Inside the space is a student-run café, a production shop, a storefront for Midview gear, a sensory room, a full-scale special education classroom, and a teaching kitchen. A Kindness Closet, stocked with clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies for students in need, is also nearby. The new areas are designed for hands-on training and anchor two pre-apprenticeship programs in finance and hospitality, offering real-world experience to more than 800 students, including more than 80 with disabilities. 

“This project gives our students experiences that simply didn’t exist a few months ago,” Meredith Udris, director of pupil services, said. “They’re going to leave here with the confidence and preparation to be employable after graduation—carrying with them knowledge and experiences they can use to help make our community a better place.”

Since its launch in 2018, KBGCNA has awarded more than $2.6 million to over 30 initiatives across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The nonprofit focuses on efforts that support youth, education, and underprivileged populations in communities near three of Knorr-Bremse’s largest North American companies: Avon, Ohio-based Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems (Bendix); Westminster, Maryland-based Knorr Brake Company; and Watertown, New York-based New York Air Brake.

“This partnership hit our sweet spot at KBGCNA—helping young people at risk build real skills for life, from vocational training to inclusion,” Maria Gutierrez, KBGCNA president, said. “It meant so much to see Midview dream big and then bring that vision to life with creativity, resourcefulness, and community spirit.”

Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for roadside assistance

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named professional truck driver Kevin Wojtasiak of Bay & Bay Transportation a TCA Highway Angel for his actions during a roadside emergency in Clarks Grove, Minnesota.

On June 29, Wojtasiak witnessed a vehicle disabled by a deer strike on Interstate 35. The collision left the car engulfed in flames and stranded along the highway. Wojtasiak pulled over to assist, ensuring the driver and three passengers were safely out of harm’s way. He remained at the scene until emergency responders arrived, offering water and reassurance to the motorists, who escaped injury despite the fire.

“They hit a deer—I saw a dead deer in the road, and all of a sudden I saw a flaming vehicle,” Wojtasiak said. “A fire extinguisher wouldn’t have done any good. The vehicle was totally engulfed in flames.”

With more than 2 million safe miles driven during his career, Wojtasiak exemplifies the professionalism, selflessness, and dedication to public safety that define America’s truck drivers.

“We are incredibly proud of Kevin for his heroic actions,” Savannah Snelgrove, marketing manager at Bay & Bay Transportation, said. “He represents the highest standards of our company and the trucking industry as a whole. Being named a TCA Highway Angel is a well-deserved honor.”

Kumho Tire U.S.A. spotlights community volunteer efforts in Greater Atlanta

Kumho Tire U.S.A. recently renewed its commitment to make a positive impact in the Greater Atlanta area, home to Kumho's U.S. headquarters since 2016. As part of the renewed commitment, the company's employees recently volunteered at the Dunwoody Nature Center's monthly "Second Saturday" program, as well as the Million Meal Pack at State Farm Arena. 

"Kumho is committed to giving back to the community where we live and work, and we are honored to partner with local organizations like the Atlanta Hawks on impactful initiatives that positively contribute to the community," Ed Cho, CEO of Kumho Tire U.S.A., said. "As a company and team, we will continue our renewed focus on public service and community involvement into 2026, supporting important causes that enhance Atlanta's neighborhoods."

Kumho launched its first external volunteer initiative in Georgia in late summer. A team of employees joined the Dunwoody Nature Center's monthly "Second Saturday" program to help preserve and enhance the local environment. Together with community members, volunteers cleared overgrown paths, removed invasive plants, and improved natural spaces.

In addition, Kumho participated in the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Million Meal Pack initiative on September 27. This annual event is the team's largest service initiative of the year, dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Metro Atlanta. Kumho employees joined other local volunteers at a one-day event, helping to assemble more than one million meals that will be distributed to individuals and families in need across Atlanta.

Toyota Canada partners with the Canadian Red Cross to strengthen domestic response capacity 

Toyota Canada recently announced a new partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, contributing $100,000 to support Time to Act, a campaign designed to strengthen the organization's capacity for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

With weather events and health emergencies increasing in frequency and intensity across the country, Time to Act provides the resources needed to ensure the Canadian Red Cross is ready to meet current and future community needs. The campaign invests in readiness, response, and resilience—from training volunteers, pre-positioning supplies, and deploying mobile clinics to supporting long-term community recovery.

"Through this contribution, Toyota Canada is reinforcing our commitment to being there when Canadians need us most," Leslie Miller, COO and CFO, Toyota Canada, said. "We're proud to deepen our work with the Canadian Red Cross, ensuring support not only in times of disaster but in preparing communities for the challenges ahead."