BrickHouse GPS marks five years shipping free laptops to cancer patients seeking to stay in the workforce

BrickHouse GPS is revealing for the first time its five-year partnership with Cancer and Careers. Since 2021, BrickHouse GPS has supported Cancer and Careers by donating warehouse space, staff time, white-glove fulfillment support, and shipping costs to get free laptops into the hands of patients and survivors who need one to keep working, interviewing, or moving their career forward. Cancer and Careers provides the laptops. BrickHouse GPS's warehouse team in Indianapolis stores them, prepares custom shipments, and ships them at the company's expense.

The partnership has grown from a favor into a routine part of how the company's warehouse operates. More than 200 laptops have shipped so far through the Technology Assistance Program.

“Cancer and Careers needed more than warehouse space,” said Todd Morris, CEO of BrickHouse GPS. “They needed a team that could handle custom shipments carefully and reliably for people who were already dealing with enough. White-glove support is how we operate our own warehouse, so putting that capability behind this program was a natural fit. Five years later, we are proud to keep helping get these laptops where they need to go.”

BrickHouse GPS plans to continue its support of Cancer and Careers through the 12th annual West Coast Conference on Work and Cancer, which will be held virtually on October 17, and beyond. 

GM launches workforce initiative for veterans and military families

General Motors (GM) recently launched the “Stars, Stripes, and Skilled Trades” initiative, requesting proposals from nonprofits nationwide to support transitioning service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue automotive careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades.

GM plans to support up to 12 proven nonprofit workforce programs across the U.S., prioritizing organizations that demonstrate job-placement pathways, industry-recognized credentials, strong employer partnerships, and relevance to GM facility communities. Successful respondents will receive grants ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.

“At General Motors, we believe creating clear pathways to good jobs is central to strengthening our communities and the broader economy,” said David Massaron, GM VP of infrastructure and corporate citizenship. “Yet, too many transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses still face uncertain employment prospects. At the same time, our industry faces a critical shortage of skilled trades and manufacturing talent. Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades builds on a century of GM’s support for America’s heroes. By connecting this incredible talent with high-demand careers, we are expanding the pipeline that will power the future of American manufacturing.”

GM employs upwards of 5,000 veterans across a wide variety of roles, and the Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades initiative will help connect even more servicemen, women, and their families to good, high-demand jobs in the automotive industry after transitioning out of active service.

The Stars, Stripes and Skilled Trades RFP is open from August 21 through September 30, with winning proposals to be announced later this fall. 

MC Carrier driver apprentice recognized as TCA Highway Angel 

The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named MC Carrier Driver Apprentice Gabriel Popa a TCA Highway Angel for actions after a crash in southern Idaho that saved his mentor's life.

The incident occurred on February 28, near Rogerson, Idaho, when an impaired driver caused a head-on collision. At the time of the crash, Popa’s mentor, Nahum Camacho, was off duty and asleep in the sleeper berth, taking his federally required 10-hour break. Popa was traveling southbound on U.S. 93 when he came around a curve and saw the oncoming vehicle in his lane.

“I started braking, and I went to the left because I saw this person go toward my shoulder, so I tried to swerve to the left so I could avoid them,” Popa said.

Despite his efforts, the two collided. The impact damaged both vehicles, and Popa said he noticed smoke and the smell of burning oil. Camacho, who had been thrown from the sleeper berth, was disoriented and unable to get out of the truck. Popa exited through his door, assessed the scene, and then returned to help his mentor.

“I was like, ‘Hey, you gotta get out,’ because I didn’t know if the truck was going to catch on fire,” Popa said.

When Camacho could not escape on his own, Popa pulled him from the wreckage. Camacho was barefoot and without a shirt, so Popa helped carry him to a nearby vehicle where he could take shelter while they waited for emergency responders.

Though Popa was only beginning his trucking career at the time, he drew on his experience as a U.S. Marine, where he drove Class B trucks while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

“I was going to do what I had to do whenever I was there, trying to get my co-driver out,” he said.

Saia reveals the recipients of its 2026 student scholarship program 

Saia recently revealed the recipients of its 2026 scholarship program, awarding $75,000 to students pursuing higher education. The annual program provides financial assistance to eligible employees and their dependents. 

This year's recipients include employees and dependents from across Saia's nationwide network. Honorees were chosen for achievements that reflect a commitment to education, leadership, and service. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $800,000 in scholarships to over 350 recipients. 

The following students were each awarded a scholarship:  

• Alley Barry of Conover, North Carolina  
• Amanda Valdes of Homestead, Florida  
• Angelina Lozano of Fate, Texas  
• Annalise Carrasquillo of Fort Lauderdale, Florida  
• Brandon Kennedy of Waskom, Texas  
• Brianna Shill of Draper, Utah  
• Dalton Jackson of Roseboro, North Carolina  
• Delmy Zelaya of Spring, Texas  
• Jayden Rios of Tucson, Arizona  
• Jeffrey Mayer-Hodge of Reno, Nevada  
• Kaitlyn Fall of Jackson, Michigan  
• Kaycie Hollrah of St. Charles, Missouri  
• Ryker Berry of Nederland, Texas  
• Norbert Krajewski of Inverness, Florida  
• Nyera Wilson of Ladson, South Carolina  
• Shane Thoma of Wellsburg, West Virginia  
• Sofia Banuelos-Escamilla of Henderson, Nevada  
• Taylor Brockman of West Palm Beach, Florida  
• Tristyn Leger of Lafayette, Louisiana 

"I want to congratulate this year's scholarship recipients for their outstanding accomplishments," Fritz Holzgrefe, Saia president and CEO, said. "These students have demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and serving their communities. We are proud to support them as they continue their educational journeys and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future." 

Hyundai Hope on Wheels hosts Canadian Handprint Ceremony with $350,000 donation to help kids fight cancer 

Learning that your child has cancer is every parent's worst nightmare. For the Openshaw family, that devastating news came twice. Weston Openshaw was two years old when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Four months later, his twin brother Bennett received a similar diagnosis. They were treated at BC Children's Hospital, the first time the hospital had cared for twins with cancer at the same time. Now seven years old, the boys, known as the "Twincredible" Patient Ambassadors, are cancer-free.

Stories like Weston and Bennett's are why Hyundai Hope on Wheels was launched in Canada. Now in its second year, Hyundai Canada and its network of 225 dealers have donated $100,000 to BC Children's Hospital, with an additional $250,000 through a partnership with the C17 Council.

"We are the lucky ones. We got to walk out of this with our kids, but we watched too many of their friends lose their lives fighting this disease," said Alisha Openshaw, Weston and Bennett’s mother. "Today, 80% of kids with cancer overcome their disease, but that still means 20% don't. My boys are making friends, enjoying activities, and have found the normalcy we so longed for during treatment. But we still need better—more funding, more research to improve outcomes for our kids and for every child after them."

The cause also holds special meaning for Vancouver native and Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard. The Hyundai Canada Brand Ambassador joined patients and families for the Handprint Ceremony event marking the donation.

"It is a special opportunity to get to spend this time with these brave kids, their families, and support systems," Bedard said. "The strength, positivity, and courage in everyone is truly inspiring. I'm very proud to support Hyundai Hope on Wheels and the critical research and care that gives families hope when they need it most."