Paul Witzer and Kurt Gerstgrasser are part of the 16-member group that launched a fundraising campaign in solidarity with long-distance drivers who were “stranded” in Vorarlberg rest areas over Christmas. Many companies in the country donate a wide variety of products – from drinks and food to hygiene products and work clothes, says the widower.
The group packs the goods in boxes and distributes them to truck drivers who spend time away from home during the holidays. In total, around 120 packages will be distributed on December 24th, starting at 9:30 am. Helper workers head to the parking spaces on the A14 from Vorarlberg – the departure is in Ludesch, first they go south to Bürs and then on the other side of the motorway back north to Hörbranz.
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How it all began
The idea for this campaign came from the daughter of a widow in 2020. She noticed that many drivers were stuck at rest stops for days during the coronavirus pandemic – and decided to bring them a Christmas gift. She distributed the first packages with her boyfriend and father.
“At first we didn’t receive enough packages; there were more drivers than we thought,” recalls Witzer. Despite initial difficulties, the campaign was a complete success and packages have been distributed every year since.
“Sweeten the days a little”
The gifts are a welcome change for truckers, who often spend days at rest stops without any social environment, says Kurt Gerstgrasser: “We want to sweeten up a little the few days they spend parked there. Simply with small gifts, with food, with everyday items – everything they need every day.” Driver reactions are consistently positive. Many were surprised and grateful for the gifts and even tried to give the “Christmas angels” a gift in return.
Widower The group's members convert trucks into off-road motorhomes in their spare time and travel around the world with them.
Bring joy as motivation
For Wittwer and Gerstgrasser, the joy of truck drivers is the biggest motivation. “We have everything. We're fine. In fact, we live in abundance. And so it's really nice when you can do something nice for someone else,” says Witzer.
The group also has other connections with trucks: in their free time, members convert trucks into off-road motorhomes and travel around the world with them.
The two men and their hard-working helpers are happy to receive any support and invite anyone who wants to help them with their campaign. “Anyone who has an idea and wants to support us will be welcome next year,” says Witzer.