MaxiTRANS, a trailer manufacturer and supplier of truck and trailer parts in Australia, says it recently raised more than $19,000 for the “R U OK?” suicide prevention charity.
The company says it committed to donating 1% of transactions on R U OK? Day, as well as conducting activities earlier in the year to support suicide prevention.
MaxiTRANS and its staff, in conjunction with its longest-standing dealer partner, Mildura Truck Centre, came together to support the cause, with 1% of the purchase price of all new trailers and truck bodies ordered, and parts purchased, from participating outlets.
This year, MaxiTRANS, commissioned a Freighter T-Liner semi-trailer with R U OK? branded curtains sponsored by Fleetmark. The trailer will continue to create awareness for R U OK? throughout the year, the company said.
A company-wide campaign included donations, wearing yellow, taking time out to ask each other about their own welfare, and internally promoting discussion around mental health prevention. Sites also had speakers share personal experiences about mental health.
The most recent campaign boosted MaxiTRANS’ total donations to $45,000 since its first R U OK? Day campaign two years ago, according to the company. R U OK? Day is held every September and encourages people to “Trust the signs” and ask friends, colleagues and family members “R U OK?’” to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
“This is why we are actively involved with many Industry bodies driving the safety agenda for all of our customers and the greater road users,” said Dean Jenkins, MaxiTRANS’ managing director and CEO. “We place significant emphasis on safety at all our facilities. MaxiTRANS has been especially proud of delivering a 48% reduction in its total injury frequency rate over the past 12 months. Safety is a fundamental driver not only in the development of all of our products, but it also extends through one of our company values to ‘Send all our people home safely.’
"Safety today, whether it be at home or at work, is not just physical; it includes mental well-being, which is why, in addition to the mental awareness campaign, MaxiTRANS also makes professional services available to our staff and families as part of ongoing support.
“Most importantly, we should not limit suicide prevention to one day a year. If you see someone struggling, at any time, ask them ‘R U OK?’”
To report a crisis or help provide suicide prevention support in Australia, visit lifeline.org.au/gethelp.
