WiTA to partner with SIDS charity

Women in Trucking Australia (WiTA) has announced its partnership with River’s Gift, a leading charity dedicated to the research and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The partnership will come into effect at the BP Australia TOOTS Awards Dinner this July

Established in 2020 to provide support to women across all stages of their heavy vehicle driving careers, WiTA hosts a large number of members who have experienced the loss of a child.

For this reason, WiTA CEO, Lyndal Denny, believes the partnership between these two bodies is both purposeful and deeply relatable.

“As a mum of two and grandmother to six-month-old Daisy, the thought of losing a child to SIDS was excruciating,” she said.

“River’s Gift’s focus on preventing and eliminating SIDS is remarkable, and the Board quickly recognised the organisation as an important charitable cause for WiTA to support and align with.”

As part of this partnership, the WiTA is encouraging the entire trucking community to raise money for River’s Gift’s mission, with a fundraising target of $40,000. This campaign centres around River’s Gift’s mascot, Hope the Elephant, whose plush toy likeness is being sold as part of the fundraising mission.

Truck drivers across the country are invited to purchase their own Hope the Elephant plush toy and place her front and centre on their truck dashboards, sharing their journey and spreading hope in a very special way.

Some members of the trucking community have been quick to participate, with Geelong-based TGR Transport already donating $500 and working to raise awareness with its own Hope the Elephant plush toy.

River’s Gift, founded by Karl Waddell and Alex Hamilton after the sudden loss of their baby son, operates as Australia’s only SIDS-focused charity, supporting bereaved families and funding pioneering research into the genetic cause of the syndrome.

According to Waddell, this partnership with WiTA serves as an important step in the charity’s mission against SIDS.

“Linking arms with an organisation that has a presence and impact right across every corner of Australia is so important to us,” he said.

“Whether it’s in cities, regional or rural areas, SIDS doesn’t discriminate.

“This partnership with WiTA helps us reach so many Australian communities and families. Research and education are key to finally stamping out SIDS, and we look forward to seeing the ripple effect of this partnership spread across the country.”