The TEST Mission The goals and vision of the Transit Employee Support Team

Our mission is simple, and that’s to provide financial support for our transit employees, frontline workers, and lend a helping hand to our retirees in need. TEST began as a way to supplement TriMet’s Catastrophic Leave Bank Program (HR-146.1-4). Our plan of action was to produce revenue that would help provide for the basic needs (food, shelter and so on) for all TriMet employees and ATU Local 757 Union members stricken by catastrophic illness or injury.

One of our first opportunities to bring joy to children came during the 2011 holiday season. We thank Naseer Serranilla for donating stuffed animals through Legacy Emanuel Medical Center. Hundreds of children who boarded our buses got a new cuddly friend as a special surprise.

TEST will also enhance a program already a cherished tradition among TriMet employees: the annual Shriners/A.B.A.T.E. toy run, when one special TriMet bus and dozens and dozens of motorcycles laden with gifts ascend Marquam Hill to the delight of young patients in Shriners Hospital for Children. TriMet drivers have always featured among the bikers on the run—and now TEST’s own Santa Bob will be adding to the merriment. Can Mrs. Claus even tell the difference?

As a transit operator I see a lot of need out there waiting to be addressed. I’ve seen families stressed out because of an injury, preventing them from working or a family destroyed, watching their loved one slowly dying of cancer. So I know what is needed to help a family through difficult times and that’s all of us working together as a Team for emotional and financial support. TEST has made a difference over the years for many families, thanks to our caring Team. We feel rewarded—and we are honored by the opportunity to partner with friends like you.

Without your support there is no TEST. Let’s go forward and make a difference together.