And if it was not some form of financial assistance that would be time and transport needs.
Hardly a month went by without a call from someone seeking some assistance for anything from a trailer to a truck - or some willing drivers to help move something for their cause.
Time and logistics meant they couldn't do everything - "but we do what we can," Mr Emmerson said.
In terms of organisations like the Life Education Trust, Little Elms and Trucking for Child Cancer Mr Emmerson has put in a huge amount of time and devotion.
"I don't count the hours - I wouldn't have a clue," he said. "But, oh, I could do with a bit more time occasionally, especially for the family, but I've always said if you are going to do something then you have to do it properly."
And that means time. But he was quick to point out that what he was part of and helped steer was a great "team effort".
"We have a lot of great support so we split the workloads," he said.
He was also glowing in his praise for wife Sue. "She is so totally supportive."
Emmerson Transport started up in 1977 with himself, his brother Peter and dad John making up the staff. "And a couple of trucks."
Today there are about 120 staff and 86 line-haul units on the fleet.
"Yeah it's going pretty good and we cover all the North Island centres daily."
It was in 1998 when he took his first community role steps by becoming a trustee of the Life Education Trust.
He began by towing the trust's mobile classroom to schools around the Bay - which he still does today "on time every time".
"I just felt it was a good cause for the community."
He has been a trustee since.
"We couldn't do this without him," educator Anne Jamieson said.
She said Mr Emmerson ensured the mobile classroom was moved to where it was needed on a weekly basis.
"All for nothing."
He also ensured all maintenance and paperwork was sorted and she reckoned with diesel costs, road user charges and driver time the bill would be more than $40,000 annually.
"He never says no - he just gets stuck in and what he does is so vital to us."
Along with Sandy Walker Mr Emmerson sparked "Free Ride in a Truck Day" and that moved to become Trucking For Child Cancer.
Giving the youngsters battling illness the opportunity to take a ride in a great rig.
It continues to be staged every two years.
It had not been sparked by any personal family brush with the illness - child cancer support was simply deemed to be the one they would pursue.
Mr Emmerson said the expressions on the faces of the youngsters during and after a ride was "just so special".
The Little Elms project, to build a second home for parents visiting children in Hawke's Bay Hospital, was a major challenge for everyone involved - as they created the initial chalets in just six days.
Mr Emmerson and Mr Walker were at the forefront although he said it involved hundreds of people.
"I've always liked a bit of a challenge."
The company is also a supporter of the Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter, and every Blossom Festival sees them supplying trucks and trailers for floats.
Mr Emmerson has also been heavily committed to the industry he is part of and is the president of the Hawke's Bay Branch of the Road Transport Association and he sits as an executive of the Central Area of the Hawke's Bay Transport Association.
Of his determination to put something back into the community he was adamant.
" I'll continue as long as I've got the time - because I've got a good team around me," he said.
"But I am very humbled by this and yes, I may have a couple of beers to celebrate."
