TORONTO – – Every year the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) helps send some truckers’ kids to college.

Last year, the member-run Education Foundation handed out almost $58,000 in the form of 47 scholarships to Ontario university and college students whose parents work in the industry.

Now, more students need your help so the OTA Education Foundation is calling on the support of Ontario’s trucking industry to help fund its 2011 program.

The goal: 100 donations in 100 days. The Foundation is hoping to raise $40,000 before the 100th day of the campaign, July 6th. Foundation chairman Scott Smith of J.D. Smith & Sons feels confident that the improving economic environment will inspire carriers and allied trades companies alike to donate in 2011.

"We’re feeling positive that we will be able to meet our fundraising goal this year" said Smith.Cavalier Transportation founder George Ledson – – a long-time member of the foundation and the winner of the 2010 OTA-Shaw Tracking Service to Industry Award – – is encouraged by the success of prior year fundraising efforts, and is optimistic that the 2011 fundraising challenge will not only meet, but surpass targets.

"Our industry consists of literally thousands of carriers, and nearly as many product and service suppliers. To generate 100 donations over the course of 100 days from such a broad base of potential supporters should be a no-brainer" said Ledson."We need to hear from more than the 35 or so donors that typically support the Foundation’s each year." 

This year, donors will receive a Scholarship Promotion Kit to assist them in promoting the Foundation’s scholarship opportunities to their employees.  Donors will also receive a charitable tax receipt from the Foundation, which is a registered charity. For more information, email the foundation’s Betsy Sharples at education.foundation@ontruck.org.