This time of year, the trucking industry does so much good for the communities it serves, it’s difficult to keep up with everything. Really, just browse Trucknews.com every day and more often than not, you’ll see evidence of the trucking industry giving back in one way or another. It’s remarkable, really, when you consider the thin profit margins trucking providers often have to live with.

That said, one goodwill initiative stood out from the others over the past couple weeks, because it was a bit unusual. Lia Grimanis, founder of Up With Women and a survivor of both homelessness and domestic violence, set a new Guinness World record in the “heaviest vehicle pulled 100 feet by a woman category. Yes, such a category exists. Lia performed this feat at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre Dec. 12, pulling an International ProStar provided by Canada Cartage 100 ft. The truck weighed 17,000 lbs. The event was broadcast live on Canada AM and our assistant editor Daniela Piteo was there to witness this show of strength.

“As a survivor of homelessness and violence in the home, I wanted to show women who are struggling that anything is possible, and that we are all stronger than we think we are,” Lia said. “I didn’t think I would live past the age of 21. On December 12, I celebrate my 42nd birthday and I’m thrilled to use this opportunity to be able to give back through the truck pull to those who supported me when I was homeless – the YWCA and other shelters, and invest in the lives of women and girls at risk.”

As one of the primary sponsors, Maple Leaf Foods donated 10,000 lbs of food to the YWCA of Toronto. Look for a more detailed report and pictures in the February issue of Truck News.