TORONTO, Ont. — The second annual CDLOFIT Christmas Group fundraiser is now underway, aiming to raise money for trucking families in need this holiday season.

The effort is the brainchild of ‘Wonderful Wayne’ – a member of the CDLOFIT online social network – who came up with the concept of launching the fundraiser, according to one of its organizers, Greg Manchester.

“Wonderful Wayne thought it would be a good idea if his fellow truckers would help him set up a fund that might help some trucker families that might be in need of having a good Christmas,” Manchester explained.

In the four weeks leading up to last Christmas, truck drivers raised more than $8,000 which was distributed to 13 trucking families in need. One of the beneficiaries was Johnny ‘Five’ Van Lubeek, a Canadian professional driver who was coping with ALS and has been featured in past issues of Truck News. Van Lubeek succumbed to his illness on Jan. 27, 2009, however his family told CDLOFIT Christmas Group organizers that they helped contribute to a happy Christmas for him.

The second annual campaign is now accepting nominations and donations. For more information visit www.cdlofit.com and visit the Christmas Group link. (Registration is required).

Donations can also be made by phone, Com Check, PayPal (cdlofit@me.com), and snail mail.

For details, call 417-200-4411. The organization is also accepting items that can be auctioned off, with the proceeds going towards needy families.