TORONTO — In spite of the economic downturn, the Ontario Trucking Association Education Foundation is calling its 50-50 campaign a success.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the foundation, and it challenged the trucking industry to donate $50,000 which would be matched by a foundation supporter.

“In spite of the tough economic times confronting our industry, we were able to raise almost 60 percent of our donation target,” said Scott Smith, chairman of the OTA Education Foundation in a speech to Ontario Trucking Association delegates. “To those companies who helped us celebrate our 50th anniversary by generously sending a donation our way, I would like to say thank you. Your generosity has helped us to continue our work of disbursing scholarships to students of parents who working the trucking industry.”

Smith also extended a public thank you to Debbie Virgoe who selected the OTA Education Foundation to be the official charity of the 3rd Annual David Virgoe Memorial Golf Tournament and Silent Auction, which was held this past August.

For the 2009/2010 academic year, the foundation handed out nearly $45,000 in scholarships to university and college students with ties to the Ontario trucking industry.

“However,” continued Smith, “it is always difficult to turn away deserving applications due to funding limitations. With the support of all OTA members – large and small – we hope to give out even more scholarships next year.”