TORONTO, Ont. — CTA chairman and OTA vice-chairman John Cyopeck, CEO of Canpar Transport L.P. in Mississauga, has added yet another 1/4 million to the $1 million cheque he presented yesterday to build the Trillium Health Centre’s new MRI facility.

The extra funds were raised at the golf tourney organized by Cypoeck and also held yesterday at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ont.

The $1.25 million total is the result of the largest single industry fund raising effort ever held by the trucking industry in Canada. The funds will be used to build a suite to house Trillium’s new MRI enabling the hospital to conduct 10,000 scans annually – a 30 per cent increase over previous capacity.

"Once again, the trucking industry has shown that its people are among the most generous people you will find anywhere. I am truly overwhelmed and words cannot describe how appreciative I am," said 60 year-old Cyopeck, who launched his "Delivering a Dream" campaign in April after learning he had been stricken with a brain tumour.

With the support of his good friend Rick Gaetz, President and CEO, Vitran Corporation Inc., Cyopeck harnessed the generosity of trucking companies of all sizes across the country who contributed generously. The campaign ended with the golf tournament held yesterday (Aug. 29), which was completely sold out and drew players from across Canada and the United States.

Cyopeck was diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year and underwent surgery at Mississauga’s Trillium Health Centre in February. While Cyopeck said the treatment he received at Trillium was "terrific," he said he was struck by the demands being placed on the health system and wanted to do something to help to try to alleviate the stress on other families waiting for diagnosis or life-saving surgery.

"Raising the funds to house a new MRI was a perfect fit," said Cyopeck.

Rather than take a well-deserved rest in the lull that follows a campaign like this, Cyopeck said he’ll be on the job while continuing his chemotherapy treatments.

"Everyone in the industry has been inspired by John," said David Bradley, CEO of CTA and president of OTA, "not just because his campaign has been so successful but because it is so typical of him."

Bradley added the "generosity of spirit of trucking industry could not have been more evident."