TORONTO, (May 4, 2005) — Canpar President and Canadian Trucking Alliance Chairman John Cyopeck is reaching beyond the borders of the trucking community.

Cyopeck has donated $100,000 to the Trillium Health Centre and has pledged to raise an additional $900,000 through donations from the transportation industry, personal donations and a golf tournament at RattleSnake Point Golf Club in August, the Toronto Star reported recently.

Cyopeck is no stranger to the Trillium Health Centre, which has two hospitals in Mississauga and Etobicoke. Laying on a Trillium operating table to remove a malignant tumour from his brain recently, Cyopeck was inspired to give something back in return for the excellent care he received.

“Believe me, I am not a rich guy in material things, I am a rich guy in life. I know you have to put back,” Cyopeck told The Star.

Addressing his disease, Cyopeck told the newspaper: “I don’t look sick and I don’t feel sick. Frankly, I don’t have a care in the world. I feel so badly for people who have cancer — especially the kids.”

Cyopeck, 60, has been described as a “brave and well-respected and well-liked member of the carrier community.” He has been widely credited with engineering the turnaround at Canpar in the 1990’s and making it a attractive and profitable company that was purchased by the Transforce Income Fund in 2002.

However, it’s Cyopeck’s latest health challenge that has the trucking industry in awe of him, says the CTA. “Throughout his ordeal, John has amazed friends and colleagues in the industry with his positive outlook, his feistiness and his drive to take on the responsibilities of the CTA chairman,” CTA stated after Cyopeck’s appointment.

— with files from The Toronto Star