International development charity Transaid is hoping its Christmas e-card campaign will raise a record-breaking £30,000 for its life-saving work in Africa.

With road deaths the third biggest killer in Africa after HIV/AIDS and malaria, The ‘Help Them Get Home Alive This Christmas’ campaign is calling on the transport and logistics industry to make generous donations to fund Transaid’s work providing professional training to drivers in Zambia and Tanzania to raise driving standards and save lives.

In return for their support, companies will receive a tailored version of Transaid’s Christmas e-card incorporating their name and logo, which can be distributed to all clients and friends throughout November and December.

Any company that chooses to donate more than £500 to the Christmas appeal will also be recognised in Transaid’s annual feature in Motor Transport on December 5, and in Coach & Bus Week on December 14.

Transaid CEO Gary Forster says: "Our Christmas e-card was a huge success last year, raising £20,000. With even more projects planned for 2012, we appeal to our friends across the transport industry to help us reach our ambitious target of £30,000 this year.”

He added: “More than 2,000 drivers operating trucks, buses, motorcycles and forklift trucks have already benefitted from the training we have given to instructors. By developing these skills we are hopeful we can play a significant role in reducing the number of people killed on the roads in Africa.”