Friday is Free at the Honda Indy Toronto in Support of Make-A-Wish® Canada

Ontario Honda Dealers Association continues to help make children's magical wishes come true

TORONTO, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - For the third year in a row, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) will pay the cost of admission for fans to enjoy the speed and spectacle of the Honda Indy Toronto on Friday, July 6. With generous support from fans, Honda Canada and the OHDA have raised more than $200,000 for Make-A-Wish^® during the previous two seasons, helping to make the wishes of children who are living with a life-threatening medical condition come true.

"We're excited to once again partner with Make-A-Wish for Free Friday at the Honda Indy Toronto," said Kevin Pearson, president of the OHDA. "We hope fans enjoy the Indy experience and donate generously to help make wishes come true for children across Canada."

In lieu of admission, and to take part in various onsite games and activities, Free Friday attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish. All donations will once again be matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada. With support from organizations like Honda Canada and the OHDA, Make-A-Wish grants over 400 wishes a year through eight regional chapters across the country.

"Honda has been a very generous supporter of our magical wish granting efforts the past two years," said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "We are thrilled to be part of the Honda Indy Toronto again."

The Honda Indy Toronto, which runs July 6-8, marks the 10th race of the 2012 IZOD IndyCar Series season and 26 years of racing on the streets of Toronto. On Free Friday, there is no regular reserved seating, so attendees can access all grandstands and choose their seats on a first-come/first-served basis. Throughout the day, attendees can explore the exclusive IZOD IndyCar Series Paddock where the new DW12 IndyCars will be on display while not on the track.

"We love Free Friday because it supports an important cause and it provides the public with a great chance, and the extra incentive, to experience the excitement of IndyCar racing," said Charlie Johnstone, vice president and general manager of the Honda Indy Toronto. "It's hard not to become a fan after experiencing the thrill of racing and all that the Honda Indy has to offer."

About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association:
The Ontario Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 78 Honda dealers located in 62 communities throughout Ontario, which is home to the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants that produce Civic, Canada's number one selling car, in addition to the Acura MDX, ZDX and CR-V. The 78 Honda dealerships in Ontario, which have a proven track record for providing maximum customer satisfaction, employ approximately 3,000 associates.

About Make-A-Wish^® Canada
Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children across Canada living with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 290,000 children since 1980. To learn more please visit www.makeawish.ca.

About the Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto takes place July 6-8, 2012 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 26 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a festival of live entertainment and interactive activities. For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and 'Like' us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto

Mark James    
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Laura Heasman 
Honda Canada Inc.
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