Honda Canada Raises More than $112,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada Through
Fund-Raising at Honda Indy Races in Toronto and Edmonton

Effort Supported Through Donated Sponsorship of Paul Tracy

EDMONTON, July 26 /CNW/ - After two exciting weeks of fundraising initiatives on and off the track in both Toronto and Edmonton, Honda Canada Inc. announced that, together with generous race fans, they raised $112,578 in support of Make-A-Wish(R) Canada. Honda Canada donated its sponsorship signage to Make-A-Wish Canada for Canadian IndyCar driver Paul Tracy's race suit, pit signage and KV Racing Technology's Number 15 Make-A-Wish Canada / KV Racing Technology / Honda / Dallara / Firestone race car.

Commenting on the fundraising initiative, Jennifer Ritter, CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Canada, said, "We are extremely pleased with the generous support of Honda Canada, the other Paul Tracy sponsors and Canadian race fans in Toronto and Edmonton. Through the sponsorship opportunity with Paul Tracy, we have been able to promote awareness of our vital mission and to continue to fulfill the dreams of our courageous 'wish children' across Canada.

"Make-A-Wish exists for one reason only - to grant wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions. We impact our wish families' lives at a time when they need to know that their community cares about what they are going through, as their child battles for his or her life.

"To a child living with a life-threatening medical condition, a wish is more than a desire - it is an experience that can create a life-changing impact, not only for the wish child and their family, but for other families, friends, volunteers, donors and entire communities. We believe that Make-A-Wish, through our mission, volunteers and supporters, is helping to nurture a kind and caring Canada."

Visitors to the Honda Indy Toronto and Honda Indy Edmonton were invited to offer a donation in exchange for programming and interactive activities that included racing simulators at the Honda World exhibit as well as tire change pit stop challenges and other activities. For a donation, racing fans were also invited to sign Paul Tracy's race suit that was worn the Honda Indy Toronto and Honda Indy Edmonton races.

The highlight of fundraising activities at the Honda Indy Toronto was "Free Friday" at the track sponsored by the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, a first for the event, in which fans were invited to attend Friday practice and qualifying sessions at no charge.

In addition to the funds raised by race fans that were matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada, half of the sponsorship fees of other Paul Tracy sponsors - Motegi Wheels, PHD, The Taylor Group and Grip Limited - were donated to Make-A-Wish(R) Canada, bringing the two-week total to more than $112,000.

About Make-A-Wish Canada:

The mission of Make-A-Wish(R) Canada (www.makeawish.ca) 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, seven independent regional chapters grant magical wishes to children from coast to coast. Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish(R) International, the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 240,000 children since 1980.

About KV Racing Technology:

KV Racing Technology (www.kvracingtechnology.com) was established in 2003. The Indianapolis-based team is contesting its eighth open-wheel season and third in the IndyCar Series in 2010. KVRT is owned by successful venture capitalist Kevin Kalkhoven and 1996 Series Champion, Jimmy Vasser. Veteran motorsports manager Mark Johnson is the team's General Manager. KVRT will have four drivers entered in the Honda Indy Edmonton with Tracy as well as Takuma Sato in the No. 5 Lotus - KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone machine, E.J. Viso in the No. 8 PDVSA - KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone car, and Mario Moraes in the No. 32. KVRT Honda/Dallara/Firestone entry.

About Motegi Wheels:

Motegi Racing wheels are the only tuner wheels that are purpose-built for professional-level competition in drag racing, drifting and road racing. Its street wheels have the perfect blend of attitude, performance and style with the latest manufacturing technology and finishes.

About The Taylor Group:

Celebrating over 75 years of growth and success, The Taylor Group of Toronto is a global event design and integrated communications agency. Its services include strategy, design, fabrication, installation, site services, lead management, extended marketing services and event management.

About PHD:

PHD is a media and communications agency with over 59 offices and 2,000 staff globally. PHD is a media business that has been built on a culture of thought leadership, creativity and innovation. At its core is a strong belief that great media ideas matter. It is commited to leading the industry with thought-provoking opinion and pioneering thinking. PHD is part of Omnicom Media Group.

About Grip Limited:

Grip Limited is a Toronto-based integrated communications company providing expertise in advertising, design and digital. Services include strategy and planning, creative development and production for traditional and non-traditional media, brand identity and package design. Grip's coveted client roster includes: AB-InBev, Honda Canada, Yum! Brands, Boehringer Ingelheim, Expedia.ca, Cadbury Adams, and Johnson & Johnson. The company is privately held. For more information, visit www.bigorangeslide.com.

About Honda Canada Inc.:

Honda Canada (www.Honda.ca) has sold more than 3,300,000 Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada over the past 38 years. A record high 91 per cent of the Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last year were produced at the company's assembly plants in North America. In addition, 52 per cent of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in Canada last year were built at the two Honda of Canada Mfg. plants in Alliston, Ontario, which has built more than 5,300,000 Honda and Acura cars and trucks since 1986.

For further information: Richard Jacobs, (416)-543-6593