- Contest continues to be an integral part of annual Drive Change Day campaign
- Canadians were encouraged to nominate charitable organizations that execute ground-breaking initiatives
- Four regional winners selected, from over 1,000 entries, will use Kia's financial contributions to support their causes
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 20, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. announced the four recipients of its second annual Drive Change Day contest winners today, awarding each regional charity $10,000. The charities were selected by committee from over 1,000 Canadian's submissions to Kia's Drive Change Day online hub at www.DriveChangeWithKia.com
In Atlantic Canada, $10,000 was presented to Parrsboro Youth Society (PYS), a non-profit organization established for youths, providing a free, safe place for them to socialize and have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. Youth at PYS are welcomed to a bully-free environment that nurtures them on a path to success.
In Eastern Canada, Kia awarded $10,000 to "Seize your Future" (http://www.seizeyourfuture.ca), a progressive initiative specially designed to help young women between the ages of 15 to 17 develop leadership skills, acquire decision making abilities and become leaders of tomorrow's society. The program aims to prepare a generation of strong, confident, and responsible female leaders.
Camp BUCKO (http://www.campbucko.ca), a camp for burn survivors, was awarded the prize of $10,000 in Central Canada. Every summer boys and girls between the ages of seven and 17 have a chance to spend a week together with other burn survivors while participating in various sporting, arts and crafts activities. Camp BUCKO provides a safe and non-judgmental environment for children to enjoy a week of fun, excitement and memories that will last a lifetime as well as teaching leadership and life skills.
Wigs for Kids B.C. (http://wigsforkids.org) was presented Kia's Western Canada $10,000 prize, for their efforts in raising money to provide children who have lost their hair from cancer or other illnesses with wigs. The organization also provides essential medications and feeding supplies to children that are not covered by any other program.
"All four selected Canadian regional charities were well deserving of Kia's Drive Change awards," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and COO, Kia Canada Inc. "We had an overwhelming number of contest submissions, making our decision all the more difficult - however, the selected organizations offer a sincere commitment to their communities and are driven by compassion."
About Drive Change:
Drive Change is the social responsibility cornerstone of the Kia Canada brand. Conceived in 2010, Drive Change was developed to share Kia Canada's group commitment to social responsibility and communities across the country. Kia is committed to Drive Change and will continue its annual celebration in the spirit of giving back to communities across Canada.
Editor's note: For photos, please visit Kia Canada's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kiacanada, where a "2012 Drive Change winners / Gagnants de Dominer le changement" photo album has been created.
About Kia Canada Inc.:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 180 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 159 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montreal shortly. Kia's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.
Kia Canada Inc. Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]
Share this article