Kia Canada Inc. kicks off fifth annual Drive Change initiative including second annual National Equipment Drive

• 2015 initiative continues to support underserved youth through the sport of soccer providing access to soccer through three free national soccer clinics
• Drive Change Day launches second annual national soccer equipment drive through Kia Canada Dealers and partners

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. kicked off its fifth annual Drive Change initiative today, building on last year's alignment with the sport of soccer nationally. Kia Canada along with the three Canadian Major League Soccer (MLS) teams in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are presenting free soccer camps to assist underserved youth develop soccer skills and gain confidence by interacting with positive role models, and having fun playing one of the fastest growing team sports in Canada. For the second consecutive year, Kia Canada along with business partners and its 188 dealers nationally will conduct a National Equipment Drive collecting new and lightly used soccer equipment for donation in an effort to engage more kids and assist in providing the necessary means to play the sport. Donations can be made at Kia dealerships across Canada from August 21 through September 30^th.

"Kia Canada is proud to continue supporting youth through the sport of soccer providing the ability to participate in free clinics along with our partners while making a difference." said M.K. Kim, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kia Canada Inc. "Kia dealers, including our employees and business partners will also support underserved youth through our second annual national equipment drive providing them access to soccer in communities across Canada."

Earlier in July, Kia along with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD), launched a four day, no-charge Pee Wee Soccer School. The camp provided over 300 local youth the ability to access the sport of soccer and develop their skills and confidence with volunteers from the VPD. Kia Canada directly supported the VPD's "Soccer Cleat Program" which provides new soccer cleats to inner-city youth in the early fall prior to the start of the new season.     

Yesterday, in Toronto at the Kia Training Ground, Kia Canada along with the MLSE Foundation launched its fourth edition of KickStart featuring an eight-week soccer program in 15 Toronto Community Housing communities. Over 300 youth participated in the program, ages 6 to 12 to build soccer skills, self-esteem, fair play and leadership. 

Lastly, in partnership with the Montreal Impact, Kia will provide a free soccer clinic at Saputo Stadium on August 24^th.  Montreal Impact coaches and staff will introduce clinic attendees to soccer through basic soccer drills.

About Drive Change
As the social responsibility cornerstone to the Kia Canada Inc. brand, since its inception in 2010, Drive Change has made a profound impact in communities across Canada.  Canadians have made a difference by coordinating food drives, lending a hand at a local shelter, public park cleanups and helped contribute to what Drive Change Day stands for.  As a long standing partner with M.A.D.D. Canada supporting the national school assembly program has allowed Kia Canada to drive awareness on the importance of safe roads in communities across Canada. Drive Change is about making a difference, no matter how big or small the initiative is.

Kia Canada regional and head office employees will participate in the second annual national equipment drive. The national dealer network comprising of 188 dealers will support Drive Change in 2015 clearly demonstrating the company's compassionate commitment to the initiative. For more information visit www.kia.ca/drivechange and make a donation of new and lightly used equipment at Kia dealers across Canada.

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, Sorento and K900 luxury sedan through a network of 188 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 160 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. 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.

Jack Sulymka, National Manager, Corporate Communications & Corporate Partnerships, Kia Canada Inc., T: 905.755.6266, C: 905.301.6207, E: [email protected]