TORONTO, July 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Racing fans, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and Honda Canada Inc. raised more than $35,000 for Make-A-Wish Canada this past weekend at the Honda Indy Toronto. This brings the fundraising total to $235,000 for Make-A-Wish from the past three years of racing.
"Make-A-Wish is truly thankful to have Honda Canada and its dealers support our commitment to give hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions through the granting of magical wishes," said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "Events like the Honda Indy Toronto help us generate the awareness and funds we need to fulfill our mission."
The highlight of the fundraising activities at this year's Honda Indy Toronto was the OHDA's third annual "Free Friday". On Friday, fans were encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish in lieu of paying for admission, which was covered by the OHDA. Throughout the day, fans had access to Ferrari, Firestone Indy Lights, and IZOD INDYCAR Series practice and qualifying sessions. Amidst all the on-track excitement, fans of all ages enjoyed various games and activities in and around Honda World.
"We are thrilled that the third Free Friday event was such a success," said Kevin Pearson, president, Ontario Honda Dealers Association. "Thanks to all the race fans, old and new, who came out to not only enjoy a day at the Honda Indy, but to also support a great cause like Make-A-Wish."
Although the Honda Indy might be over, fans looking to donate can text DREAM to 41010 to make a five dollar donation to Make-A-Wish. 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.
"Our company was founded on a belief in the power of dreams," said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice president, Honda Canada. "We're happy to help make the dreams of Canadian children facing life-threatening illnesses come true by raising funds for Make-A-Wish."
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 Honda Canada
Honda Canada Inc. was founded in 1969. It has produced more than 5.8 million cars and trucks since 1986 at its two manufacturing facilities and builds engines at a third manufacturing plant in Alliston, Ontario, where the Honda Civic and CR-V, Acura MDX and ZDX models are manufactured. Honda Canada has invested more than $2.6 billion in Canada and each year it sources nearly $1.1 billion in goods and services from Canadian suppliers. Honda Canada has sold more than 3.6 million Honda and Acura passenger cars and light-duty trucks in Canada.
Image with caption: "Race car driver Simon Pagenaud celebrates Free Friday with children from Make-A-Wish Canada. Together with race fans, Honda Canada and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association donated $35,000 to Make-A-Wish to help grant wishes of children living with life-threatening illnesses in Canada. (CNW Group/Honda Canada Inc.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120710_C7317_PHOTO_EN_16161.jpg
Mark James
Media Profile
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Laura Heasman
Honda Canada Inc.
(905) 888-4586
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