TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thanks to the generosity of Toronto race fans, support from the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and Honda Canada Inc., more than $62,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish® Canada during a race weekend filled with fun both on and off the track. This marks the fifth straight year of Make-A-Wish® fundraising efforts at the Honda Indy Toronto, which has generated a total of $370,000.
“On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers and, of course, the fans,” said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. “This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions.”
Five years of Fan Friday, donate year-round
Race fans of all ages were once again treated to the speed and thrill of the Honda Indy Toronto for free during the fifth annual Fan Friday. Rather than pay admission, attendees were encouraged to make a contribution to Make-A-Wish. Donations were also accepted for games and activities including hockey slap shot zone, face painting, a Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators. All contributions over the weekend were matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada.
“Fan Friday has grown every year and we’re very proud to have a role in its evolution,” said Kevin Pearson, President, Ontario Honda Dealers Association. “Perhaps the best part of this event is that it’s not just for race fans. There truly is something for everyone and it all happens in support of Make-A-Wish.”
The races may be over, but there are always opportunities to donate to Make-A-Wish. To make a five dollar donation, text the word ‘DREAM’ to 41010 from any mobile phone. With support from organizations like Honda Canada and the OHDA, Make-A-Wish grants approximately 500 wishes a year through eight regional chapters across the country.
“Activities like this are very much a part of who Honda is as a company,” said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. “We’re happy to support our Ontario Honda Dealers and it’s great to see so many fans join us every year to help grant the wishes of kids across the country.”
About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association:
The Ontario
Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 77
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 best-selling passenger car for 16 consecutive years, in
addition to the CR-V. The 77 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 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. Make-A-Wish®
is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making
dreams and wishes come true for more than 334,000 children since 1980.
For more information, please visit www.makeawish.ca.
About the Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto,
Ontario's largest annual sporting event, takes place July 18-20 on the
streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown
Toronto. In addition to world-class racing, the event features festival
attractions, including craft beer, food trucks, adrenaline filled shows,
interactive games and activities, live entertainment, charity events and
celebrity appearances. For more information, visit HondaIndy.com.
