TORONTO, ON – Thanks to the generosity of Toronto race fans, support from Honda Canada Inc. and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA), more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada during a race weekend filled with fun both on and off the track. This marks the fourth straight year of Make-A-Wish® fundraising efforts at the Honda Indy Toronto, which has generated a total of $308,000.
“On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, 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.”
Four years of Fan Friday, donate year-round
Race lovers of all ages were once again treated to the speed and thrill of the Honda Indy Toronto for free during the fourth 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 Blue Jays batting cages, face painting, an all-new 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 over 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.”
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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 15 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 (8) regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast. This year, Make-A-Wish Canada is celebrating its 30th anniversary and the granting of more than 5,000 wishes to children in need. 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 310,000 children since 1980. For more information please visit www.makeawish.ca.
About the Honda Indy Toronto: The Honda Indy Toronto took place July 12-14, 2013 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 27 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a festival of live entertainment and interactive activities. For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and ‘Like’ us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto.
From Laura Heasman / Honda Canada Inc. & Alen Sadeh / Media Profile
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