TORONTO, ON (July 18, 2017) – Thanks to the incredible generosity of race fans, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and the Honda Canada Foundation (HCF), nearly $90,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish®Canada during the Honda Indy Toronto race weekend. This marks the eighth consecutive year of Make-A-Wish®fundraising efforts at the race, which has generated a total of more than $600,000 for the organization dedicated to granting wishes for children with life threatening medical conditions. All contributions from race fans over the weekend were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Honda Canada Foundation, Honda Canada's national charitable arm.
"This is a true reflection of how big people's hearts are and I know that everyone at Make-A-Wish shares in my excitement and sincere gratitude to Indy fans, the Honda Canada Foundation and Ontario Honda dealers," said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, president & CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "Programs like this play an instrumental role in our ability to bring strength and happiness to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions."
Race fans of all ages were once again treated to the speed and spectacle of the race and the fun of the surrounding festival on Fan Friday. Instead of admission, attendees were encouraged to make a contribution to Make-A-Wish upon entry into the race. Donations were also accepted throughout race weekend for a variety of games and activities including face painting, racing simulators, James Hinchcliffe suit signing and Honda Junior Red Riders off-road riding program. New for 2017 was the addition of a raffle where race fans had the chance to win exclusive prizes, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences from the NHL®, Toronto Blue JaysTM, and many others.
"This is exactly what the Honda Canada Foundation is all about and the common values we share with Canadians," said Dave Jamieson, Chair of the Honda Canada Foundation "We're thrilled about what we've accomplished together with thousands of Indy fans, our dealers and the many Honda Canada Foundation partners."
