Hyundai Auto Canada is getting involved in supporting young cancer patients and survivors across the country.

The company is launching Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric oncology centres across Canada. Hyundai Auto Canada, which is headquartered in Markham, Ont., said it is in the final stages of getting the non-profit registered federally.

The intent of the new organization is to distribute research and support grants to institutions and organizations across Canada focused on improving outcomes and treatments for children diagnosed with children.

The organization intends to donate more than $4 million in 2025.

“Children are the future, and they deserve every opportunity to grow, play and learn in a world free of pediatric cancer. Despite advancements in research, cancer remains the second most common cause of death among Canadian children aged one to 14. Each year, approximately 1,000 children are diagnosed with the disease, and tragically, one in six will not survive,” said Steve Flamand, executive director of sales and digital strategy at Hyundai Canada, in a news release. “Through Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we aim to drive innovative research and discoveries to improve survival rates, in partnership with our dealer network.”

Hyundai Motor America established a Hyundai Hope on Wheels in 1998, and the new Canadian organization will be its own charitable entity in Canada.

Hyundai Auto Canada and its network of 226 dealerships in Canada will play a role in the new non-profit organization, with a donation made for every new vehicle sold. Every new vehicle sale as of Jan. 1 is contributing to the new initiative.

“Research for pediatric cancer remains drastically underfunded in Canada. On behalf of Hyundai Canada’s dealer network, we’re proud that this has become a keystone commitment for Hyundai Canada and of our role in supporting it,” said Rein Knol, president of the Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council, in the release. “With every new vehicle sale contributing to the cause, we know our customers will feel even better when they drive off the lot in their new Hyundai.”

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