- Hyundai Canada launches Hope on Wheels foundation
- The registered nonprofit gave SickKids the $1M, another $3M will follow for pediatric oncology centres in communities across Canada
- Hyundai dealers will donate a portion of every vehicle sold as of January 1, 2025
In a time of unprecedented global distress for medical research, Hyundai Canada’s newest initiative is a glimmer of hope. Hyundai Hope on Wheels, representing all of Canada’s 226 dealers, was launched this week in Toronto. The carmaker presented a cheque for a million dollars to Dr. Jim Whitlock, head of haematology/oncology and the director of the Garron Family Cancer Centre at SickKids Hospital.
The program has been running for a quarter of a century by Hyundai in the United States, and now Hyundai Canada has established its own foundation. Hyundai dealers will donate a portion of every vehicle sold as of January 1, 2025. While Hope on Wheels, a registered nonprofit, gave SickKids the first million, another three million will be heading this year to pediatric oncology centres in communities across Canada.
The launch was at the Liberty Grand near the waterfront in Toronto. Centred in the long room was a new white Santa Fe Hybrid sporting handprints in every colour. As I stood talking to Dr. Whitlock, numerous little kids ran around us and the vehicle, weaving in and out playing the games they’re so good at making up at any event where the grownups just keep talking.
Without missing a beat, Whitlock leaned down to ruffle the hair of one lad as he darted past. It soon became clear that all of these children knew him. And he, them. Healthy, happy kids that Whitlock and his team at SickKids had treated. This is the “hope” in Hope on Wheels. As the children in attendance all gooped up their hands to add their handprints to the gleaming vehicle, I watched as one approached Whitlock, who was wearing a white lab coat. Within a few minutes, the coat was festooned with handprints by a dozen giggling little ones.
A three-time childhood cancer survivor, Nori, took the mic from the suits to remind those in attendance what is possible. A 10-year-old with unmatched composure, she expressed gratitude for those who have worked tirelessly to help kids like her but she also stood as a testament that these kids need the adults in the room — in the world — to protect them.
These are trying times for everyone, especially the auto industry. I know from my annual year-end round-up that auto manufacturers and their dealer networks care about their communities. Hyundai’s inaugural Hope on Wheels, with its $4M launch, is a good reminder that charitable foundations of auto manufacturers do great work across their communities, and across Canada.
Dr. Whitlock is blunt. Current upheaval in the U.S. with billions slated to be axed from research budgets will have a long-lasting and damaging effect on pediatric cancer research. I asked if it was naive to think it would be a good time for Canada to poach disillusioned research scientists to push ahead with what is needed to save the lives of kids like the ones running around us with their multi-coloured hands. He smiled.
There will be two Hope on Wheels Hyundais at the Toronto Auto Show. Check them out, and read the names alongside all the colourful handprints. Addison, age 3, Adriana, age 5, Emmy, age 11, Lucian, age 3. SickKids Hospital continues to do extraordinary work. Hyundai signalling its long-term involvement with the foundation is a welcome addition.
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