Ten years of Honda Indy Toronto race fan and partner generosity totals more than $820,000

TORONTO, ON (July 15, 2019) – Thanks to the incredible generosity of race fans, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and the Honda Canada Foundation (HCF), more than $120,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish^® Canada during the Honda Indy Toronto event.  This marks the tenth consecutive year Make-A-Wish® fundraising efforts were an integral part of race weekend, which has generated a total of more than $820,000 for the organization dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses.  All donations made during race festivities were matched dollar-for-dollar by the Honda Canada Foundation.

This year, the HCF launched an online portal offering race fans from across the country the opportunity to join in Honda Indy Toronto fundraising activities in support of Make-A-Wish for the chance to win unique prizes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  In the week leading up to the race, the HCF also contributed an additional $25,000 to the fundraising effort at a special event hosted by Canadian IndyCar driver James Hinchcliffe.

“On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish, I want to thank Indy fans, the Ontario Honda Dealers Association and the Honda Canada Foundation for their incredible generosity this weekend,” said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, president & CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. “When a wish is granted, a child replaces fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope – a powerful combination that may lead to better health outcomes. We are so grateful for the support we receive from Indy and its role in our ability to support children with critical illnesses across Canada.”

Race fans of all ages were once again treated to the exhilaration of the Honda Indy and the fun of Fan Friday. In lieu of paid admission, attendees were encouraged to make a contribution to Make-A-Wish upon entering the grounds.

“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 and Vice President of Parts and Service, Honda Canada Inc. “We’re thrilled to have successfully launched the new online portal this year as we continue to expand our support of Make-A-Wish.  What we’ve accomplished together this past weekend with thousands of Indy race fans, our dealers and the many Honda Canada Foundation partners is truly remarkable.”