Hyundai dealers will donate a portion of every vehicle sold
- 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
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.
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.
Sign up for our newsletter Blind-Spot Monitor and follow our social channels on X, Tiktok and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest automotive news, reviews, car culture, and vehicle shopping advice.