Honda Indy Toronto is Free on Fan Friday

Ontario Honda Dealers Association continues its support of Make-A-Wish^® Canada to help make children's wishes come true

TORONTO, June 25, 2013 /CNW/ - For the fourth straight year, the sights, sounds and speed of the Honda Indy Toronto will be free for fans to enjoy on Friday, July 12, 2013. Fan Friday is made possible through the generous support of the Ontario Honda Dealers Association (OHDA) and Toronto race fans. In exchange for a donation to Make-A-Wish^® Canada, Fan Friday promises a full day of family-oriented activities, stunt shows, autograph sessions and gourmet food trucks, as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series qualifying for Saturday's race.

"Our ongoing partnership with Make-A-Wish for Fan Friday is a big part of the Honda Indy Toronto," said Kevin Pearson, president of the OHDA. "This is all about putting fans in the middle of the action in support of a great cause. We hope fans give generously to help make wishes come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions across the country."

Fan Friday gets bigger and better every year with track-side fun and games for the whole family including Toronto Blue Jays batting cages, face painting, racing simulators and an all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge. With no reserved seating on Fan Friday, attendees will have access to all grandstand sections on a first-come/first-served basis.

Honda to match fan donations

Rather than pay admission to Fan Friday and to take part in various onsite games and activities, attendees are encouraged to donate to Make-A-Wish.  All contributions will once again be matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada.

"Honda was founded on a belief in the power of dreams, so we are very supportive of this initiative by our Ontario Honda Dealers," said Dave Gardner, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Honda Canada. "We're happy to help make the dreams of Canadian children facing life-threatening illnesses come true by matching funds raised for Make-A-Wish."

Continued for 2013 is the option to text the word 'DREAM' to 41010 from any mobile phone to make a $5 donation. The support from organizations like Honda Canada, the OHDA and the general public gives Make-A-Wish the ability to grant 500 wishes every year from coast to coast.

"We're excited to be a part of the Honda Indy Toronto again this year thanks to the OHDA and Honda Canada," said Jennifer Klotz-Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "The support provided to our magical mission through Fan Friday and the weekend of activities at the Honda Indy Toronto helps bring hope, strength and joy to our courageous wish children and their families,"

The Honda Indy Toronto runs from July 12 to 14 and for the first time will feature two IndyCar races in one weekend on Saturday and Sunday. Billed "2 In T.O", the streets of Toronto were selected as the second of three back-to-back race weekends on the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series schedule. 

"The Honda Indy Toronto is one of the premier racing events in North America and it wouldn't be the same without Fan Friday and Make-A-Wish," said Charlie Johnstone, president of the Honda Indy Toronto.

About the Ontario Honda Dealers Association:
The Ontario Honda Dealers Association, which was founded in 1989, represents 77 Honda dealers located in 62 communities throughout Ontario, which is home to the two Honda of Canada Mfg. assembly plants that produce Civic, Canada's best-selling passenger car for 15 consecutive years, in addition to the CR-V. The 77 Honda dealerships in Ontario, which have a proven track record for providing maximum customer satisfaction, employ approximately 3,000 associates.

About Make-A-Wish^® Canada
Make-A-Wish Canada is a dynamic wish-granting organization that brings hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Along with the national office, eight (8) regional chapters grant magical wishes to children in need from coast-to-coast.  This year, Make-A-Wish Canada is celebrating its 30^th anniversary and the granting of more than 5,000 wishes to children in need.  Make-A-Wish Canada is an affiliate of Make-A-Wish^® International. Make-A-Wish is the largest wish-granting organization in the world, making dreams and wishes come true for more than 300,000 children since 1980. For more information please visit www.makeawish.ca.

About the Honda Indy Toronto
The Honda Indy Toronto takes place July 12-14, 2013 on the streets surrounding Exhibition Place near Lake Ontario and downtown Toronto. With 27 years of IndyCar racing history in Toronto, the Honda Indy Toronto is among the most respected motorsports events in North America and includes the fastest racing series on the planet, celebrity athletes, and a festival of live entertainment and interactive activities. For more information, visit hondaindytoronto.com. Follow the Honda Indy Toronto on Twitter @HondaIndy and 'Like' us on Facebook at facebook.com/HondaIndyToronto

SOURCE: Honda Canada Inc.

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