Kia Canada Inc. celebrates second annual Drive Change Day
- Second annual Drive Change Day inspires over 2,000 initiatives in Canada
- Overwhelming participation from Kia employees, dealers, partners and general public
- Media TV personalities involved in various events coast to coast
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. was pleased to celebrate its second annual Drive Change Day, on August 21st, 2012, which promoted making positive change in local communities across Canada.
As part of the Drive Change Day initiatives, Kia Canada staff, dealers, partners, customers and Canadians dedicated a large effort to supporting communities nationally. Over 2,000 initiatives engaged Canadians on or before Drive Change Day, among contest entries, acts of kindness and 315 Drive Change events that were reported through the www.DriveChangeWithKia.ca website.
Assisting with Drive Change activities were Shaw Media personalities Rick Campanelli from Entertainment Tonight Canada and Peter Fallico from HGTV. These television personalities were actively involved in their communities supporting Drive Change Day. Rick Campanelli was present at The Scott Mission in Toronto with Kia Canada Inc. President and CEO and Vice President and COO along with other Kia Canada employees. They were serving warm meals and handing out other charitable items to those in need in the downtown Toronto area. Peter Fallico participated in a facility clean up event with the Kinmount Boys and Girls Club for the KidSafe Society Project in Vancouver, BC. Kia Canada's Quebec region dealerships, in partnership with TVA and François Tremblay, handed out 700 trees at Expo Québec, in Québec City, to beautify the landscape locally and improve Canada's ecological footprint. All Kia Canada Quebec dealerships offered 5,900 additional trees to customers visiting their showrooms. Additionally, Chef Michael Smith conducted an informative cooking demonstration on using fresh, organic food in Pisquid, PEI, including a donation of non-perishable items for the Salvation Army and its Pantry Program. All prepared food was donated to the local food bank. Catherine Marion hosted a fitness for families program in Ottawa, ON, while raising funds for Camp Quality - a camp for children with cancer.
"Kia Canada is ecstatic with the results of our second annual Drive Change Day. The response from our entire dealer network, partners and Canadians at large displayed the compelling nature of Drive Change and how together we can make a difference in our local communities," said Maria Soklis, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer (COO), Kia Canada Inc. "On behalf of Kia Canada, I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to all who participated."
Kia Canada regional and head office employees participated in numerous events throughout their local communities on August 21st, with head office staff supporting three local events in the city of Mississauga, ON. Furthermore, Kia Canada is proud to report participation of their entire dealer network. Kia Canada's 176 dealerships held a unique initiative in their own communities reflecting their compassion and demonstrating their commitment through their involvement.
Kia Canada will be awarding one of four regional $10,000 prizes to benefit a nominated charity submitted by over 1,000 contest entrants on www.DriveChangeWithKia.ca. These prizes will be determined through a thorough process by the Drive Change Day committee and awarded in coming weeks.
About Drive Change:
Drive Change is the social responsibility cornerstone to the Kia Canada Inc. brand. Beginning in 2010, Kia Canada began to make a profound difference in Canada with acts of kindness. Since then, Kia has elevated the Drive Change initiative and has begun to spread the positive changes nationally with the inception of Drive Change Day on August 21st, 2011. Kia Canada is motivated to inspire Canadians level of engagement on Drive Change Day by encouraging the public to make a difference, no matter how big or small. For more information visit www.DriveChangeWithKia.ca
About Kia Canada Inc:
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca - www.facebook.com/kiacanada) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 176 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 163 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
SOURCE: KIA Canada Inc.
Media Contacts:
Cathy Laroche
Public Relations Manager
(C): 514.554.0843
e-mail: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
(O): 905.755.6415
(C): 647.462.8986
e-mail: [email protected]
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