- Third annual Drive Change Day inspired Canadians coast to coast to support local communities
- Kia Canada's focus on road safety designed to make Canadian roads safer
- Overwhelming participation from Kia employees, dealers, partners and Canadians
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. was pleased to celebrate its third annual Drive Change Day, on August 21st, 2013, which promotes supporting local communities and driving positive change.
This year, Kia Canada partnered with York Regional Police and MADD Canada to focus their efforts on making our roads safer. Canadians were encouraged to visit www.mapofhope.ca to take the pledge not to drive impaired.
Kia Canada Inc. Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Maria Soklis, participated in a York Regional Police R.I.D.E. spot-check together with MADD Canada. Over 1,000 vehicles travelling south on Yonge Street directly outside of the Newmarket Kia dealership were reminded of the importance of driving sober and responsible. "As a global automaker of Canada, we have a very important role we can play to educate and remind Canadians on the dangers of driving impaired or distracted," said Soklis.
Shaw Media and Quebecor Media supported Kia Canada's initiative nationally through various television segments featuring influential ambassadors such as: Maria Soklis - Vice President and COO Kia Canada, Rick Campanelli - ET Canada host, Tim Leiweke - President and CEO MLSE, Jim Kenzie - Automotive Journalist, Brad Diamond - Motoring Television, Andrew Murie - CEO MADD Canada, Joey Saputo - President of the Montreal Impact and Anouk Meunier from TVA.
Charitable organization nominations more than doubled since the inaugural year in 2011 for the chance to win one of four Kia vehicles for two years nationally. Submission were accepted through www.DriveChangeWithKia.ca and the four winners will be selected on October 20, 2013.
"Kia Canada is elated by our dealers, partners and Canadians overwhelming support of Drive Change, not only resonating with Canadians, but inspiring them to support their communities. It is only by working together that we can make a difference," said Maria Soklis.
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) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 181 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 159 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, with an all-new state-of-the-art facility to open in Montreal shortly. 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.
Jack Sulymka
National PR and Corporate Partnerships Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6266
C: 905.301.6207
E: [email protected]
Daniel Ponzini
Public Relations and Events Coordinator
Kia Canada Inc.
T: 905.755.6415
C: 647.462.8986
E: [email protected]
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