Kia Canada Inc., Greater Vancouver Kia Dealers and Whitecaps FC join together for The KidSafe Project
- On June 10th, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will host the Houston Dynamo at BC Place and raise funds for The KidSafe Project
- Vancouver-area Kia dealers donating for every test drive to support The KidSafe Project beginning on June 4th
- All funds raised on June 10th at KidSafe Day at BC Place will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000 by the Blue Links Foundation
VANCOUVER, June 5, 2012 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. and Vancouver Whitecaps FC are teaming up for 'KidSafe Day' on June 10th at B.C. Place. Representatives from Kia will be receiving donations before and during the match to support KidSafe, which is a non-profit organization that provides a safe haven for some of Vancouver's most vulnerable children and youth. Additionally, the Blue Planet Links Foundation will match, dollar for dollar, all funds raised up to $25,000 in support of KidSafe.
"We are extremely excited to have the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and our Greater Vancouver dealers partner in raising awareness and support for KidSafe," said Maria Soklis, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Kia Canada. "It is important that we all continue to Drive Change in our local communities."
In addition to the on-site donations, the six Kia dealers throughout Vancouver will be donating $10 for every test drive. With every test drive, the entrant has an opportunity to have their name entered into a daily draw for a pair of tickets to the June 10th Whitecaps FC match. For Kia dealer locations please visit www.kia.ca.
"KidSafe is very proud to be working alongside Kia Canada and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in providing over 400 vulnerable children and families in our community with meals and programming this summer," said Gerhard Maynard, Executive Director of KidSafe. "We are very excited that the Blue Planet Links Foundation has agreed to match every dollar raised on the day up to $25,000. Kia and the Vancouver Whitecaps FC are truly driving change and for that we are truly grateful."
About Vancouver Whitecaps FC
In 1974, Vancouver Whitecaps FC played their inaugural season in the North American Soccer League, and in 1979, the club won the NASL Soccer Bowl championship. From 1987 to 1992, as a member of the Canadian Soccer League, Vancouver won four straight CSL titles. In 2002, Whitecaps FC created a full club model that encompasses professional teams for men and women, extensive youth development and grassroots participation programs, facility development, and the Whitecaps Foundation to support specific initiatives related to health and wellness through soccer. Since 2004, Whitecaps FC have won two United Soccer Leagues First Division championships and two USL W-League championships. Last year, Whitecaps FC joined Major League Soccer, and are now in their second season in MLS. For additional information on Vancouver Whitecaps FC, visit whitecapsfc.com.
About KidSafe
KidSafe's mission is to provide safe havens for at-risk inner-city elementary school students when schools are traditionally closed. KidSafe supports over 400 at-risk children annually and provides services to six Vancouver elementary schools, offering a familiar place of safety, nutritious meals, emotional support and positive activity alternatives. Children ages 5 to 13 are welcomed for the two months of summer vacation, spring break, winter break and after school programs, where they will build confidence, self-esteem and have opportunities for social development.
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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 173 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 158 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 surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
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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