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.