The First Canadian 2023 Corvette Z06 Raises Money for the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

The legacy of a former General Motors employee’s kindhearted gesture lives on again this year through an annual fundraiser that helps families in need in Ontario, Canada.

In 1968, GM Canada employee Sharon Clark started Sharon’s Kids at the company’s Oshawa Assembly plant, a fundraiser that has since grown to include all GM Canada employees.

On Monday, a convoy of Oshawa-built pickup trucks and GM vehicles, filled with toys and gifts, traveled to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, where GM Canada also presented a donation from its dealers across Canada.

Dealers earlier participated in a contest for the opportunity to purchase the first 2023 Corvette Z06 built for Canada, raising more than $250,000 for DCAF through donations from 106 GM dealers. Lakewood Chevrolet in Edmonton, Alberta won the contest and will be purchasing a Torch Red Z06 Convertible 3LZ.

“I’m so proud to see the generosity of our dealers and employees who came together to support this program that began over 50 years ago in Oshawa,” said Marissa West, GM Canada president and managing director. “I want to thank everyone for helping to continue Sharon’s legacy by making the holidays brighter for kids and families in Durham Region.”

Hundreds of families will receive presents through the DCAF Holiday Hope Program, thanks to the total of $313,000 donated to the organization, with $253,000 through the GM Canada dealer contest, a $20,000 gift from Oshawa Assembly through the Plant City Grant Program, and another $40,000 given by GM Canada employees.

Pictured from left to right are, Jerry Daniel, general director, sales, GM Canada; Leslie McLean, manager signature programs and events, DCAF; Marissa West, president and managing director, GM Canada; Dennis Ullman, executive director, DCAF; Cole Allinger, Canada One Auto Group dealer; James Hodge, brand director, Chevrolet.

“The Durham Children’s Aid Foundation is extremely grateful for the ongoing support we receive from GM Canada and their network of dealers across Canada,” said Dennis Ullman, Executive Director – Durham Children’s Aid Foundation. “With their continued support, we can assist over 1,000 children and youth living in vulnerable family situations celebrate the holiday season just like their friends and neighbors. Together we are working to ensure that No Child or Youth Shall Be Left Behind.”

Thorsten Koseck, Oshawa Assembly Plant director, said GM Canada employees look forward to supporting the Holiday Hope program every year in memory of Sharon Clark.

“This year we had the pleasure of sharing Sharon’s culture of community and giving in Oshawa with the new employees at the plant,” Koseck said. “I have been participating in the Sharon’s Kids program for more than 30 years, and every year I’m overwhelmed by the amazing outpouring of support from the plant who supported more families this year than ever before. I’m so proud of the team for their commitment to continue the legacy Sharon left, to make smiles possible this holiday season.”

Since 2018, including this year’s donation, GM Canada and its employees have raised more than $1 million for Sharon’s Kids, which is now part of DCAF. In April 2020, Sharon passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Durham Children’s Aid Foundation raises funds to support programs and services for children and youth living in vulnerable family situations. Programs include the annual Holiday Hope Program, Post-Secondary Bursaries, Mentoring for Success, Positive Transitions for Youth and Camps for Kids. DCAF assists more than 4,000 children and youth in the community.

Source:
GM Canada

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