General Motors Canada and its Dealers Donate More Than $313,000 to Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

Today, a convoy of Oshawa-built pick-up trucks and GM vehicles, filled with toys and gifts, made their way to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation (DCAF) where GM Canada also presented a donation from its dealers across Canada.  This continues the legacy of Sharon Clark, who started Sharon’s Kids at Oshawa Assembly – a program that has provided holiday gifts to children in need for more than 50 years.

GM Canada held a dealer contest for the opportunity to purchase the first 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 built for Canada, raising $253,000 for DCAF through donations from 106 GM dealers. The winning dealer is Lakewood Chevrolet in Edmonton, Alberta and will purchase a Torch Red Corvette 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.”

The $313,000 donated to DCAF is made up of monetary donations from the GM Canada dealer contest, a $20,000 donation from Oshawa Assembly through the Plant City Grant Program and more than $40,000 in gifts from GM Canada employees. These presents will be distributed to hundreds of families through the DCAF Holiday Hope Program.  

From Pat Priestner

“We were excited to be able to support a cause as worthy as Sharon’s Kids for the chance to bring the first Chevrolet Corvette Z06 built for Canada to Lakewood Chevrolet. We look forward to displaying such an iconic vehicle at our store.”

From DCAF:

“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 neighbours. Together we are working to ensure that No Child or Youth Shall Be Left Behind.”

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About Holiday Hope

In 1968, GM Canada employee Sharon Clark started Sharon’s Kids at the GM Oshawa Assembly plant. Since then, the program has grown into an annual fundraising program for all GM Canada employees. This year, employees donated more than $40,000 in gifts to support children in need. Since 2018, including today’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.

“Every year GM Canada employees look forward to supporting the Holiday Hope program in memory of Sharon Clark,” said Thorsten Koseck, Oshawa Assembly Plant Director. “This year we had the pleasure of sharing Sharon’s culture of community and giving in Oshawa with the new employees at the plant. 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.”

To support Sharon’s Kids and the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation click here.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in nearly 80 countries with nearly 2.7 million cars and trucks sold in 2021. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heartbeat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.ca.

About Durham Children’s Aid Foundation

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