Hyundai Hope on Wheels donates $250,000 to IWK Foundation for paediatric cancer care

• The $250,000 donation will help support hematology/oncology care at IWK Health, which provides specialized care for children and youth across the Maritime provinces.
• IWK Health is one of two paediatric tertiary hospitals in Atlantic Canada. In the Maritime provinces, nearly all paediatric patients with cancer undergo diagnosis and initial treatment at IWK.
• The donation is part of Hyundai Hope on Wheels' $4 million commitment in 2025 to support paediatric oncology centres across Canada, marking the start of an ongoing commitment to improve treatment options for young cancer patients.

Halifax, N.S. (May 15, 2025) — Hyundai Hope on Wheels made a special stop in Halifax this week, holding its fourth Handprint Ceremony of the year at IWK Health as part of Hyundai Canada’s commitment to helping kids fight cancer.

As a leading regional paediatric health care facility, IWK Health offers specialized care to children and youth across the Maritimes. Each year at IWK, there are on average 3,500 hematology/oncology clinic visits, approximately 500 hematology/oncology hospital admissions and 340 childhood cancer survivors are followed in its long-term follow-up clinic.

“We are so grateful for Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ generous donation to support paediatric oncology and hematology care at IWK Health,” said Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO, IWK Foundation. “Our region’s sickest patients come to the IWK for care, and your incredible support will help bring hope to families facing a life-altering diagnosis. This partnership will help ensure our children and youth have the best chance for a healthy future. There is no greater gift to give.”

IWK Health is part of the Atlantic Provinces Hematology/Oncology Network (APPHON) that identifies ways to best share hematology/oncology care for paediatric patients throughout Atlantic Canada. As one of two paediatric tertiary hospitals in Atlantic Canada and in the Maritime provinces, nearly all paediatric patients with cancer undergo diagnosis and initial treatment at the IWK. The team at the IWK also works in partnership with local hospitals to help ensure patients and their families receive ongoing care and follow up as close to home as possible.

The Handprint Ceremony is a signature event of Hyundai Hope on Wheels, inviting children and families impacted by cancer to leave their handprints on the Hyundai Hope car, symbolizing the shared strength and resilience in the fight against paediatric cancer. The event brought together representatives from Hyundai Canada, IWK Foundation and IWK Health staff, and patient ambassadors to share their support for those on the frontlines of this crucial battle.

“As we continue our journey across Canada, it’s inspiring to see the impact of each Handprint Ceremony,” said Jessica Todd, director of sales at Hyundai Canada. “We’re honoured to stand alongside the incredible medical professionals at IWK and courageous young patients as we work together toward a future that is free of childhood cancer.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels, a registered non-profit established in Canada this year, is dedicated to supporting paediatric cancer care and research, and raising awareness about childhood cancer. This donation to IWK is part of a broader $4 million commitment from Hyundai Hope on Wheels in 2025 to support paediatric oncology centres across the country, marking the beginning of Hyundai's journey to fund research and care for young cancer patients.