Source: IWK Foundation / Hyundai Canada

• The $250,000 donation will help support haemato-oncology care at the IWK Health Centre, which provides specialized services to children and adolescents across the Maritime provinces.

• IWK Health is one of only two tertiary pediatric hospitals in Atlantic Canada. In the Maritimes, almost every pediatric cancer patient receives their initial diagnosis and treatment at the IWK.

• This gift is part of Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ commitment to donate $4 million in 2025 to support pediatric oncology centres nationwide, marking the start of an ongoing pledge to enhance treatment options for young cancer patients.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 15, 2025 – Hyundai Hope on Wheels made a special stop in Halifax this week for its fourth Handprint Ceremony of the year at the IWK Health Centre, part of Hyundai Canada’s ongoing commitment to help children fight cancer.

As the leading regional pediatric care facility, the IWK Health Centre provides specialist services to children and adolescents from the Maritimes. Each year, the centre delivers approximately 3,500 clinical haemato-oncology visits, handles around 500 haemato-oncology hospital admissions, and follows 340 childhood cancer survivors in its long-term follow-up clinic.

“We are extremely grateful for Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ generous donation to support pediatric oncology and hematology care at the IWK Health Centre,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Foundation. “The sickest patients in our region come to the IWK for treatment, and your invaluable support will help bring hope to families facing a devastating diagnosis. This partnership will help ensure our children and youth have the best chance at health. There is no greater gift.”

The IWK Health Centre is part of the Atlantic Provinces Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Network (APPOHN), which identifies best practices for sharing haemato-oncology care across Atlantic Canada. As one of just two tertiary pediatric hospitals in the region, the IWK provides almost all pediatric cancer patients with their diagnosis and initial treatment. The IWK team also partners with local hospitals to ensure patients, and their families receive coordinated care and follow-ups as close to home as possible.

The Handprint Ceremony is a signature event of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. It invites children and families affected by cancer to leave their handprints on the Hope on Wheels vehicle, symbolizing the strength and resilience shared in the fight against pediatric cancer. The ceremony brought together representatives from Hyundai Canada, the IWK Foundation and IWK Health Centre staff, as well as young patient ambassadors, all united in support of those on the front lines of this crucial fight.

“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 are honoured to collaborate with the incredible healthcare professionals at the IWK Health Centre and the brave young patients to build a future without childhood cancer.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a registered non-profit organization established in Canada in 2025 dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer care and research, as well as raising awareness of childhood cancer. This donation to the IWK Foundation is part of a broader $4 million commitment by Hyundai Hope on Wheels in 2025 to support pediatric oncology centres coast to coast, marking the beginning of Hyundai’s long-term pledge to fund research and care for young cancer patients.

The IWK Foundation is a passionate advocate for excellence in women’s and children’s health. It partners with IWK Health to support its vision: providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes and beyond. Our donors are dedicated to making a difference for Maritime families. Last year, they contributed more than $25.2 million to support the IWK’s most urgent care priorities. Funds raised also bolster the IWK’s world-leading research and knowledge-sharing, improving lives globally. Visit our website to learn more.

Lesley Gaum, IWK Foundation

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Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a registered non-profit organization committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Established in Canada in 2025, it funds research through grants and supports care and survivorship via significant donations. Originally launched in the United States in 1998, it is now one of the largest non-profit funders of pediatric cancer research in that country. In Canada, Hyundai Hope on Wheels is funded primarily by Hyundai Auto Canada and its 226 dealerships nationwide.

Brad Ross, Corporate Communications, Hyundai Canada

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Mohga Hassib, Corporate Communications, Hyundai Canada

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