KIA Canada driving the message to drive sober

I love KIA Canada.

They are participating in Targa Newfoundland, a 2200 kilometer road course competition for die-hard motorsport enthusiasts happening this week and weekend (September 8-15, 2012). It’s the first and only event of its kind to be held in North America.

What is so cool and special about KIA Canada participating in Targa Newfoundland; other than a kick-ass road race?

I am so glad you ask!

To support MADD Canada’s goal to raise awareness of the dangers of impaired driving, earlier this year KIA Canada launched a Facebook app called ‘Sign the Car’. It enabled hundreds of Canadian from coast to coast to take the pledge to drive sober. And in honor of their commitment, each pledge’s signature was digitally imprinted on the “I Pledge” Kia Forte Koup, which will be raced in the Targa Newfoundland and will be featured in Canadian auto shows this winter.

And you know that both hubby and I took the pledge, as did many of our friends and family, so that means our names are somewhere on that car! How cool is that?!

The “I Pledge” Kia Forte Koup will be driven by a team of two; professional driver and Autonet.ca journalist, Jacques Deshaies, will be the driver while his Autonet.ca colleague, Marc Bouchard, will be his co-driver. The two have been deemed Kia’s ‘Designated Drivers’ team (LOVE THAT) and will promote the importance of MADD Canada’s mission – to stop impaired driving while driving in Targa Newfoundland.

Score!

Not to mention, KIA Canada is the presenting sponsor of MADD Canada’s school assembly program implemented to reduce impaired driving among youth, which was officially launched in Ontario this week. The program will educate more than 1 million students about the dangers of impaired driving over the coming school year.

As part of this sponsorship, did you know that Kia Canada Inc. also donates the use of 10 vehicles to MADD Canada. Yip. I mean…does it get any better than that? They donate 5 Kia Sedonas that are used by field representatives who deliver the school assembly program to schools across the country and the other 5 Kia Souls are used by Chapters across the country to promote local activities and events. These KIA Canada MADD Canada vehicles are decked out with MADD Canada’s logo and messaging and are uber attention-grabbing. One more tool to raise public awareness of MADD Canada and the need to stop impaired driving.

And…they produce amazing socially responsible commercials that promote not just their vehicles, but an important message:

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Be sure to show KIA Canada your love. Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, and check out their website!

Have you heard of Targa Newfoundland? Did you take the “I Pledge”? Know of any other socially fabulous companies you’d love to give a shout out to?

On August 1, 2009, my beautiful mother-in-law’s life was cut tragically short by an impaired driver and my stepson’s life changed forever. In honor of Donna and Jordan Kennie, please don’t drink and drive. Impaired driving is 100% preventable. Think about it.

Support MADD Canada and follow them on Facebook, Twitter (@maddcanada), YouTube, and on the Web.