Hyundai Auto Canada and its dealers have launched a major initiative to help kids with cancer.

The automaker said it is in the final stages of registering Hyundai Hope on Wheels in Canada as a federal nonprofit entity. The organization is dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer patients and survivors through research funding and raising awareness to help end childhood cancer.

Hyundai Canada plans to donate $4 million in 2025 for research and support grants to institutions and organizations throughout the nation focused on improving outcomes and treatments for children diagnosed with cancer.

In a news release, the company said the new nonprofit is part of its vision for the future and commitment to the brand ethos of “Progress for Humanity,” dedicated to supporting the communities where its employees live and work and creating brighter futures for all, starting with Canada’s youth.

“Children are the future and they deserve every opportunity to grow, play and learn in a world free of pediatric cancer,” Hyundai Canada executive director of sales and digital strategy Steve Flamand said. “Despite advancements in research, cancer remains the second most common cause of death among Canadian children aged 1-14.

“Each year, approximately 1,000 children are diagnosed with the disease and, tragically, one in six will not survive. Through Hyundai Hope on Wheels, we aim to drive innovative research and discoveries to improve survival rates, in partnership with our dealer network.”

Hyundai Canada’s nationwide network of 226 dealerships is supporting Hyundai Hope on Wheels with a donation from every new vehicle sold, which began Jan. 1.

“Research for pediatric cancer remains drastically underfunded in Canada,” Hyundai Canada National Dealer Council president Rein Knol said. “On behalf of Hyundai Canada’s dealer network, we’re proud that this has become a keystone commitment for Hyundai Canada and of our role in supporting it.

“With every new vehicle sale contributing to the cause, we know our customers will feel even better when they drive off the lot in their new Hyundai.”

Hyundai Hope on Wheels was established by Hyundai Motor America in 1998 and has become a major funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. The company said stablishing it as a separate charitable entity in Canada is the first step in its global expansion.