EDMONTON -

Jason Smith describes The Kids with Cancer Society’s role in the lives of thousands of Albertans every year as crucial.

Smith is president of the Edmonton-based automotive group Go Auto, and since July 1 the company has donated $10 to the society for every vehicle sold. The society provides programs and services to children with cancer who reside in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, along with their families.

“Rather than feel alone during treatment, the children and their families are welcomed into a community, provided with incredible support, and reminded that they are more than their diagnosis,” Smith said in a news release.

Go Auto, which describes itself as the largest automotive network in Western Canada, is on track to sell more than 50,000 vehicles per year. That means that over a five-year commitment, the total donation will exceed $3 million, according to the company.

“This is an organization that means a lot to us,” Smith said. “So, we thought it was time to take it to the next level by asking the 50,000 customers we have the privilege of serving each year to join us in this effort.”

Also, in another Go Auto program that will run in all of its Alberta and NWT dealerships, customers can donate to the Kids with Cancer Society. Go Auto would like to see customers match its $10-per-vehicle donation, which the company said would collectively drive the total funds raised to more than $5 million.

The Kids with Cancer Society works with parents and communicates with the medical teams who treat children with cancer to identify priorities and fund the most impactful programs. Through educational and financial support, clinical programs, counseling and research, at no cost to the families, the society says it works with families from the time of diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond.  

“We greatly appreciate all donations and would like to sincerely thank everyone, in advance, for joining us in support of the Kids with Cancer Society,” Smith said. “Together, we hope to raise more than $1 million annually.”