THUNDER BAY – Once a year, Kia dealerships around the world set aside a day to make the planet a better place.
Performance Kia owner Bruno Niederer said it’s an annual event his staff and customers rally behind, a chance to give back to worthy organizations like the United Way of Thunder Bay and the Regional Food Distribution Association.
The proof is in the donations.
The proof is in the donations, spurred on by CKPR’s on-site remote. By day’s end, they’d raised $28,150.
Niederer said it’s important for companies to help out a community that keeps them in business.
It’s the right thing to do, he said.
“I feel from my past history as a chef that the kitchen in the RFDA needed a dishwasher and steam kettles to make soups and everything. Now we’re working on getting a big industrial freezer,” Niederer said.
“As well, customers are bringing in food, non-perishable and perishable items as well.”
One of Niederer’s sales representatives made a $500 donation and has challenged salespeople throughout the city to match the amount.
RFDA executive director Volker Kromm said it’s great to know in today’s day and age companies like Kia are willing to step up and be counted.
“It’s huge. It’s heartwarming to know that we do the business support. It’s very important that they can dedicate resources and finances and an entire day for this project. We’re here from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the focus is about raising money so we can help other people,” Kromm said.
This is the fifth year Performance Kia has taken part in Drive Change.
