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Kia Motors makes pledge to Make-A-Wish international


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May 30, 2014: Kia donates US$100,000 to non-profit organisation that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions Five wish children will serve as Kia Mascot Friends at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™

As an official sponsor of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, Kia Motors Corporation has donated US$100,000 to its selected charity, Make-A-Wish® International. In addition to the donation, Kia Motors has also invited five wish children and their companions to participate in the Kia Mascot Friends program where they will accompany the official World Cup mascot – Fuleco the Armadillo – onto the pitch at half time during matches at the world’s most prominent international football competition.

The five wish children, who were selected from global Make-A-Wish International’s affiliates based on their love of football, will travel to Brazil to attend the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. Wish children Aidan (age 14, Australia), Fausto (age 11, Mexico), Nathan (age 10, Brazil), Yuri (age 9, Brazil), and Bruno (age 11, Brazil) will make appearances beginning with a group stage match on June 23rd through to the semi-final match on July 8th.

Soon-Nam Lee, Vice President of Kia Motors’ Overseas Marketing Group, said: “We are honoured to expand our ongoing relationship with Make-A-Wish International following the support we provided to wish kids during the UEFA EURO 2012 football championship; and we can’t think of a more fitting charity to partner with for this opportunity.”

“We are thrilled to provide the opportunity for wish children to serve as official Kia Mascot Friends during the upcoming World Cup and are excited to embrace this amazing experience right alongside with them,” Mr. Lee concluded.

In line with Kia Motor’s World Cup marketing concept, ‘Kia Makes Surprises’, Kia and Make-A-Wish representatives paid a surprise visit to Aidan’s local football team’s training session in Sydney, Australia. Aidan, 14, is battling cystic fibrosis. His most cherished wish is to attend the World Cup, and thanks to Make-A-Wish and Kia Motors, Aidan was given the surprise of a lifetime when informed that his wish to go to the World Cup would soon become a reality. Aidan will travel to Brazil to see the group stage match between Australia and Spain. (Click on the following link to view Aidan’s special surprise moment: Surprise Moment.

“We are so grateful to have been chosen by Kia Motors as their charity of choice for the 2014 FIFA World CupTM . Their continued support of our wish children through the Kia Mascot Friends Program helps make wishes a reality for our wish children around the globe who have chosen their most cherished wish based on their passion for football,” said Jon Stettner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish International. “When children with life-threatening medical conditions have their one true wish fulfilled, it fuels their confidence and determination as they battle their life-threatening medical conditions. Kia Motors support will give these five wish children and their families a life-changing experience in Brazil – one that will last a lifetime.”