Hyundai Donates 1,000 Winter Coats to Detroit Children in Conjunction With 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of a very cold winter and in a struggling economic climate, Hyundai Motor America is coming to the aid of Detroit youth with a practical donation of 1,000 winter coats.  Working with Focus: HOPE, a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization in Detroit, Hyundai will distribute new jackets to the children, families and program participants of the HOPE Village Initiative, enabling them to maintain productivity within the community during the inclement weather in the southeast Michigan region.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091001/HYUNDAILOGO)

A donation ceremony will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. today at Focus: HOPE's Center for Advanced Technologies, 1400 Oakman Blvd, Detroit, MI 48238-2881. The event is just one part of Hyundai's commitment to the Detroit community and diversity audiences.  Hyundai donated $50,000 to the Children's Hospital of Michigan on January 11th as part of its Hope on Wheels philanthropic effort, dedicated to helping kids fight cancer, and Hyundai will be a platinum level sponsor the 14th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA) gala, hosted by On Wheels Media, Inc., an annual part of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) on January 12th.

"Hyundai is dedicated to helping build stronger communities and families through our outreach and philanthropic programs," said Zafar Brooks, director of government relations and diversity outreach, Hyundai Motor America. "Providing winter coats to children and families of the HOPE Village Initiative is just one example of Hyundai's effort to improve people's lives.  We are proud to partner with the Urban Wheels Award Show in this important effort."

Modeled after the Harlem Children's Zone, the HOPE Village Initiative will be a major catalyst for change in the neighborhoods immediately around Focus: HOPE. A broad based Focus: HOPE consortium of residents, community leaders, businesses, and others is leading the effort to make this neighborhood the most desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.   The HOPE Village Initiative's initial target area consists of five neighborhoods around Focus: HOPE's main campus on Oakman Boulevard in Detroit.

"Hyundai's values and those of Focus: HOPE are aligned in finding intelligent and practical solutions to fight racism, poverty and injustice," said William Jones, CEO of Focus: HOPE. "This partnership, and the simple gift of a warm jacket, will break down barriers that prevent those in need from remaining active, productive members of our community."

Focus: HOPE will soon announce a Coat Distribution Day for targeted children, families and Focus: HOPE program participants who meet income guidelines and are in need of winter coats.  Coats will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a limit of one coat per person.

Recipients will be identified by the Focus: HOPE Commodity Supplemental Food Program, Center for Children, and newly adopted local schools; Glazer Elementary School and Paul Robeson Academy. Another targeted population will be the student/candidates enrolled in the Focus: HOPE Workforce Development Training Programs. These students require proper coats during the winter months for attendance at job interviews, business and community networking events and career coaching sessions with community leaders.

"We are thankful that Hyundai chose to donate coats to Detroit children the day of the 14th annual Urban Wheels Awards Show, and to make it a part of the program at the Sound Board Theater in the MotorCity Casino Hotel on January 12, 2010," said Randi Payton, publisher of OnWheels Media.  "In addition to recognizing the contribution of minorities in the auto industry, we are committed to giving back, through scholarship and other community outreach program.  Hyundai stepped up and made this coat donation possible showing that the auto industry continues to be big player in helping our communities grow."  The Urban Wheels Awards Show has been a part of the Detroit automotive scene and the area's community outreach.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide.

Journalists are invited to visit our news media web site: www.hyundainews.com

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America