Hyundai Canada and its York Region dealers raise more than $330,000 over five years to support youth experiencing homelessness
As temperatures dipped to 0°C degrees overnight, Hyundai Auto Canada and its York Region dealer partners once again braved the cold to raise awareness and support youth experiencing homelessness in their community.
Now in its fifth year of participation, Hyundai Canada has raised more than $330,000 through the annual 360°Experience Challenge, an important fundraising initiative organized by 360°kids. The challenge asks participants to spend a winter night outdoors, offering a first‑hand glimpse into the harsh realities faced by young people experiencing homelessness.
This year, Hyundai Auto Canada proudly served as the title sponsor of the 13th annual 360°Experience Challenge, with executive leaders, team members, and York Region dealer staff taking part in the Corporate Challenge. The overnight experience underscores the vulnerability of youth aged 14 to 26 who flee unsafe environments with little more than the clothes they are wearing, often facing extreme cold while searching for safety and shelter.
Before the challenge began, Hyundai Canada participants gathered at the 360°kids meeting point ahead of the overnight experience, which took place at the Community Safety Village.
In 2026 alone, Hyundai Canada and its York Region dealers raised more than $60,000, with funds directly supporting safe housing, education pathways, employment programs, and health and well‑being services for youth across York Region.
“As a proud participant in the Overnight Challenge for five straight years, it’s heartwarming to see the evolving supports and services from 360°kids and the critical work they continue to do in our community,” said Kirk Merrett, director of network planning, performance and customer experience at Hyundai Canada. “Providing young people with a safe place and the right support can help them regain stability and move forward with confidence. Supporting the next generation starts with the actions we take today.”
Over its 36‑year history, 360°kids has demonstrated the power of community coming together to support vulnerable youth. In the past year alone, the organization provided support to 3,672 youth across York Region through housing, education, employment, and health and well‑being programs.
This included:
- 20,181 bed nights of safe shelter
- 1,780 youth supported through Home Base drop‑in programs
- 253 youth receiving direct housing assistance
Education outcomes also continued to improve, with 19 youth earning their high school diploma through the iGrad program. In employment services, 1,353 pre‑employment workshops were delivered, with 73 per cent of participants remaining employed or returning to school. Health and well‑being supports expanded as well, with 209 youth receiving counselling and 13,483 meals provided.
“Young people on the streets are often judged harshly by society,” said Clovis Grant, CEO of 360°kids. “However, when participants take part in the 360°Experience, compassion and understanding become a new reality — not just through learning new facts, but through the opportunity to experience and spend time in someone else’s shoes, even if only for one night.”
Hyundai Canada remains committed to uplifting and supporting Canadian youth under its corporate vision of Progress for Humanity. In addition to the 360°Experience Challenge, Hyundai Canada proudly partners with 360°kids through the Hockey Fights the Homeless initiative, further strengthening its long‑term commitment to addressing youth homelessness.
By collaborating with trusted community partners like 360°kids, organizations delivering measurable, meaningful impact Hyundai Canada continues to support systemic change and provide young people facing racism, discrimination, violence, and exploitation with access to the resources they need to build a safer, more stable future.
Donations to the 360°Experience Challenge will be accepted until March 31. To learn more or make a contribution, visit www.360kids.ca