Hyundai Hope on Wheels announces over $4.1 million commitment in 2026 with dedicated funds to clinical trials and their access programs

• Hyundai Hope on Wheels is pledging more than $4.1 million in 2026 to help fight paediatric cancer.
• $1.15 million of this commitment will support clinical trials for children with hard-to-cure cancers and fund STEP-1, a program that helps alleviate the financial burden on patients and families across Canada when accessing clinical trials as part of the care for hard-to-cure cancers.
• These two new initiatives mark the start of an ongoing effort to enhance treatment options and ensure better access for families, while supporting paediatric oncology centres nationwide.

Montreal, QC. (Jan 16, 2026) – Yesterday, Hyundai Hope on Wheels (HHOW) announced a significant commitment of more than $4.1 million in 2026 to help fight paediatric cancer and improve access to life-saving treatments for children and their families.

A highlight of this pledge is Hyundai Canada’s plan to allocate $1.15 million to fund clinical trials directed to children with hard-to-cure cancers and the ACCESS-supported STEP-1 program, a national program designed to alleviate the financial burden on families of children with hard-to-cure cancers when travelling to participate in an academic clinical trial. Of this amount, $400,000 will go toward clinical trials for new treatments for hard-to-cure paediatric cancers, while $750,000 will support the STEP-1 program, ensuring that families across Canada can access these trials without the added burden of travel and its barriers, including transportation and accommodation costs.

“We are proud to partner with ACCESS and further advance medical breakthroughs through clinical trial funding, two initiatives that embody our commitment to ‘Progress for Humanity,’” said Steve Flamand, president and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada. “Every child deserves access to life‑changing treatment, and Hyundai, together with our dealer network, is honoured to champion the mission of Hyundai Hope on Wheels.”

“While some trials require highly specialized expertise and cannot be offered everywhere, STEP-1 is committed to bringing the child to the trial when necessary – and making that journey as seamless as possible,” said Dr. Sarah Cohen-Gogo, paediatric oncologist at The Hospital for Sick Children. “Hyundai Hope on Wheels is helping make this possible through its commitment to supporting the national STEP-1 program.”

Last year, through nationwide outreach at hospitals, we heard countless stories from families. One challenge stood out: for many, the journey to treatment is as daunting as the diagnosis itself. This commitment aims to remove those barriers, ensuring that every child has a fair chance at care and hope for a brighter future.

Since its inception, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has been dedicated to funding research and programs that bring hope to children battling cancer. This latest initiative underscores HHOW’s unwavering mission to end paediatric cancer and support families every step of the way.