GM Canada Continues the Legacy of ‘Sharon’s Kids’ by Supporting Hundreds of Durham Region Children in New Era of the Holiday Hope Campaign
2025-12-04
OSHAWA, Ontario (December 4, 2025) – Today, GM Canada employees carried on a 57-year tradition by filling a fleet of GMC Sierras and Oshawa-built Chevrolet Silverados with gifts and donations bound for the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation (DCAF) to support local families this holiday season.
This tradition honours the legacy of Sharon Clark, who in 1968 opted to skip Oshawa Assembly’s office gift exchange and instead provide holiday gifts to a family in need. Through the generosity of GM Canada employees who followed Sharon’s lead, the annual Sharon’s Kids program was established, which is now part of DCAF’s Holiday Hope campaign. GM Canada, together with its employees and dealers, has raised millions for families in the Durham Region through this program.
“Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Holiday Hope initiative,” said Kristian Aquilina, GM Canada president and managing director. “Giving back is part of who we are at GM Canada and our long-standing tradition of supporting the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation reflects our commitment to the communities where we live and work.”
“I am incredibly moved by the generosity of our team,” said Jake Currie, Oshawa Assembly plant director. “They ran passionate, creative fundraising campaigns, and because of them, over 850 children right here in our community will have a gift to open this year. It means so much to all of us to keep Sharon’s memory alive by bringing that kind of real joy to families in Durham.”
“General Motors Canada and its workers have long been a pillar of our community, helping to build a resilient and caring city,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “Their spirit of generosity and commitment to giving back continues to strengthen Oshawa and we are proud of their charitable support this season to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation.”
This year marks an evolution of that tradition with the launch of the first-ever Holiday Hope Pop-Up Shop, a welcoming, store-style space where families can personally select gifts and essentials for their children instead of receiving a pre-packaged kit. This new approach ensures each family’s unique needs and traditions are honoured, empowering caregivers to choose age-appropriate, culturally inclusive gifts. Participants will also receive grocery gift cards to complete their celebrations.
About Sharon Clark
In 1968, GM Canada employee Sharon Clark started Sharon’s Kids at the GM Oshawa Assembly plant. Sharon decided to skip the office gift exchange and instead, adopt a family in need. With the help of GM Canada employees, Sharon grew her program and continued to support those in need in Durham region for over 50 years. In April 2020, Sharon passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.
To learn more or to support the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, please click here.