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Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels Earn Two Corporate Social Responsibility Awards from Ragan Communications

News Provided by PR Newswire2026-10-13

Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels Earn Two Corporate Social Responsibility Awards from Ragan Communications

[13-October-2026]

Healthy Seas partnership and childhood cancer awareness campaign recognized for purpose-driven impact

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai Hope on Wheels have earned two honors in the 2026 Ragan Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards, recognizing programs that drive meaningful social and environmental impact. Hyundai was named a winner in the Cause Advocacy Campaign category for its partnership with the Healthy Seas Foundation, while Hyundai Hope on Wheels was named a winner in the Social Media Campaign category for its childhood cancer awareness campaign.

Hyundai and Healthy Seas engage students at the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley in an interactive ocean conservation workshop (Photo/Hyundai)

"Corporate social responsibility is ultimately about finding meaningful ways to show up for people and the world around us," said Brandon Ramirez, director, corporate social responsibility and external relations, Hyundai Motor North America and board member, Hyundai Hope on Wheels. "These recognitions are especially meaningful because they represent two very different causes that are incredibly important to Hyundai. Whether we're helping protect our oceans or bringing greater awareness to the fight against pediatric cancer, our goal is to work alongside passionate partners, employees and communities to create impact that lasts."

Advancing Ocean Conservation with the Healthy Seas Foundation
Hyundai's partnership with Healthy Seas brings together ocean conservation, community engagement, education and circular-economy storytelling to raise awareness of marine pollution. The global partnership began in 2021 and expanded to the U.S. in 2023. In 2025, Hyundai further developed the U.S. initiative through employee volunteer activities and the introduction of youth education programming.

"This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates a partnership that turns ocean conservation into something people can experience and take part in," said Veronika Mikos, director, Healthy Seas Foundation. "Together with Hyundai Motor America, we are not only supporting the recovery of ghost nets and marine litter from the ocean but also engaging employees and helping children understand why healthy seas matter. Connecting direct action with education and participation is how we inspire awareness to become lasting commitment."

Driving Hope Beyond the Road
Hyundai Hope on Wheels was recognized in the Social Media Campaign category for its influencer partnership with Zachery Dereniowski, known as MD Motivator. Leveraging his authentic storytelling rooted in kindness and compassion, the campaign shared deeply personal stories with millions of followers to elevate awareness of pediatric cancer and reinforce Hyundai Hope on Wheels' mission to end childhood cancer.

Together, the two recognitions highlight Hyundai and Hyundai Hope on Wheels' commitment to leveraging partnerships, storytelling and community engagement to advance important causes and inspire positive change. The Ragan CSR Awards recognize organizations and campaigns demonstrating meaningful corporate citizenship through social impact, community engagement and purpose-driven communications.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels
Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is committed to finding a cure for childhood cancer. Launched in 1998, Hyundai Hope on Wheels provides grants to eligible institutions nationwide that are pursuing critical research aimed at improving treatments and saving lives. Hyundai Hope on Wheels is one of the largest nonprofit funders of pediatric cancer research in the country. Primary funding for Hyundai Hope on Wheels comes from Hyundai Motor America and its more than 855 U.S. dealers. In 2026, Hyundai Hope on Wheels will reach a lifetime donation total of $303 million in support of more than 1,600 childhood cancer research grants to over 175 hospitals and research institutions.

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, several cutting-edge R&D facilities and more than 855 independent dealers. These operations are part of Hyundai Motor Group, which is investing $26 billion in the U.S. from 2025 to 2028. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.