Connor Bedard joins Surrey childhood cancer fundraiser

Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard visited Surrey on Aug. 26 for a Hyundai Hope on Wheels tour stop that brought him together with young patients from BC Children’s Hospital.

At Murray Hyundai White Rock, children added painted handprints to a specially decorated vehicle. Bedard, a Hyundai brand ambassador, said meeting the children, their families and support networks was a special opportunity and praised their courage and positivity.

Hyundai Auto Canada announced a $350,000 donation for pediatric cancer care, research and family-support programs. The contribution brings the company’s Canadian commitment to more than $4.1 million.

Among those attending were 13-year-old Spencer Moore, who met Bedard for a second time, and Langley twins Weston and Bennett Openshaw. The seven-year-old brothers were diagnosed with different forms of lymphoblastic leukemia within four months of one another and were treated simultaneously at BC Children’s Hospital.

Their mother, Alisha Openshaw, said the boys have now been out of treatment for two years and will start Grade 2 in September. They continue to attend oncology checkups every three months and will do so until they reach five years cancer-free.

Hyundai Hope on Wheels is a registered charitable foundation launched in Canada in 2025 in partnership with Canada’s C17 Council. A portion of each new Hyundai sale supports the foundation’s work to help end childhood cancer.