Magna cancels 2022 Hoedown, will still support local groups through foundation

April 21, 2022 · 0 Comments

Country music lovers will have to wait another year for a night of fun and raising money for more than 20 area charities.

Magna announced Monday their decision to cancel the 2022 Hoedown, the third year in a row that public health uncertainty has caused the auto parts giant to put York Region’s biggest annual party onto the backburner.

“At Magna, giving back is a cornerstone of our culture,” said Magna in a statement. “Throughout the pandemic, we have continued to invest in our communities through grants like the Magna Hoedown Community Fund to support charities and make positive social and environmental impacts globally, and right here at home.

“The planning required to deliver the high-calibre, successful Magna Hoedown we all know and love is a year-long endeavour by our Neighbourhood Network team. Given the considerable lead time needed for an event of this magnitude, as well as the evolving state of the pandemic, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s live event.”

The 20+ community groups that normally split the money raised by the Hoedown each year, a figure which regularly tops $500,000, will once again see support through the Magna Hoedown Community Fund.

“Magna is committed to supporting organizations who provide critical services to our communities,” said Aaron McCarthy, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Magna. “I am proud to once again launch our Magna Hoedown Community Fund, which will benefit 30 local charities and over 150,000 residents in York Region.

“I would also like to thank the charities, volunteers, and our loyal Hoedown supporters for all you do to help us build better communities together.”

For more on the Magna Hoedown Community Fund, including ways to support the initiatives and for local organizations and non-profits to learn how to apply to be a part of it, visit hoedown.ca.

By Brock Weir
Editor
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter