The last 7th-generation Chevrolet Corvette built for the Canadian market and the first 8th-generation mid-engine Corvette Stingray built for this market were donated by General Motors of Canada and sold at auction this week, for charity.
GM Canada Donates C7 and C8 Corvettes
Both Corvettes went to the same bidder at a live auction hosted by the Manheim Canada auction house, which also donated its services to the cause. The winning bid for the 7th-generation Corvette was $187,500 and the 8th-generation Stingray sold for $181,000.
The winning bidder will also get a day on the track at Canadian racing legend and former Corvette driver, Ron Fellow’s Performance Driving Schools at Spring Mountain, Nevada and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Ontario.
Funds raised by the auction will go to the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation in honour of former GM of Canada employee, Sharon Clark and “Sharon’s Kids,” a charity she started in 1968. Clark, who worked in the company’s Engineering Department, decided to skip the office gift exchange and instead, adopt a family in need. With the help of other 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.
Thanks to GM Canada’s Corvette donation, plus support from Unifor, company employees and retirees, and donations from community members, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation also received more than $35,000 in online donations, bringing the total contribution in honour of “Sharon’s Kids” to more than $400,000.
“Thank you to everyone who came together in the spirit of giving and congratulations to the winner who now owns a piece of Canadian history,” said Scott Bell, GM Canada president and managing director. “GM Canada and our community have supported Durham Children’s Aid for over 50 years, and I am so proud that we are honouring Sharon’s legacy to make the holidays a little brighter for children that need it most in the Durham Region.”
“The Durham Children’s Aid Foundation is extremely grateful to GM Canada for their generosity and Manheim Canada for donating the facilitation of the online auction,” said Leslie McLean, manager of Signature Programs. “These funds will go directly into critical programming the Foundation provides for children and youth in need. This is such a wonderful tribute to such an inspiring person and Sharon would be elated knowing GM Canada is continuing her spirit of giving.”
Additional donations to help support “Sharon’s Kids” and buy Christmas gifts for kids in need this holiday season will be welcomed by the Durham Children’s Aid Foundation.