Helen Ching-Kircher, Dealer Principal, President & CEO of DFC Auto Group Inc., which includes Porsche Centre Downtown Toronto and Audi Uptown in Toronto, Ont., has been awarded the esteemed Order of Ontario this year.
She is well-known for her philanthropy, which includes having launched a “United by Passion” photo campaign via their media platform in September 2020, with the funds being donated to the McEwen Stem Cell Institute at University Health Network (UHN).
“It is a distinct honour to be recognized for my philanthropic efforts in the province,” said Ching-Kircher in an email response to Canadian auto dealer. “Achieving this level of recognition is a humbling experience, especially to be in the company of the other distinguished recipients.”
The award is considered to be the province’s highest honour, reserved for Ontarions who demonstrate outstanding qualities of individual excellence in all fields that are considered to be eligible for the appointment of the Order. Ching-Kircher received her award from Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, via phone.
“Society often measures success by the awards one receives or the financial status one attains,” said Ching-Kircher. “In the case of this prestigious award, however, it is for me a measure of how well we are doing in Ontario to support others, and a recognition of the extent of involvement we citizens have in making Ontario an incredible place to live.”
Ching-Kircher was involved in supporting the Arthritis Research Foundation when Downtown Fine Cars Auto Group, Porsche Center Downtown Toronto and Audi Uptown became a Reception Sponsor of the foundation’s Day at the Races event (for the 13th consecutive year), which was held on Sept. 22, 2019 at the Woodbine Racetrack.
She has been involved in a number of local charities over the years, but The Board of Governors for Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, Ont., stands out because Ching-Kircher received world-class medical services when she was diagnosed with arthritis.
Another one that is near and dear to the heart is the Yee Hong Wellness Foundation for Geriatric Care. Ching-Kircher said strong family bonds and respect for her mother led to her interest in supporting the service for the elderly Chinese Canadian population.
“Yee Hong provides vital cultural, heritage and elderly-based programs while engaging the support of the Chinese community at large,” said Ching-Kircher. “I believe that an investment in Yee Hong is an investment in my own Chinese ethnicity and cultural heritage, all while contributing to a better and more caring society generally.”
She has been a long-standing major sponsor of the annual Dragon Ball events, which has raised millions of dollars over the years.
Ching-Kircher said she is equally passionate about nurturing the talent of young Canadians — helping athletes and artists realize their dreams and achieve their professional goals. She describes philanthropy as a way of life, and said she feels a sense of obligation to help those less fortunate and in need. At an early age, Ching-Kircher said she started helping various people whom she knew, and local community groups charged with supporting those in need.
“This was the extent of support I could give as a young business person. But as my businesses grew, so too did the opportunities for me to play more significant roles in supporting large organizations, charities and institutions that are dedicated to making the lives of everyone better,” said Ching-Kircher, adding that “just as my business grew, so too did the number of ways that I could make a difference.”
This includes supporting medical research efforts for improving the health of Canadians, championing opportunities for Canadian women in business, and watching the arts and cultural communities flourish through donations to their important place in Canadian society.
Ching-Kircher said the concept of giving back in the automotive sales context, must begin at the top. That concept then trickles down, which is why the DFC Auto Group team has embraced the philosophy of giving back and pitches in when they host charitable events at the dealership. As a result of the satisfaction they feel from supporting people in need, Ching-Kircher said members of their staff and managers go on to give back to local causes in their neighbourhoods through fundraising, volunteerism, and other tangible ways.
“My message is a simple one: giving comes from within, whether of yourself, your time, your financial support, your volunteerism — and no effort is too small. Every gift counts,” said Ching-Kircher.
