MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada is donating $100 from every vehicle it sells during April, May and June in the hope of raising more than $500,000 for Right to Play, an international charity based in Toronto that reaches out to children and communities via sports and play programs.

Basically, Right to Play's programs aim to help improve health and develop life skills for children and communities challenged by war, poverty and disease, while also promoting peace.

If the automaker can raise that amount, its donations to Right to Play — its official charity — would total roughly $1.5 million since 2008.

In 2008 and 2009, it donated a total of $976,000 after generating just shy of $500,000 each year for the charity.

"Those donations represent a tremendous achievement," stated Koji Soga, president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada.

"At its core, the Right To Play Challenge is all about giving back to the community and the world," Soga continued. "Everyone at MMSCAN strives to make this donation as large as possible."

Soga went on to applaud Mitsubishi Motors' Canadian dealer body and the efforts of its salespeople, giving them credit for how strong the drives have been.

"With the strengthening economy and growing acceptance of Mitsubishi products among Canadian motorists, we're hopeful that this year's donation will garner even more support for Right to Play than it has in previous years," Soga shared.

Right to Play runs in 23 countries and has national offices in Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the U.S.

"The leadership and dedication demonstrated by Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada throughout our three year partnership has been remarkable," stated Johann Olav Koss, president and CEO of Right To Play.

"The 2010 campaign will see their total cash contribution to Right To Play exceed well over $1 million, which is truly extraordinary and we are extremely grateful," Koss continued. "This support is invaluable in helping us continue to improve the lives of children and strengthen communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas around the world.

"This year MMSCAN also provided vehicles for our staff, volunteers and Athlete Ambassadors during the Olympic Games in Vancouver, which reinforces their exceptional generosity and commitment," Koss added. "On behalf of all of Right To Play, and especially the children in our programs, thank you for this outstanding support and for sharing in our vision of creating a healthier and safer world through the power of sport and play."

Giving their time to Right to Play is a team of world-class athletes from 40 different countries, who serve as role models for children, inspiring them to make making healthy lifestyle choices. They also help spread the word about the organization and raise funds, as well.

More than 688,000 children across the globe participate in Right to Play's sports and play activities each week, and more than 1 million children combined take part regular programming and specials sports events and festivals each week, officials shared. They noted that more than 15,000 coaches, teachers and leaders help out with these events.

Kicking off Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada's campaign was Clara Hughes, a six-time Olympic medal winner who carried the Canadian flag at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Jon Montgomery, Beckie Scott, Emily Brydon, Hayley Wickenheiser, Joe Thornton, Mélanie Turgeon, Perdita Felicien and Silken Laumann are among the other Canadian Right to Play Athlete Ambassadors.

"Right To Play has always been close to my heart because they are committed to helping children and communities in some of the world's most destitute areas lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. I would like to thank and congratulate Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada for their outstanding contribution and unbelievable support," Hughes commented.

"I feel that sport is in many ways a metaphor for life: To really feel alive is to push yourself beyond your limits, to fail and succeed, to feel the satisfaction of having goals and dreams to which you aspire," she concluded.