(May 5, 2015) IRVINE, Calif. — Mazda North American Operations today announced a $1 million donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Over the last two years, Mazda has cultivated its relationship with St. Jude, one that originated through an employee referral.

Mazda Drive for Good continues to give back to local communities across the U.S. throughout the year through volunteering. In 2014, Mazda pledged and completed more than 56,000 hours of volunteer service. In 2015, Mazda has pledged to give more than 66,000 hours.

"Mazda's donation to St. Jude helps them achieve their mission of reducing the cancer rate among children and allows them to continue their treatment without ever giving a patient's family a bill," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North America.

"However, this donation would never have been possible without the donations being directed by our customers throughout the month of December during the Mazda Drive for Good event. So, while this donation comes from Mazda Drive for Good, it is really a direct result of our customers wanting to give to St. Jude."

Mazda's Drive for Good event ran from Nov. 21, 2014 through Jan. 2, 2015. For every new Mazda vehicle purchased or leased during that time period, Mazda donated $150 to one of four national, or 44 local, charities, with the choice of the charity being left up to the customer. In addition to the monetary donation, Mazda also pledged an hour of charitable service for every test drive of a new Mazda vehicle taken during the Mazda Drive for Good event.

Mazda employees, dealers and business partners will all work together to achieve the more than 66,000 charitable service hours pledged.