Mercedes-Benz Canada has chosen the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada as its charity of choice in an effort to educate Canadian men and their families about the threat of prostate cancer and to raise funds in the fight against the disease.

"We made the decision to aim our philanthropic focus on this particular cause in an effort to make a difference," said Marcus Breitschwerdt, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada. "We are embarking on a long-term partnership and look forward to working closely with the Foundation to raise awareness of prostate cancer, encourage more men to get tested for the disease, and help fund more innovative research."

Mercedes-Benz Canada has been a supporter of the Foundation since 2003 and has raised funds for the Foundation through some of its own events. It has also sponsored Foundation events such as the Father's Day Run and the Green & White Gala. The new partnership involves a steady commitment throughout the calendar year including the Mercedes Trophy golf tournaments, event sponsorships, co-branded advertising efforts and cause marketing promotions in Mercedes-Benz dealerships.

"We are privileged to welcome Mercedes-Benz Canada as one of our national partners," said Foundation President & CEO John Blanchard. "With the strength of their brand behind our cause, we are sure to reach more men than ever before and raise the profile of prostate cancer equal to the threat it poses. There are currently over five million Canadians in their at-risk years, and this number will continue to rise as the baby boomers age. Through its commitment, Mercedes-Benz has asserted that the time to act is now."