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This time of year, when lists are being made and gifts are being bought, most families would settle for something simple that doesn’t come in a box. For their children to be happy, safe and healthy. For a lot of families, this is a wish that hasn’t been able to come true for a long time. That’s why Honda produced a virtual reality scene that immersed children, that were otherwise bound to the hospital, in a winter wonderland. Watch the video below and see how something small can make a huge difference in the lives of so many. Spoiler Alert: We suggest getting the tissues out before pressing play!

Brain tumor survivors played a key role in the LA's Ride for Kids event. Clockwise from top left are: Michelle, Heather, Amanda, Elise, Dylan, Lisa, Peter, and Inayah. For 25 years, Honda has supported the annual Ride for Kids™ event in Los Angeles. For this year’s event, more than 600 motorcycle riders and supporters, including those from Honda’s operations in Torrance worked together to raise more than $220,000 to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). This is one cause that Honda has stood strongly behind for so long for good reason. The PBTF conducts research and trials to prevent the development of brain tumors in children. Ride for Kids™ is the most successful and longest running fundraising event, beginning at the American Honda Motor Co., campus in Torrance. "The Honda team is passionate about Ride for Kids and this event is a highlight for our associates each year," said Chuck Boderman, vice president of the Honda Motorcycle Division. "Sharing our love of motorsports is second only to making a difference for those families who could use some hope and help." If you would like to donate to this cause or see if there is any way you can help, check out the Ride for Kids website. "American Honda Celebrates 25 Years of Support of Ride for Kids™." Honda Newsroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Nov. 2016.

2016 will be the 35th year of Honda’s sponsorship of the Honda Classic, and to celebrate Honda Motor Company has announced they will commit to another five years of sponsoring the tournament, which means it will continue through 2021. This makes Honda the longest-running continuous sponsor of the tournament. Back in 1982, Honda formed a strong partnership with the tournament host organization, Children's Healthcare Charity, Inc. which helps support organizations fighting for the well-being of children in Florida. The Nicklaus Children's Health Care Foundation helps improve the lives of children and is the primary beneficiary of The Honda Classic. Golfers and children have greatly benefited from this partnership, while children in Florida are getting the care they need, several international golfers have launched their careers here, winning 6 of the 8 most recent tournaments. "There has been enormous focus on the emergence of The Honda Classic as one of the elite events on the PGA TOUR, but what isn't mentioned often enough is how much the stability American Honda has provided as title sponsor has been the foundation of that success," Kennerly said. "The partnership between American Honda and this tournament is one of the greatest corporate/event relationships in all of sports. Thirty-five years is a long time and Honda has been a pillar of strength through all of the great moments and some of the trying times in the history of The Honda Classic. We are extremely excited about Honda's continuing support and we look forward to working together to maintain the standard of excellence that has been a trademark of The Honda Classic." "Honda Extends Sponsorship of The Honda Classic through 2021." Honda Newsroom. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Feb. 2016. < http://www.hondanews.com/releases/honda-extends-sponsorship-of-the-honda-classic-through-2021 >.

Days campaign. Now, the brand is expanding that campaign even further through the use of the new Instant Win card on Twitter making them the first automaker to take advantage of this new platform. This is campaign is called #OpenTheCheer and will run for thirty days, ending on December 29, 2015. Each day Honda will post a short clip for the campaign and fans simply have to retweet it in order to enter for a chance to win the daily prizes which include digital smart watches and gift card prizes. Additionally, each time they retweet the video they will be entered for a chance to win the grand prize of a 2016 Accord Touring. The winner of the grand prize will be selected randomly once the sweepstakes ends. In addition to the personal benefit from participating in this sweepstakes, you will also be helping Honda give back to a good cause. For every retweet, Honda will donate $1 up to $100,000 to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. "Our goal for this campaign is to tap into the anticipation of giving and opening gifts during the holidays and Twitter's Instant Win feature allows us to surprise our fans while helping to find a cure for children's brain tumors," said Susie Rossick, Assistant Vice President at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "For Happy Honda Days this year we also want consumers to feel the joy and wonder that's especially unique to Honda." Be sure to visit the official Honda Twitter page in order to enter for your chance to win! "Honda Is First Brand to Utilize Twitters Instant Win Feature to Give Away Car." Honda Media Newsroom. N.p., 30 Nov. 2015. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hondanews.com%2Freleases%2Fhonda-is-first-brand-to-utilize-twitters-instant-win-feature-to-give-away-car>.

Honda has made a strong commitment to promoting corporate social responsibility. As part of that commitment, the brand opened the Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center back in 1991. This school offers high school students with an alternative to traditional academic settings where they can engage hands-on projects-based learning in more condensed classrooms. This program was designed specifically for students that had difficulty finding success in the traditional setting. "Through the strength of our on-campus community, we're able to connect with each of our students in unique and meaningful ways —  and help students re-engage in their own education," said Jeff Liddle, head of school, Eagle Rock School & Professional Development Center. "Our sole purpose for existing — re-engaging youth in their own education — drives us toward a new vision for schooling where all students are productively engaged in their own education while simultaneously making a positive difference in the world." This is a year-round residential school that is located in Estes Park, Colorado with a campus sits on a 640-acre mountainside. Along with creating a more engaging environment for the students at Eagle Rock, the program also works with teachers from around the country to help them develop more engaging lessons for their schools. See the videos below to learn more about this program. Engaging Youth On Campus: Making High School Impactful: