South Korea's top automaker Hyundai Motor Co. said Saturday it has donated about US$115 million over the past 18 years to its social contribution program in the United States to help children fight cancer.

   Hyundai Motor launched the anti-cancer campaign, titled "Hope on Wheels," in 1998, in which $14 is raised every time a new Hyundai vehicle is sold. The automaker's accumulative donation topped the $100 million last year.

   Participants called for more efforts to help children fight cancer at an event hosted by the Congressional Pediatric Cancer Caucus, a group of 99 congressional members, held at Capitol Hill on Thursday, according to the company.

   House Republican Michael McCaul, co-chairman of the group, stressed the need for consistent interest in and support for treatment of pediatric cancer, expressing gratitude to Hyundai Motor for its social contribution at the event.

   Last year, the Caucus submitted a statement praising Hyundai's campaign and the statement was officially included in the congressional record.

   "I've taken part in the event for the fourth straight year. It is a meaningful event that I've waited for more than any other gatherings," said Ahn Ho-young, the South Korean Ambassador to the U.S.

   The automaker said that it plans to hold a 5-kilometer marathon for charity in Boston on Sunday as part of its anti-cancer campaign. (Yonhap)