Matt August
Philanthropist, CEO, local business owner, creator, and innovator, Matt August seeks adventure and constant advancement in all areas of his life. Born and raised in the Okanagan, Matt was brought around automobiles by his father and owner of August Mazda (formally known as Kelowna Motors), an August family-owned and operated business since 1945. With sharp instincts and a keen eye for the automotive industry, he connects the community to local businesses through charity.
Growing leaps and bounds each year, August Luxury Motorcars is known worldwide for the products they carry. Motorcars have won “Best Used Luxury Car Dealership by Best of Kelowna three years in a row, alongside August Mazda, which has won countless awards including Best New Car Dealership. August Mazda is continuously one of Mazda Canada’s Top 10 Performing Dealerships in Western Canada. It is also proud to be Mazda’s most charitable dealership, raising more money to date than their 165 dealerships across the country.
Through an impactful personal loss, Matt and his sister founded the August Family Foundation in 2015. Since its inception, the August Family Foundation has raised over 1.6 million for charity through community events such as the Okanagan Dream Rally. Matt is proud to be on the board of the Central Okanagan Hospice Association and the Ronald McDonald House Gala, two charities that which the Okanagan Dream Rally raises funds. The Okanagan Dream Rally has quickly become one of the Valley’s most celebrated charity events, greatly changing the lives of those who have participated while simultaneously raising funds for local charities.
Matt has been presented with the Canadian Minister of National Defence Medallion by Honourable Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan, as well as the Canadian 150 Pin by Member of Parliament, Stephen Fuhr.
With a tight connection to the Canadian Military through his philanthropy, Matt has had the pleasure of sky diving with the Canadian Air Force Sky Hawks and has been invited to the Canadian Leaders at Sea program with the Canadian Navy to experience life aboard one of Canada’s major warships and/or submarines, living among and interacting with the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) greatest ambassadors, its sailors, to gain a deeper understanding of their mission in service to Canada.
The experiences he gains through his work fuels him to keep evolving. When Matt is not at work or fundraising, you can typically find him at the race track; fishing in Northern Saskatchewan with his friends; exploring north of the Arctic Circle with his dog Remington; or hiking Everest Base Camp with his sister, Michelle. The August Automotive Group and August Family Foundation are the cornerstones of Matt’s life. With great momentum, he is excited to expand, explore, and grow with his community.