The Tesla Cybertruck is here, and it's creating stir!
Popular Mechanics' Take
The Tesla Cybertruck, says Popular Mechanics, is a little bit Blade Runner. It's also definitely a conversation starter, and certainly not bullet proof. Eric Adams notes,
"The design overall is a bit awkward and ungainly, particularly around the wheel wells and some of the proportions, but I get what they’re going for—something futuristic, surprising, and thoroughly avant-garde.
In that sense the truck is a smashing success. Its front light bar and roof bar are brilliant, its high waistline slices crisply down the side and projects outward, adding an extra dimension to the exterior, and its profile slopes down to the front, adding a bit of Mad Max-ian urgency and speed to the car’s vibe. Its triangular cab is more at home off-world than in the Home Depot parking lot, but it does cap off a thoroughly executed, highly conceived design. They went for it with this truck.
Ultimately, it may not appeal to a lot of conventional truck-driving folk, but it could also create a whole new class of enthusiasts for the segment, the brand, and electrification itself."
Yours for $39, 900
At $40,000, the Cybertruck is not unreasonable for those in the market for a pick-up. Tesla offers single, dual, and tri-motor options. For $7000.00 extra you can enjoy the self-driving option.
'Thinking of donating your old truck? Granted, a self-driving Tesla may be out of reach as a replacement! But, perhaps a good ol' Dodge Ram is within reach. Consider donating your old vehicle sale proceeds to your charity of choice.
This is a re-post from several years ago. A story with heart that is worth re-sharing!
Cooper is one of those cars that brings a smile to your face. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin knew a little about the make and model from not so by-gone days. They were more than happy to honor the work of a cause they respect with the car that they love! Continue reading "Cars With Panache | Cooper’s Not-so-Mini Contribution" →
The Canadian Mental Health Association is all set to receive your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle donations.
About the CMHA
"Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is the most established community mental health charity in Canada. It is also the most extensive. CMHA is a presence in more than 330 communities. They provide programs and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses. CMHA supports recovery and resilience. They enable all Canadians to flourish and thrive."
They offer services and supports to over 1.3 million Canadians. This is no small effort! It is through the combined efforts of more than 5,000 staff and 11,000 volunteers. They work from 1 national office. There are 11 divisions in all provinces and one territory, and 75 community-based branches.
100 years at the forefront
CMHA's mental health fast facts
Who is affected?
Mental illness affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague.
Furthermore, in any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem/illness.
Mental illness affects people of all ages, education, income levels, and cultures.
Approximately 8% of adults will experience major depression at some time in their lives. In addition, 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder (or “manic depression”).
How common is it?
By age 40, about 50% of Canadians will have or have had a mental illness.
Schizophrenia affects 1% of the Canadian population.
Anxiety disorders affect 5% of the household population, causing mild to severe issues.
Suicide accounts for 24% of all deaths among 15-24 year olds and 16% among 25-44 year olds. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in both men and women from teens to middle age. The mortality rate due to suicide among men is four times the rate among women.
What causes it?
A complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors cause these illnesses.
Alarmingly, 49% of those who feel they have suffered from depression or anxiety have never seen a doctor about it. This is due to the stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presenting a serious barrier.
The economic cost
The 1998 economic cost of mental illnesses in Canada was estimated to be $7.9 billion. This is a tremendous weight on the health care system. Breaking that down, CMHA notes $4.7 billion in cost of care. Furthermore, $3.2 billion were spent on disability and early death.
Additionally, $6.3 billion was spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work for untreated depression and distress.
How does it impact youth?
10-20% of Canadian youth are affected by a mental illness or disorder. This is the single most disabling group of disorders worldwide.
Today, approximately 5% of male youth and 12% of female youth (age 12 to 19) have experienced a major depressive episode.
Moreover, the total number of 12-19 year olds in Canada at risk for developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million.
Once depression is recognized, help can make a difference for 80% of people who are affected. This allows them to get back to their regular activities.
Mental illness is a threat to the lives of children. Canada’s youth suicide rate is the third highest in the industrialized world.
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians, second only to accidents. 4,000 people die prematurely each year by suicide.
Schizophrenia is a great disabler as it strikes most often in the 16 to 30 year age group. It affects one person in 100.
Mental disorders in youth are the second highest hospital care expenditure in Canada.
Only 1 out of 5 children who need mental health services gets them.
Ready to give?
Your care for this cause counts. Visit your area CMHA website. Explore their donation options. Or, get curious about how you might volunteer! Hands-on support is often welcome.
Better yet, do you have unused or unwanted car, truck, SUV? What about a van, or a motorcycle? Donate it! It is a quick, simple, and generous way to offer support! The tow is free. The CMHA will receive the net proceeds from your donated car, and you will get a tax receipt. It is a win for all!
Brene Brown touches into something we deeply understand. Particularly at this time of year. 'Tis the season for a lot of holly jolly - and a good deal of facing into the loss of loved ones, loneliness, and "What do I really want?" uncertainty. If we're not already practicing it, this is a good time to start being an empathetic presence in one another's lives.
Brown and other mental health professionals and researchers are expanding their work into study around how we might thrive. Resilience work and positive psychology (more than just thinking positively) have found their way into practice, and that's good news for all of us.
Building our empathy muscle
A friend recently gave me the book, "There's no Good Card for This." For a gently playful smack upside the head on how-to empathy, this is a good resource. It provides the basics on caring for loved ones when things go side ways. Bonus? There's guidance on how to care for Self while compassionately supporting others.
If a book feels like a stretch, WikiHow has some excellent pointers on reaching out, and caring for self, too. In part one of their Wiki article, "Connecting with others through empathy," they offer six helpful and creative tools for moving from compassionate thought to loving action.
I particularly love part two, though: Building up your empathy. There they offer 7 ways to effectively and sustainably work this muscle. They suggest practicing curiosity, volunteering, and challenging your own prejudice. The challenge? Think outside of the box you've comfortably settled into. See the world from the perspective of your loved one, the stranger on the bus, your friend who's struggling. They go on to name things like meditation and actually attempting to walk a mile in another person's "shoes" (life experience).
We're in this together
Give Brene Brown a listen. Read Crowe/McDowell's book on empathy, or give that Wiki article a glance. Set yourself up to show yourself, and the people you care about, a little empathy this holiday season.
You have Our Gratitude
Thank you Aaron from Medicine hat for donating a 2003 Honda Odyssey to Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society
Thank you Mark from Calgary for donating a 2002 Saturn SL1 4D to Alberta Cancer Foundation
Thank you Boardwalk from Calgary for donating a 2001 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 to Victoria Cool Aid Society
Thank you Allan from Calgary for donating a 2005 Ford Escape ZXW Wagon to Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society
Thank you Bryan from Bowen Island for donating a 2006 Pontiac Vibe to Trans Canada Trail Foundation
Thank you Brenda D from Ottawa for donating a 2012 Dodge Caravan to Children at Risk
Thank you Laurel from W Vancouver for donating a 2001 Infiniti QX4 to ALS Society of BC
Thank you Tiana from Whistler for donating a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring to ALS Society of Canada
Thank you Denise from Surrey for donating a 1998 Dodge Caravan to Alzheimer Society of BC
Thank you Glynis from Winnipeg for donating a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan to Candace House
Thank you Janet from Chase for donating a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe to Canadian Cancer Society
Thank you Janet from Chase for donating a 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe to
Thank you Trung from Calgary for donating a 2012 Toyota Highlander to Calgary Public Library Foundation
Thank you Crest Support Services (Meadowcr from Lucan for donating a 2016 Dodge Caravan to Crest Support Services
Thank you Crest Support Services (Meadowcr from Lucan for donating a 2015 Dodge Caravan to Crest Support Services