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.
Halloween and I have a unique relationship. Nope! It's not what you're thinking. I don't decorate or buy heaps of candy or put up special lights. In fact, I don't even typically put the porch light on in the neighborhood where I live currently. But for ten years I celebrated a version of it daily.
Kids on the block
I'm not really sure how it all started? We'd been settled into our North East Calgary home for some time - a year, maybe - and Halloween was approaching. The neighborhood children were giddy with anticipation for the coming holiday.
My own kids couldn't be stirred to any kind of interest so far in advance, but eventually we'd be last-minute scrambling for their costumes. The haul of candy from that suburb! Pillow cases brimming for all three boys. 'Come Halloween night they'd all dump their hefty sacks of treats into a giant mound on the living room floor. There, they would sort into favorites and shares and "Daddy tax" piles.
But the kids on the block were excited days in advance. For whatever reason, as a group of them were trodging past my front porch on their way home from school, one of them playfully yelled out, "Trick or Treat!" That was the beginning of an almost-daily game that we played for the next ten years.
Halloween in June
I responded to their "Trick or Treat!" with a gesture of invitation up on to the porch. Asking the little cluster of children to wait a minute, I scrambled to the pantry and found a bin of animal crackers. To their delighted surprise, I handed each of them a tiny cookie and sent them on their way.
What started as a little joke between myself and a dozen neighborhood children soon became an after-school and weekend check-in. The kids would come, randomly -- in singles and pairs and groups of five. I wasn't brave enough to entertain a neighborhood in my living room (I already had three little boys of my own running amok at the time), so they weren't allowed beyond the front porch. They would ring the bell and holler their plea for "candy." Day after day. I would step out on to the porch, often hunkering down on the step, as they told the stories of their day.
We talked of squabbles and wishes. They talked of heartache and plans. Often they brought disagreements-in-progress (so many little girls with so many opinions on one city block!). They often reached for reassurance: Am I ok? Am I safe? Lovable? Wanted? You know - the easy questions in life. Their were story books and movie chats and big questions about life.
Costco shares
Costco must rue the day we left that neighborhood. The buckets of suckers and sour soothers and animal crackers I churned out of our house! I don't know if the kids remember me, now? We left that neighborhood almost eight years ago. My husband has pointed out since that sometimes, "giving out candy is just giving out candy." But I'd like to think that a little neighborhood full of bright hearts and minds was made safer, and more connected, by ten years of hanging out on the front porch. So many treats in so many sticky little hands. Trick or treat!
This past week I got another flat tire. I say "another," because our family's primary car maintenance expenditure is on tires. We've always lived in suburbs-under-construction. That means there's always something rolling around on the asphalt just waiting for our tires to it pick up.
So, the night before Thanksgiving Monday I realized that my rear passenger tire was woefully low. And I realized I was going to need to look for tire support on holiday Monday.
To my happy (thankful!) surprise, I got right in at the shop. 9:30 am on Thanksgiving Monday and the service guys were ready to help. Given the season, I opted to leave off repair of the flat and swap on winter tires instead. They were happy to do that, too -- and then threw in a new set of windshield wipers to boot!
How much maintenance is enough?
The amount of care and money we put into our car maintenance is part necessity, part personal preference.
With a spectrum of climates and road conditions across the country, car care will vary from one province to the next. Some provinces use salt to clear ice; others rely on sand. Our coastal provinces have a running battle with moisture, whereas our Northern locales experience harsh weather. Sultzman explores the line between regular maintenance and dealerships who push for more costly attention than is required.
'Tired of maintaining?
If you're swapping out an older model for something shiny, consider having us auction your running vehicle off on behalf of charity. Or, if you have a recycle ready car just taking up space in the garage, we can help with that, too! You give us your vehicle particulars and choose your charity (there are over 800 to pick from!), we'll take care of the rest.
The annual pumpkin drop at Blue Grass Nursery was a smashing success. For 16 years the garden shop, joined by XL 103.1, has raised funds for charity by dropping pumpkins. This year Donate a Car Canada was able to join in the festivities.
Sunny skies and warm Autumn air drew a big crowd to the nursery. Three pumpkins, weighing in between 300 - 1200 pounds, were dropped in turn.
One of Donate a Car Canada's supporting tow agents helped Blue Grass out with delivery of two crush-ready cars. Cars, cranes, fireworks, and plummeting pumpkins! It was a massive coming together of skills, physics, and splatter.
Countdown to Smashing Pumpkins
300 pounds 500 pounds1200 Pounds!
Gifting Alberta Children's Hospital
The Alberta Children's Hospital will be the recipient of funds raised at this year's event. Last year's gift to the ACH was $30,000. We're excited to hear how our joint efforts came together in 2019.
Factory Theatre has grit. Donate a Car Canada is proud to partner with charities big and small. FT is one of our lesser-known groups. We are excited to say a bit more about them.
Factory Theatre has vision
From its founding in 1970 FT has held a commitment to Canadian stories. Their play house is a heritage building that now houses the 50-year old company.
New work and play development are at the heart of Factory's vision. Factory's role is to boldly bring new Canadian voices to the stage. They do so with courage and resolve. Some voices are bound to be unfamiliar and challenging. FT's goal is for the expression of those voices to give the audience pause for reflective questions and critical thinking.
Theatre as an authentic challenge – theatre with grit.
Celebrating 50 years on stage
Artistic director, Nina Lee Aquino, notes the Factory's 50th,
"will celebrate its illustrious and resilient history with...the return of two iconic Canadian classics that premiered at Factory." And "it will bring three thrilling and immersive stories from Newfoundland, Calgary, and British Columbia to Toronto audiences."
Each of this season's shows represents a connection to all that Factory has accomplished under past Artistic Directors. These have impacted Canadian theatre. Factory’s 19/20 Season is a celebration of where they've been, where they might be headed, and where they want to be. "All the while remaining fiercely Canadian."
Heading to the factory?
Factory Theatre has a robust offering of entertainment and ticket purchase options. Check out their 2019/2020 season for the package that best suits your and yours. A great option for Christmas gifting!
Is this a group you can get behind? 'Have a car you're ready to donate? Consider Factory Theatre as your chosen gift recipient!
Funny is a good go-to on chill days in our Canadian autumn. For some, the winter blahs are no laughing matter. Seeking out the silly, the light-hearted, and the goofy can be good medicine all through a long winter.
Funny Fan of the Night
Bull riding isn't a sport we'd typically fall asleep at. But one hard-working dive master couldn't keep his eyes open.
"Lookit how it goes to us!"
McIntyre on raising kids
Keeping it light
A little bit of funny can go a long way when the daily news is grinding you down. Duty and making ends meet can get wearing. So, find a laugh or two each day to indulge.
Charlie Chaplin said, "A day without laughter is wasted." Are there ways that you can add levity to your life? To the lives of others around you?
I'm not a social media gal, but I have friends who regularly send me a quick text with a meme, link, or comic that brings a laugh. They're small effort can reap big reward in my frame of mind. Are there sites and sources that you go to for a giggle? Share them and spread the smile.
'Need a little help finding something new to laugh at?
Check out The Awkward Yeti and their "Heart and Brain" comic strips.
Curious about some of the science of why we laugh at all? BBC offers a glimpse into why we giggle.
Whatever your style of humor, may you find something to tickle your funny bone today!
Autumn colors abound. We've just celebrated the first day of our 2019 Canadian Fall. Warm air, brilliant hues, and good strong winds to lean into.
TripSavvy Top 10 Fall color spots
Autumn colors, coast to coast, are highlighted in TripSavvy's article by Jane McLean, Best Places to See Fall Colors in Canada. Explore our country and what it has to offer in the prairies, by the ocean, and in the mountains. Our forests are breathtaking at this time of year!
Putting on the Autumn kilometers
I have the happy luck of living near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. Tonight's walk took me out to tromp in the foothills. In a short 45 minute trek along the winding, hilly paths of Glenbow Ranch, my friend and I were witness to a dozen blue birds, ambling deer, and the distant howl of coyotes. Bear tracks were everywhere, so carefully spaced by a determined lord of the foothills. Our elevation gave us a perfect line of sight on a farmer's combining precision (such straight lines!). And my friend's dog, Chippy, gleefully sniffed all the sniffs in the prairie grasses lining the paths.
The colors in the park run red, yellow, orange, and countless greens. Berries and seeds grace varied plant life -- they, too, exploding in whites, greens, reds, and oranges. The sun set as we climbed our last kilometer. The grace of hills shrouded in one another's shadows, while some of their faces basked a few extra minutes in the evening light, was palpable.
Breathe deep. Enjoy the vibrancy and artistry of Mother Nature as autumn winds us toward winter's cozy at-home-ness.
You have Our Gratitude
Thank you Jacob from Prevost for donating a 2010 Mazda Mazda 3 to MADD Canada
Thank you Kelsey from Winnipeg for donating a 2003 Chevrolet Malibu to Crohn's and Colitis Canada
Thank you Daren from Avonlea for donating a 2012 Mini Countryman all4 to Animal Justice Canada
Thank you Derek from Fort McMurray for donating a 2004 Saturn Ion to Calgary Humane Society
Thank you Robert from Georgetown for donating a 2007 Nissan XTerra to Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Thank you Robert from La Prairie for donating a 2009 Hyundai Sonata to Our Harbour / Le havre
Thank you Phillip Ralph from Calgary for donating a 2011 Dodge Caravan to Alberta Cancer Foundation
Thank you Ryan from Vancouver for donating a 2008 Ford Escape to Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Centre of BC
Thank you David from Surrey for donating a 2007 Saturn Aura to BC Children's Hospital Foundation
Thank you Melissa from North Bay for donating a 1999 Ford Escort to Outloud North Bay
Thank you Sherry from Vancouver for donating a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am to Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA)
Thank you Katherine from Elmira for donating a 2008 Acura CSX to Carefor Hospice Cornwall
Thank you Joseph from Etobicoke for donating a 2013 BMW X3 to Toronto Humane Society
Thank you John from Windsor for donating a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander LS to
Thank you Charlene from Burlington for donating a 2010 Mazda Mazda 5 to Canadian Mental Health Association Toronto
Bookmark Donateacar.ca
Follow Us
