The owners of a recycle-ready 2007 Dodge Caravan chose Autism Calgary Association for heartfelt reasons.

Donating Zoomy is all about Autism awareness

Our minivan donors noted,

“This vehicle has enormous sentimental value to our son, who has autism. He has named the van Zoomy. Zoomy was last driven 6 years ago and needed major work at that time. We have held onto Zoomy until our son was ready to let go. He’s ready and has chosen to donate Zoomy to Autism Calgary.”

These kinds of stories are exactly why Donate a Car Canada does what we do! Not only do our donors matter, their vehicle matters. And the charity of choice is vital to the giver.

Zoomy makes a difference

For charities like Autism Calgary Association, a donation like this is critical to their ongoing work. Furthermore, the beauty of a gift like this is that it allows the giver to feel sure their beloved vehicle is more than just scrap metal. “Zoomys,” all across Canada, continue to serve by turning wheels and metal into much-needed dollars.

Consider the causes that are meaningful to you. You’ve likely experienced, for yourself, the value of every donation dollar. Hearts and minds are impacted in very real ways!

ACA Star Stories | YouTube

Visit the Autism Calgary Association YouTube channel for challenge and inspiration.

‘Have a Zoomy of your own to share?

If neurodiversity is at the top of your Give-To list, we can help!

Not all cars and trucks have sentimental value to their owners. Frankly, sometimes we just want the ol’ scrap metal hauled out of the back yard! In extreme cases, we don’t even care what happens to what feels like a heap of junk.

On the other hand, sometimes we do care. A lot. We care because the car was the last vehicle that our aging loved one used before they gave up driving. Or, it may be the last car we’re going to use before we surrender that freedom for ourselves. Equally common, the car or truck may be our learner vehicle — or the one we used to teach our kids to drive. Whatever your story (or lack of story!), we’re here to help you turn your donation ready unit into monies for the cause you love.

The process is so easy! Click (or call), receive your free tow, and wait for your tax receipt. It really is that simple, and that quick.

You are also invited to contact and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! There you’ll be able to keep up to date on our program. You can also see posts that showcase our amazing donors and charities in every province in Canada!

The post Autism Awareness appeared first on Donate A Car.

A Donate a Car Staffer Story

Typically we like to talk about our donors here. Every giver donates their vehicle with a story of their own. We give where we care. Today, I’m going to write a little closer to my own heart.

Nine year old Amir (not his real name) was a bright light in my life. My first two years in the real world of jobs and independent living after high school were all about him. Working as his school resource worker/classroom aid, he’d turn his giant brown eyes and cleverly mischievous grin on me, winning me over again and again. Amir was my introduction to the puzzling and enchanting world of Autism. So distant. So close. He was a perplexing joy.

As I moved on from that role and more deeply into my young adult life of  jobs, relationships, and family I was touched at every turn by his freely shared delight. Thirty years later, with my aide role far behind me, I think about Amir often — his twirling fingers and spontaneous giggle. If I could have read his mind and bottled up whatever it was that invited him into in-his-own-world laughter…! His deep love for Raffi’s “Baby Beluga” and his abhorrence of all things book-related; his passion for running, running, running. I’m better for having him in my life. A better mom, friend, listener.

Autism now

Spectrum research has traversed continents and effortful studies since I sat in Amir’s classroom. Medical practices are improving. Inclusion and affirmation are extending. We’ve had the opportunity to learn, from great minds — young and old alike — that this unique way of being is as profoundly beautiful as it is perplexing.

Today we give a shout out to some of our receiving charities, knowing that behind every organizations’ name there is a small army of loving, energetic, and determined folk who are giving their heart and soul to ensuring that children and adults on the spectrum enjoy dignity, freedom of expression, and inclusion as we make strides toward understanding our complex minds.

Charities to consider

In donating your vehicle this month keep these folks in mind:

The Geneva Centre For Autism

The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary

Autism Canada 

Autism Dog Services 

You’ll find local branches near you:

Autism Home Base Durham 

Autism Nova Scotia 

and

Autism Ontario

The Autism Resource Centre

Autism Services Inc. of Windsor

Maybe even closer to home:

Autism Society of Edmonton Area

Autism Society of BC 

or

Autism Society of Newfoundland & Labrador

And, of course

Autism Speaks

and Janus Academy

Your car offers valuable donation dollars

Receiving gifts from $100.00 all the way up to 5 digit amounts, these charities are a loving choice. We have a pending donation of $674.00 for Autism Canada! The Autism Calgary Association will receive $300.00 from their Toyota 4Runner donor at the end of November. And we can’t wait to see how J.B.’s 2010 Sonata does at auction in the next couple of weeks! His gift will go to Autism Ontario. Every car, truck, van, or motorcycle donation makes a difference!

I had the privilege of working with other autistic children and adults in my later years, too. Each taught me something of wit and intellect, patience and goodness. From M who would patiently stare me in the eye until I got the so-subtle joke he was willing me to catch on to (Sorry, M! Sometimes I just don’t think that quickly!), to C who had my mind racing to keep pace with her busybusy hands and fast-as-lightning feet. And right back to Amir.

Amir is a man now. Just a few years older than my oldest son. No doubt he’s won the hearts of many professionals and teachers and fellow students alike. Here’s to the ones you love who know the many challenges and hopes of this spectrum. In the words of Amir’s beloved Raffi, may they “swim so free.”

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