April: a basket full of everything Easter to Earth Day

What does your Easter weekend have you tuckin’ into? This might be all about family…avoiding them, or enjoying their company in quantity! Perhaps you’re equal parts floppy ears and floppy slippers? This might be a weekend of honouring deeply held religious practices. It could be a scrabble for hidden bunnies and eggs, offering permission to dive into the chocolate like it’s your full-time job!

The month honours the Easter holiday in so many ways. What we aren’t as familiar with as the many other causes and cares represented early in Spring. I happen to be writing this on National Cat Lady Day, for example! Here are just a few of the “awareness” markers recognized this month:

#HelpHopeBloom | #DaffodilMonth

Earth Month! 🌎💚🌱

#ParkinsonAwarenessMonth

Autism Acceptance Month♾️🌈🧩

#OrganAndTissueDonationAwarenessMonth |#BeADonorMonth

Child Abuse Prevention Month💙💙💙

#SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth

When Spring is in the air

There’s something about this time of year that invites fresh starts and boundless possibility. For some faith traditions, Easter is a reminder of hope. For the commercial world, it’s certainly an opportunity to splash a whole lot of everything-is-gonna-be-okay pastel from wall to wall!

If you’re feeling the pull of warmer air and softer earth, you might even be getting the bug to scrub out the corners. Clearing out the closets and sweeping out the garage feel a bit more do-able right around this time of year.

Keep your local charities in mind as you free-up your own living space? Your local critter shelters may be just the right spot for your old blankets and sheets. Clothing donations can be a real boon for charities supporting women in crisis. Thinking of putting in a garden this Spring? Plant an extra row! Give that produce to your foodbank or food shed.

And, of course, if you have an unused, unwanted vehicle taking up space in the yard, the garage, or the driveway, we’re your one-stop spot for turning four wheels into valuable donation dollars for your charity of choice!

Here’s to you finding hope, lightness-of-step, and a human kindness cause that helps you feel the newness and promise of Spring!

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Giving Tuesday brings us together

“GivingTuesday is a global movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.” How will you get involved on December 2, 2025?

So many ways to participate this December

Look no further for ways to share this Giving Tuesday! Donate a Car Canada processes donations for any Canadian charity! Each one will offer ways that you can help. Just as you. Where you are. Today!

Many of us are not in a position to give financially. No problem! The smallest acts of kindness bring meaningful relief. Your innate Goodness? It matters! Share it in the way that you are best able. A written note, or a pot of soup. An offer of childcare, or pet sitting. A simple, authentic smile.

‘Have your feet under you and feeling some financial freedom? Canadian charities will put your dollars and cents to excellent work. Caring, skilled men, women, and children are manning the wheel at our charities. What they need more than anything? The finances to keep things in motion. Your financial offering can make such a difference.

On the other hand, some charities will accept gifts-in-kind — that lightly used couch, coat, or pair of shoes will help!

Get Intentional

Give where you feel the love! CanadaHelps is a fabulous resource in selecting charities to support.

The cause that has most-helped you or your loved ones may be just the place to start this Giving Tuesday. If vulnerable pets or our remarkable Canadian wildlife tug at your heartstrings, give them a paw (or talon…or fin) up!

In giving creatively, you might even think about the impact your gift has on more than one level. Giving your lightly used household items, or a vehicle, means practical help to the recipient. That kind of giving does more! It reduces waste and is helpful environmentally. It clears your own space (possibly aiding in your own wellbeing). The benefits touch into your life, the life (lives) of your recipient, and the broader world.

Your Giving Tuesday

We’d love to see you this Giving Tuesday! Pick your charity and do up our quick donation form (it takes less than 10 minutes to fill out). Your charity not on our list? No problem! Just let us know and we’ll direct your gift to the cause you love! We’ll have you set up with your free tow and on your way to a tax receipt in short order!

That free tow will be managed efficiently, and with care. Typically, donated vehicles are picked up within 1 – 3 business days. You’ll be called in advance to ensure timing that suits you well.

The gift on top of the gift in all of this? Just as there is no cost to you, there is no cost to your charity of choice. We are here to ensure this full process is managed on behalf of yourself and your charity so that you can all keep doing what you need to do!

In anticipation of making a big difference together…

The post Giving Tuesday | Your Car, Your Charity of Choice! appeared first on Donate A Car.

Donate a Car for Autism and the gift goes to…

Autism Ontario wants to be sure that each person with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) has the means to achieve quality of life as a respected member of society.

They are dedicated to raising public awareness about autism. This includes the day-to-day issues faced by individuals with autism, their families, and their caring professionals. The association also provides information and education. Not only that, they support research, and advocate for programs and services for the autism community.

A little rusty on your ASD facts? Watch this!

Autism: See the Potential from Autism Ontario on Vimeo.

Why donate a car for Autism?

Autism-related donors and volunteers are people with ASD, and their loved ones. Each of our vehicle donors has their own unique connection to Autism, and like Michael McCreary noted in his video,

If you’ve met one person with Autism, you’ve met one person with Autism. ~ Dr. Stephen Shore ~

In April 2017, one donor gifted a 1969 Pontiac Firebird through the Donate a Car Canada program. DACC worked on the donor’s behalf to arrange free pick-up for the collector car, and for it to be auctioned. Auction buyers were eager to bid. The result? A gift of $27,000.00 to the charity!

Learn a little more about Autism and how you can assist. Visit your favourite Autism charity’s website to learn how to get directly involved in their work. Then you will also find information about how to donate there.

Ready to donate a car?

We can help, too! You may not have a ’69 Firebird on the driveway, but Donate a Car Canada will be delighted to work with you on a car, truck, van, or SUV donation of almost any kind. If it has tires and all of its parts they can set you up with free tow! You will see a donation outcome that will contribute to research, support, and programming for folks with ASD!

First, click the donate button below. Or, call in to 1-877-250-4904 — we’re excited to assist!

Then, wait on the call to set up your free tow.

Last, watch your inbox for your tax receipt.

You are also invited to contact and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Then 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 Ontario Receives $27,000 | Donate a Car for Autism appeared first on Donate A Car.

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.”

The post Autism | Car Donors Care appeared first on Donate A Car.

Autism has probably touched your life in one way or another. With rates of diagnosis climbing (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 68 children are being identified as having the disorder) we know that the unique beauties and challenges of the spectrum have far-reaching impact.

Prior to joining the team at Donate a Car Canada I had opportunity to work in different respite and rehabilitation roles. Working and playing alongside children and adults impacted ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) was a joyful challenge and delight.

The mysterious beauty of scrambling to keep up with quick minds and unique trains of thought inspired me to look at the world in entirely new ways. The frustrations of our limited language, and the need to express everything from a fast food order to a complex emotion became riddles of unimaginable proportion! I was witness to the power of music to soothe and restore equilibrium. The stark beauty of the interplay light and color and movement and how those things can fully engage – or distress – took on new meaning. The simple (oh, so not simple!) act of communicating a want, a need, a tenderness? Gifts to be cherished!

Autism Speaks is at the forefront of research and support.

Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, has grown into North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. They are dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure. They are increasing awareness of ASD, and advocating for the needs of individuals and families impacted by the spectrum. 

What are the causes of autism? Who is impacted by it? What is being done in the fields of research and support? Check out this helpful link at Austism Speaks for helpful answers to tough questions! Enrich your life by expanding your understanding of ASD. Consider offering your kind support to Autism Speaks Canada by donating a vehicle to raise a charitable donation for them. You can donate on-line today at www.donatecar.ca or by calling us at 1-877-250-4904.

The post Speaking Out for Charity: Autism Speaks appeared first on Donate A Car.