Help for kids in real time

One of the unique things about Kids Help Phone is that it’s not all about crisis. They can connect with a professional counsellor over homework trouble. Friendship conflict? They can call in. And, of course, those confidential concerns they may not feel comfortable discussing with their parents or teachers are welcome.

It’s not always easy for a child to tell a parent what’s going on inside. It doesn’t mean we are bad or negligent parents. Nor does it mean there are always deep dark secrets to be concerned about. Sometimes our kids just want to discuss their thoughts or feelings with someone else.

When they need an outside source to discuss something with, where do we send them? It can sometimes be disconcerting to think they don’t want to talk to us, but we all benefit from another person’s perspective at times. When ideas or solutions are offered that haven’t been considered yet, it’s pretty cool to have that ‘aha moment’.

As a single parent I am acutely aware that I cannot provide all of my childrens’ mental-emotional needs. I’m grateful for the amazing people in my life who help me! I have also showed them the Kids Help Phone website too,  so they know they are never alone, that there is somewhere they can take their ‘stuff’ if they don’t want to talk to anyone in our circle of support.

Sharing in the care

In a world that doesn’t always make sense but also one where the expectations of our children are so extremely high and demanding, it’s reassuring to know there are professionals like Kids Help Phone to help our children peel back the layers and listen to them. Truly listen. This story is a true reflection of the impact KHP has on not just kids, but their families as well.

It’s worth giving them an extra tool in their tool belt that may impact them! Maybe even in ways that we may never know about. Of all the things in the world that grab our attention, let’s give our kids opportunity to be their best selves. And if part of that includes showing them the simplicity of the KHP website, so be it.

Kids help is a click or call away

Your vehicle can be donated to any charity in Canada. There are so many children’s charities to choose from! Kids health, wellbeing, education, and success are being well-tended by hundreds of Canadian groups.

To make a contribution through the donation of your vehicle, please go to the ‘donate now’ button below. You’re underway! The form there will take just a few minutes to complete. It will help to have the VIN number of the vehicle ready before you begin.

If you prefer to call in to our help line, that’s easy, too! And you will get an answer live and in person! There are no robots here! Our line is 1-877-250-4904 — Monday through Friday during business hours!

You are also invited to contact and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! From there, you’ll be able to keep up to date on our program as well as see posts that showcase our amazing donors and charities across the country!

The post Kids Help Phone – Because Kids Need to Talk Too! appeared first on Donate A Car.

There’s a buzz in the air! It’s Back to School Time!

I’m writing from a unique vantage point. My desk overlooks a busy small town street in Alberta, Canada. I’ve been watching the leaves turn and the skies dance as Autumn settles in. Early (It feels so early for Fall to be nipping at our heels!) The cool, smoke-free air is welcome and I’m getting that familiar squiggle in my tummy: it’s a new school year!

Today, the local elementary school is doing a staggered orientation. Girls and boys are scurrying down the hill, parents close at their heels, to meet their teachers. There are babes-in-arms, and moms juggling tiny hands clenching theirs. ‘So many dogs trundling along beside, oblivious to book learning, but so excited about their humans and the smells-along-the-way.

There is relief in the air (The kids are going back to school!). And there is uncertainty, too. We still don’t know what protocols really need to be in place to keep kids, teachers, and families healthy. We’re reaching for something, “normal.” Familiar. Safe. Uninhibited.

We’re finding our way together. ‘So many bumps along the way as we all learn how to hold differing views while continuing to be kind.

Our charities are adapting, leading, serving

Donate a Car Canada is honored to serve almost 1,000 Canadian charities. This is a diverse roster! Many of our receiving charities hold children and families as their top priority. Education. Services. Supports. Safety. Mental health resources.

If you are considering donating a car, truck, or van this autumn, take a look at some of the charities that would welcome your donation dollars:

Alma Children’s Education Foundation: play-based and project-based education programs utilizing local indigenous knowledge and language.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids: make and deliver free healthy lunches for students who would otherwise go hungry.

Kids Help Phone: free, confidential and expert mental health support in English & French, 24/7/365.

Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba: programming, support and advocacy for individuals impacted by learning disabilities and ADHD.

The Canadian Safe School Network: reduce youth violence and make our schools and communities safer.

The Legacy Children’s Foundation: Legacy’s “Gift of Music” programs mirror programs are assisting youth to complete school and refrain from criminal behaviour.

Phoenix Education Foundation: provide unique learning opportunities for families so that each young person may develop into a life-long learner and an active, responsible global citizen.

Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC: steps in where health care ends, providing direct help to children with special needs in BC. For over 50 years they have ensured that children have the support to reach their potential and thrive.

How you can help during the Back to School months

The charities noted here are just a few of Donate a Car’s partners.

Choose the charity you love and visit their webpage. Check out their social media (Face Book, Instagram, Twitter). There are so many ways to give — even if you don’t have dollars to spare! Donate time, ideas, or resources.

If you have an unused or unwanted vehicle, we’re the team for you!

Our donation form takes 10 minutes to fill in.

The tow (or pick-up by hiker service) is free.

You’ll receive a tax receipt for the net proceeds from the re-sale or recycling of your car, truck, or van.

And your kids’ charity will receive your donation dollars!

Ready to make a difference this school year?

The post Back to School appeared first on Donate A Car.

And here we are. 2020 and in the midst of a pandemic. This question has become the most pressing decision of the summer.

Confusion, overwhelm, outright fear

Should I send my kids back to school? What arises in you when you face into this question with your family?

And do you have a process for discerning a way forward when emotions are high, information is confusing and even conflicting, and all you really wish for is a set routine? Something that feels normal. Familiar. Do you find that your thoughts run away with the what-if-s and how-to-s and I-can’t-even-s of the thing?

You’re not alone

You’ve read all of the information. You understand your options clearly. What now? Are you connecting with other parents? Are your children old enough to participate in this conversation? What is your own gut telling you (she probably knows what you need!)?

Some helps for making the choice

If you need some internal back-up from your own best teacher — your Self — this may help:

• Spend a day holding only the “Yes, I’m going to send my child back to school,” in your mind. Go about the day as if that is your decision. Notice: what happens in you when you stay with that answer. Do the same for the “No way! My kid is doing school at home.” Notice, notice, notice. What does this choice feel like?
• Take a day off from social media. Give your heart and mind permission to step back from the steady stream of importantinformation! and advice. Spend this one day listening only to your own inner voice, attending to your own interior life, as you ask, “Should I send my kids back to school?”
• Ask your Self, “What do I need right now?” In a quiet moment, maybe with your hand resting on your heart, ask, “What does my son/daughter need?”

Your kiddo is going to be ok

Most importantly, remind yourself often that a year of disrupted schooling is not going to make or break your child’s education.

I recall a time in the parenting and schooling of my own three sons where I was gripped by anxiety. Overwhelm. Uncertainty for the future. It was an important time of reflection: I was able to ask myself the question,

What really matters in my sons’ education? What will matter in one year? 5 years? In their adulthood? I was surprised to notice that the thing that surfaced as “most important” was not a university degree. Rather, I wondered if I was doing all I could to nurture boys into men who would be capable, helpful, content, hard workers, good humans. The kind of men who could navigate something as crazily disruptive as a global pandemic.

Schooling was disrupted in our lives for a bit back then. They’re all in their twenties, now, and (having achieved different levels of school along the way…via many non-traditional and traditional paths) they’re solid humans. Capable. Helpful and hard working and funny. The kind of men who handle global pandemics with presence of mind.

No right way – wrong way

What if there’s no wrong way to educate your children during the pandemic? Could it be that the answer to, “Should I send my kids back to school?” is…go for it! Or, don’t. Whatever you decide, don’t make yourself wrong. You’re doing the best you can and they’re going to be just fine.

The post Should I Send my Kids Back to School? appeared first on Donate A Car.

The Breakfast For Learning Mission

Breakfast for Learning is a national charity that educates, and empowers communities to deliver school based nutrition programs, helping children and youth realize their full potential in life.

Breakfast For Learning’s Vision

BFL’s vision is to ensure all children and youth in Canada attend school well nourished. Thus, improving their ability to learn, giving them the best chance of success in life.

Today, Breakfast for Learning delighted to kick off the campaign, Before the Bell.  The campaign will run until September 5, 2014 and is focused on raising awareness of BFL’s mission during this busy back-to-school season with a breakfast by the batch recipe booklet targeted at parents. The 5 irresistible, easy-to-make breakfast recipes in the booklet are from BFL funded nutrition programs across Canada and are all dietitian-approved. 

They encourage you to download the recipe booklet at breakfastforlearning.ca/beforethebell and share this link  with your family, friends and social networks. To participate, we’d love for you to share your favourite recipes from the booklet with us on Facebook and Twitter by using #beforethebell so we can see them. As a bonus, everyone who downloads the booklet will be entered into a draw to win one of three President’s Choice® $100 grocery gift cards! 

Here are sample posts to share with your networks:

• Twitter: @Breakfastlearn is making back-to-school easier with these 5 nutritious breakfast batch recipes. Check them out here: http://bit.ly/1oXXV4L
• Facebook: Breakfast for Learning is giving parents a hand with breakfast! This back to school season check out 5 irresistible, easy “Before the Bell” batch recipes that kids will love. Check them out here: http://bit.ly/1oXXV4L

Ready to support BFL? Donate a vehicle!

One way to keep filling hungry tummies is to donate your unused, unwanted vehicle. The process is simple, quick, free, and friendly!

First, fill in an online donation form. This will take less than 10 minutes.

Then, sit back and wait for your phone to ring. That will be the tow agent calling to set up your free tow.

Lastly, watch you inbox for your tax receipt! Your vehicle will be re-sold or recycled. The net proceeds will be sent off to your charity of choice as soon as we receive payment from your supporting agent.

It really is just that easy to do good for the cause you care about!

The post Before the Bell: Breakfast For Learning Gives Kids a Good Start appeared first on Donate A Car.