Elections, Canada, and constructive conversation

It’s time! I can zip downtown to vote (early) in my riding in small-town Alberta today. I’ve just given a listen to some of the English debate. It’s time for me to make a decision about how I will mark my ballot.

I’m a gal from a very specific demographic: 50+ year-old white woman, born and raised in Western Canada. I had the luxury of a middle-class upbringing, including a bit of post-secondary education. A very specific demographic.

I listen to the debates with clear understanding that the bias I hold may be different from the bias of my (dear!) neighbors. Our views are rarely the same. Polarization is boss right now. On all issues, it seems. A dash of hope popped up on one of my neighborhood walks last week. I noticed a lawn sign that jumped out. It read, “There is no room for hate here.” That. How can we, despite our so-many-feelings perspectives, move toward that.

O, Canada!

Elections Canada is doing the work of keeping our democracy chugging along. It’s ok! Insert opinions here, and we’ll make space for them all, right? The fact that we’re all free to have our opinions is gift.

What can we do while the process does what the process does?

So. Many. Things!

Even while we feel a bit off-kilter and unsure of ourselves (and each other…and the whole world), we can continue to be our most beautiful selves.

We can be kind. We can respect one another’s right to think, believe, hope, resist. It’s important to be curious and critical. Building our communities and supporting our front-line workers is necessary. We can buy locally, tip generously, and take loving care of our families.

And we can take care of each other. Even if we don’t see eye-to-eye. Because that’s what Canadians do.

Going bigger

Over the years I’ve benefitted from Elections Canada work. I’ve been a DRO and an RO and other role names I don’t recall. I’ve scrawled my initials across many ballots and wrangled some really (really!) big, angry voters. On one occasion, I even chased — and captured — a dog through one of Western Canada’s busiest polling stations! Not my most graceful (or gracious) moment in doing my civic duty, but certainly my most memorable.

A small kindness that may make a big difference? Thank those who are working for 18-plus hours on election day. They’re going to be counting our votes until late in the night. Not for big bucks. Because they care about this process.

Thousands of charities are yours for the choosing

If you want to go super-big in our aim for being the very best sorts of humans we can be, consider our Canadian charities.

Charities coast-to-coast have been hit hard by…well…by all of The Things. Your vehicle donation (running, or broken down) can make such a difference for any Canadian charity you love!

Our donation form takes less than 10 minutes to fill out (either over the phone – 1-877-250-4904, or via our online form). Your tow is free and usually happens within 1 – 5 business days. And you receive a tax receipt from your chosen charity!

If this sounds like a way that you’d love to care for your country in confusing times, we’re here to keep the process simple, quick, free, and friendly!

The post Elections Canada appeared first on Donate A Car.

In a December article, Kevin Press (for The Huffington Post) says it well,

“Economic growth remains stubbornly soft… In October, the International Monetary Fund predicted just 1.2 per cent growth for Canada this year and 1.9 per cent next year. Eight years after the financial crisis, our economy has yet to break out of its funk. Canadians are feeling it, personally.“

Impact felt across Canada

Press goes on to say, “Money worries exist across income levels, and across the country. A new study fielded by Ipsos has found that three in 10 Canadians say they feel insecure about their financial health, defined as ‘a state of overall well-being where a person can fully meet current and future financial obligations to enjoy the things that matter most in life.'”

And when we feel it personally, that impacts our giving practices

“Charitable giving in Canada has dropped to a 10-year low,” said Charles Lammam, director of fiscal studies at the Fraser Institute. The Global news article states that, “Canadians are becoming less generous…”

We heartily disagree with the generosity of Canadians lessening. But we do know that donors are less able to part with their hard-earned dollars. Decisions about what to spend our money on are subject to closer scrutiny. We feel the pinch of pressing commitments and financial obligations. And, despite that money stress, we desire to support the causes we care about.

Stress can lead to suspicion

We’ve also seen a shift in the level of stress and strain you bring to your follow-up process. There is a worried suspicion that the business you are dealing with is trying to withhold, or (worse!) is dishonest.

Donate a Car Canada has been in business for over two decades. We are proud to act with integrity on behalf of all of our donors. This shows in the way that your tax receipts reflect the fluctuations of a volatile metal market. We will carefully manage your donation particulars. We will be sure to keep you informed. If in doubt, call our toll free line. Sometimes connecting with someone in person provides more reassurance than written documentation. We are always delighted to hear from you.

Whatever your circumstance, we are hopeful that 2017 is a year of solid footing financially, and that you find yourself in good health, surrounded by people who like you quite a lot! If we can help enhance the year with a gift to your charity via vehicle donation, give us a call, or click the button below and we’ll be at your service.

The post Money Stress Impacts Canadian Donors and Charities appeared first on Donate A Car.