"I'm just calling to get more information about your program -- are you a scam?" The short answer is, "No," and we're glad you asked! Car donation scams, like all sorts of other online peculiarities, are out there.
This International Women's Day, invest in women; inspire inclusion! Futures without fear. Equality. Opportunity. Access to medical care, education, housing and food security, and meaningful work. Who are the women in your life that inspire you? How do you, as a woman, seek to be an inspiration? This International Women's Day is for all women and girls.
Mark your calendar for the Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY)! Join Canadians on "...a winterrific family-friendly walk to raise money for local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness."
The How-To of estate vehicle donation: settling an estate is made easier by having us step in and take care of a few things for you!
"Everything was so wonderfully simple. Emails were returned promptly and the mechanic was great. It was one of the easiest transactions that I had to do as far as the passing of my Father and coping with my Daughters illness(coping with my loved one's estate). We all live in different cities, yet no one had to be on sight and for that I will be forever grateful. Thank you."
~ Honda donor for humane society
Tuesday, December 3rd, Giving Tuesday -- Canada's way of coming together to "create a tidal wave of Hope"! Give time, give kindness, give dollars and cents...or give your unwanted, unused four wheels!
What does it take to donate a fleet of company vehicles? One Saskatchewan company can tell you -- they've done it two years running! And that is just the beginning of their neighbourly way of being...
Vehicle donor stories are as funny, fabulous, and heart-warming as the donors themselves. Everyone who opts to give in this way has a personal reason for their generosity. It may be as simple as the need to clear out the garage; it is often about honouring the human, or cause, they care most about.
Donor stories reflect the personality of Canadian generosity
Gary donated his Toyota Tercel for The Knowledge Network:
"The donation experience was easy and expeditious. Your timely and clear emails made the process straight forward so there was no need to talk to your staff.
Taylor, the SMC tow man, was absolutely great. He phoned immediately and appeared exactly between 10 and 12 AM on the designated day. He was friendly, helpful, and sympathetic to our loss of a car that never quit over 26 years. As he drove away, he must have seen that we were taking pictures, and a brawny arm waved good-bye from the driver’s window. He turned a hapless accident into a rather sweet experience. Thanks all around."
We raised $821.50 for the Canadian Red Cross when Jean donated her VW Tiguan. It was important to her that we know,
"A myriad of issues: Engine light is on - it's apparently to do with the environmental filtering; the shocks have cracks in them, still work, but might need replacing soon; the airbag light has been on for a while; the clock spring appears to be broken - none of the steering electronics work, including the horn; there is significant rust forming on the driver's side door; the windshield has a small chip/crack where a rock flew into it; the rear windshield wiper has broken off; given the valuation, the repairs would cost more than the car is worth.
IT CAN BE DRIVEN AT PRESENT, so long as the battery gets a jump. But with no working horn, I don't think it is technically road-worthy. Note: I'm also donating the summer tires (which are in the backseat). The winter tires are on the car."
Short and to-the-point donor stories
"We would rather donate it than fix it." 2014 Ford F-150 for the Down Syndrome Resource Foundation
"I want my donation to go to the Indian Residential School Survivors Society." This 2010 Toyota Yaris donor's charity choice was story in itself. They were the IRSSS's first vehicle donor. Thanks to their gift we were able to add the charity to our own drop-down list.
"I was in the process of rebuilding it as it is a vintage vehicle. The engine turns over beautifully and all the parts are there." This donor's 1958 Cadillac Seville was auctioned for the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta Association.
A Suzuki Grand Vitara donor for Habitat for Humanity donor noted, "Very happy to have helped." And help she did! Her vehicle was auctioned for a $2030.87 donation!
Long(er) and full-of-heart donor stories
"Dear Donate a Car Canada: The towing gentleman was wonderful!! Very understanding and helpful. He showed great consideration and care attaching her to the tow truck. He also allowed my brother & I to say our goodbyes. He understood my feelings of sadness of letting go of a vehicle which has been an important part of my life. Good vehicles are easy to find but when you find a great vehicle it becomes a part of you. She was a member of my family. He is a wonderful, thoughtful man. Please thank him for me. I am thankful for Donate A Car Canada as I know "Subbie" is going to a great cause. It is comforting to know the proceeds are going to the Cancer Society. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. God Bless you all." ~ 2008 Subaru Forester donor for the Canadian Cancer Society
Then, a 2012 Hyundai Genesis Sedan wrote,
"The Genesis is in good condition. No mechanical issues, good visual condition, no rust showing.
As mentioned, the car has been sitting a while and battery is dead. It might start with a boost, but unlikely given the time.
I also include a complete set of snow tires on rims. Tires (Michelin) somewhat worn down, but still useful.
The tires currently on are all seasons and in great shape.
I maintained it very well over the years. There are no mechanical issues, and there is no rust. It has just been sitting for a while. It just needs another battery if it does not boost.
I would certainly hope that it can be sold at auction."
And sold at auction it was! The donation outcome? A whopping $5357.90 for the Canadian Institute for Advancements in Mental Health!
It's time to add your very own donor story
Follow us on our socials (we're on Face Book and Instagram) to connect with the hundreds of happy vehicle donors there. Better yet? Donate a car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle today! The tow is free, and you'll receive a tax receipt for the net proceeds of the re-sale or recycle of your vehicle.
We're a click or a call (1-877-250-4904) away and we can't wait to work with you on behalf of the charity you love!
You have Our Gratitude
Thank you Stefanie from Ottawa for donating a 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.5 2dr hatchback to Heart and Stroke Foundation
Thank you Maciej and Michelle from Airdrie for donating a 2000 Chrysler Intrepid to Tails to Tell Animal Rescue Shelter
Thank you Debra from R. M. of Boissevain-Morton for donating a 2013 Chevrolet Avalanche to International Peace Garden
Thank you Heather Allison from Cambridge for donating a 2007 Dodge Caliber to Cambridge & District Humane Society
Thank you Karin from Victoria for donating a 2011 Smart Frtwo to Knowledge Network Corporation
Thank you Carol from Ottawa for donating a 2013 Volkswagen Golf to Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue
Thank you Denise from Parkland County for donating a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt LT to Liver Canada
Thank you Christos from Montreal-West for donating a 2012 Ford Escape to Montreal SPCA
Thank you Hyacinth from Burnaby for donating a 2000 Chrysler Concorde LXI to Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan
Thank you Geoffrey from Nanoose Bay for donating a 2011 Lexus RX 350 AWD (US) to Society of Organized Services (SOS) District 69
Thank you Daniel from Victoria for donating a 2003 Honda CRV EX-L to Surfrider Foundation Canada Chapters
Thank you Scott from Calabogie for donating a 2014 Cadillac ATS to Arnprior and District Humane Society
Thank you Sunshine from Edmonton for donating a 2010 Cadillac Srx to Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness
Thank you Rebecca from Thornhill for donating a 2011 Chevrolet Cruz to
Thank you Maria from Regina for donating a 2013 Nissan Rogue to Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan