These and many other emotions are often voiced to our donor care team when a vehicle with sentimental value is donated. It’s no surprise that when a vehicle has been part of the family for many years it can be a bit of a process to let it go. It usually carries with it the hope that someone else will have similar attachment to it, or see the value that it brings because of the memories and service it has provided.

When you click the “Donate my car” button…

Sometimes the thought of recycling a vehicle with that kind of attachment to it is difficult. So, we’re grateful we have the option to auction vehicles to extend their life!

Our team feels the responsibility of ensuring donated vehicles are evaluated and processed for the best possible outcome. This is so for both the donor and the charity. How are those decisions made? It is very case-by-case. Because we treat each vehicle with respect and recognize that it can be a significant decision to just to let it go. Donating it to a charity is next level! Therefore, we are diligent in staying current with metal prices and in trends that may impact the outcome. We want your answer to the question, “Donate my car?!” to support your vision of contributing to a cause. Your donation makes a difference for others. That is the foundation of what we do.

Across the country we strive to secure agents with a heart for charities. We often receive feedback about some of our agents being absolutely FABULOUS. As Clyde describes in his own words, “I was so impressed with the service and professionalism of not only Donate A Car Canada but the men they sent to pick up my car. It took two efforts to get the car from the underground parking. I will most definitely suggest Donate A Car Canada to my friends and neighbours. Thanks again for such good service.”

Donate my car? Absolutely! My donation will help the cause I care about!

After over two decades in business with a national presence, it is both rewarding and exciting to see the widespread impact you, our donors, are having on thousands of Canadian registered charities. We love sending monetary gifts, ever month, to the causes that you are passionate about!

Our answer to the question of, “Donate my car? How can I let her go?” is that your vehicle, whether you’re emotionally attached to it or can’t wait to get rid of it, makes a difference when you choose to send it off to be used for a greater good. Way to go!

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 Donate My Car, My Precious Car?! appeared first on Donate A Car.

Wisdom is never violent: where wisdom reigns there is no conflict between thinking and feeling.

But, I’m right!

Global events demand the attention of each one of us. We have strong opinions. Such firm beliefs. Furthermore, we are right! I am right. You are right. We have reasons that are good enough for us – every one of us – that to refuse to adapt, or change, or grow.

Good enough reasons to protest. Reasons that are strong enough that we won’t protest. Ideologies and understandings that demand attention. It is so very important that I be right.

For this reason, and a thousand others, we squabble with and shame and harm one another. And we each claim wisdom in the moment of heated action or argument. Equally, we argue understanding through inaction and passivity.

Is that really all there is to it?

Thomas Merton says that compassion is the acceptance of the interconnectedness of all things. So , the state of my heart is reflected in the condition of the world. This may be for peace, or for strife. It could be for goodness, or for greed. Perhaps it will be for love, but it could just as easily be for judgement.

In a wildly disrupted time (pandemic, human rights upheaval, economic disparity, and so on and on!), we have actual control over very little. Really? We have control over one thing: our Self. Who we will be. How we will be. What if your way of being has a ripple effect? What might you determine that effect to be?

For today, we here at Donate a Car Canada will continue to hold to our intention of providing exceptional donor and charity care in a wobbly world. Hands steady-at-the-scrap-car-wheel. Aiming for wisdom and compassion. And this despite our (considerable) differences of thought, belief, and certitude! We’re all in this together.

The post Wisdom in Troubled Times appeared first on Donate A Car.

Make a difference the DACC way

Our team of women comes from a mix of backgrounds and values. Some of us are working two jobs, others paying their way through school. A couple of us are young and boundlessly energetic, some of us…well, we could use a daily nap! Some of our team are reserved, others know how to spread poncho-flipping joy. Each are making their personal mark on the world in their non-DAC lives by giving, helping, care-giving, and juggling a whole lot of real life challenges. Like you, they’re engaged with DAC to make a difference in big ways and small ways.

Recently, our company leader challenged,

“In some tough economic times, we are all giving it our best to make the world a better place. We are helping donors with their end of life vehicles, we are helping to keep the doors open for recycling agents across the country, and we are turning all of that into much needed dollars for hundreds of charities each and every month!

The work we do is important, and it equates to benefiting so many across the country each and every day. DACC is run by amazing women with incredible hearts, and your contribution does make a difference!”

Make a difference your own way

And we know that the effect of your kindness, respect, and good intentions go far beyond anything we’ll have opportunity to see here. By giving another the benefit of the doubt, you make a difference. When you listen, really listen, you offer hope. When you show up on time, support the team coach, allow the person behind you to go ahead, or cuddle up for story-time on the couch with a kiddo who loves you, you offering grounding and safety.

Donating a vehicle is one way to ripple-effect your generous mark on the world, but your everyday You-ness? That’s more important. Thank you for the privilege of working alongside you to benefit your charity; thank you for reminding us that there is genuine generosity in our beautiful country!

The post How Can I Make a Difference? 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.

I love my car. It’s been good to me. As a single mom I was grateful every day for how safe I felt in it, how lucky I was to have it, and now I have to let it go. I knew I’d cry but I wanted it to be in the privacy of my own home, no one else knowing, not right before heading into a business meeting.

Whoever hit my car has no idea how he/she has impacted my life. The decision now of finding a different car, can I manage a payment, lost work time and the emotional upheaval. Nicely done. “Recycle your ride” is good advice, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to follow!

Another staff member’s car was hit and run last month, so we’re well versed in the details of insurance, waiting, left wondering who would be so irresponsible.

We want to see you recycle your ride, and we love seeing hundreds of charities benefit from the gift of a car that’s ready to go from the road to becoming a legacy — but letting go is hard to do!

I share these moments because at Donate A Car we truly do understand what it means to let go of a vehicle, to recognize that it’s no longer useful, and that all the details involved in that process can be tedious and time consuming. We’re mindful of how hard it can be when the tow truck driver arrives in his jolly good mood while you’re trying to hold it together. We know that it’s just a material possession, but one that was useful and meant something to you.

Never doubt that on the other end of the phone or through our online process that there are caring individuals processing your donation, doing our best to ensure the right and best outcome for your car and for your charity. We get it. So, whether you recycle your ride, or find a private buyer or recipient, thank you for considering the donation option!

The post It’s a Sad, Sad Day: When “Recycle Your Ride” is About More Than Metal and Tires appeared first on Donate A Car.

One of the favourite mottos with our Donate a Car staff is: “Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for life.” Through Plan Canada, children are being given so much more than just food. They are also given a skill, a purpose, and a community.

Founded in 1937 and at work in over 70 countries, Plan Canada teaches practical skills, play, and resourcefulness. PC works industriously to keep their overhead to a consistent percentage.  They funnel funds into the regions of the world where need is greatest.

Plan Canada Projects

Child sponsorship and Plan’s “Spread the Net” campaign are long-term works that provide educational and life-saving supports in parts of our globe where needs are high and resources limited.

One school gardening project in Niger helped introduce potatoes to the community. “We don’t usually sew potatoes but when the villagers saw how much we produced, they thought it was wonderful. Now everyone wants to plant potatoes,” shares the school’s Head Teacher.

Interested in knowing more? Check this charity out, and get involved!

Promote child rights and end poverty. Champion this cause today!

Turning the wheel toward Plan Canada

Donate a Car Canada and our supporting agents are well-practiced in processing unused and unwanted vehicles. Each car, truck, van, SUV, and motorcycle is assessed for re-sale or recycle value.

Keep in mind, donation outcomes vary from province to province. If you reach out to inquire about your own possible receipt amount, please provide your phone number or town/city. This will assist us in providing you donation dollar numbers specific to you. Thank you!

Donate A Car Canada has three possible sale procedures that maximize the donation outcome for our charities:

1. A vehicle selected for our recycle process, the donation amount for a vehicle can be between $30.00 – $800.00. This is dependent on the area in which it is donated, and what the market will pay for the year/make/model. Remember, the tow is always free!
2. Auction-ready vehicle? Several factors go into qualifying a vehicle for auction. These include drivability, type of mechanical problems (if any), age, damage, visual appearance, and mileage. Vehicles sold at auction are sold ‘as is’ and ‘unreserved’. They are sold to the highest bidder, as a full and final sale. Outcome at auction varies. As such, we cannot guarantee a specific sale result.
3. Option three applies to vehicles that will not perform well at auction, but that are also not ready for recycling. Of course, the re-sale/recycle process will see our agent pick up your vehicle for free. Once they have it on their yard they will assess it to determine if it should be re-sold or recycled. This will be based on the current market. If they see re-sale value in your vehicle, they will advertise it to their own buyer base, selling it as-is, to the highest bidder. They will send us the net proceeds from the re-sale price. If they determine that they will not find interested buyers, they will recycle your car.

If you would like to proceed with your vehicle donation…

Car, truck, van, SUV, and motorcycle donation is simple, quick, and free!

The online donation form will take you less than 10 minutes. Hit the submit button, and watch for an email confirming your donation. Shortly thereafter you will receive an email outlining the process to which we have assigned your car.

Therein, you will be provided contact information for the agent. If your vehicle is to be recycled, that email will include a quote of the range of the anticipated donation outcome (and tax receipt). Then, it is just a matter of awaiting a call from your supporting tow agent. They will call you to make pick-up plans that serve you well!

Ready to roll with your own donation? Your next step is to submit your information using our “Donate Now” feature at www.donatecar.ca. If you have trouble with the form, simply send us a query, or feel free to call us directly at 1-877-250-4904. A live human will happily and capably provide exceptional donor support.

It would be our pleasure to help you raise a valuable donation on behalf of Plan Canada!

The post Skill | Purpose | Community – Plan Canada appeared first on Donate A Car.

It is becoming more and more prevalent to ensure vehicles are disposed of properly. There is a lot of controversy around carbon footprints. What is left behind when a vehicle is no longer drivable? Moreover, what about the carbon footprint left behind in the manufacturing of our cars and trucks?

Recycling is all about stewardship

The truth of the matter is we need to increase awareness. Let’s take whatever recycling action we can! For us, that means we assist in the proper removal and disposal methods available to us.

We believe Donate A Car Canada has a role and responsibility when a vehicle is submitted for donation. It is our best effort to work with agents across the country that have a similar mindset. We understand that it is a costly process for scrap yards/auto wreckers to engage in. Furthermore, not all agents are in a position to make the recycling transition as of yet.

In the words of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada, “Recyclers purchase end-of-life and accidented vehicles, and ensure that all vehicles are retired in an environmentally sound manner. They spend significant resources to build and maintain facilities specially designed to capture and store harmful materials, keeping them from contaminating soil and groundwater.”

When a vehicle is properly discarded, up to 85% of parts can be recycled for other uses! This typically means recycled steel manufacturing. Proper disposal of gasoline, oil products, or anti-freeze helps! These agents prevent waste from seeping into the ground. That eliminates contamination that can cause harm both to the environment and to the soil long term.

Who is behind the wheel on recycling?

One of our key agents has been instrumental in pursuing and generating change in the industry. As president of the Alberta Automotive Recyclers and Dismantlers Association he helps the cause. He is also on the Board with the Automotive Recyclers of Canada. As you will see in this interview, Steve Cox from Allwest Auto Parts in Edmonton, Alberta, is passionate about his work! See the difference he and his staff are making for our environment and future generations! We are proud to be affiliated with his organization. 

Please visit any one of these websites for more information on environmentally responsible processes for your vehicle:

Automotive Recyclers of Canada

Alberta Automotive Recylers & Dismantlers Association

Automotive Recyclers Association

Ready for a little four-wheeled recycling of your own?

You are less than 10 minutes away from your free tow! Go ahead! Donate your unused or unwanted car, truck, van, or SUV. The charity you love will benefit. Your driveway will be all the happier! And, on top of it all, we will work together to tend our earth.

Not quite ready to donate? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! There you will get an overall feel for how we care for each other and our charities. This is a caring community, here to serve you.

The post Keeping it Green in the Recycling Industry appeared first on Donate A Car.