Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation and you

We first blogged about the ACHF back in 2016. We have had the joy of sharing in this children’s hospital heartwork for years! The car, truck, and van donations of folks like you have been building up for years!

Now? Nine years later and vehicle donors are still seeing their dollars add up…and up…and waaaaay up!

100+ years of Alberta Children’s Hospital Love

The ACH mission is just so big! In 2022, the hospital celebrated a big birthday:

“This year, the Alberta Children’s
Hospital turns 100 years old! It’s a huge
milestone – an opportunity to celebrate
a tremendous history of caring for
children and families, made possible by
our incredibly generous community.

From the start, the hospital set out to
provide the very best care possible
for children. First located in what was
originally a three-storey duplex in
southwest Calgary, the hospital moved
to a second building in lower Mount
Royal seven years later. In 1952, children
began receiving care at the third facility
on Richmond Road. Then, with more
than $50 million in donations from the
public, the current state-of-the-art ‘lego’
hospital opened in 2006 in the city’s
northwest…

The hospital has provided nation-leading
care for kids for decades. For example,
back in the 1950s during the polio
epidemic, children travelled from across
the country for leading-edge treatments
only available in Calgary. That innovation
continues today.”

Gratitude rolls in on 4 wheels

Through rough times and profitable times, car donors have been participating in the caring work at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. The ACH helps our Beloveds. We get that here at Donate a Car. Our own children and other family members have been helped in creative, patient, and courageous ways at the hospital. It’s easy to choose the children’s hospital as a receiving charity when we feel so very thankful for their care.

In the current market we see strong returns on even the scrappiest of scrap cars. $300.00 – $400.00 is ballpark for charities like the ACH when they have an end-of-life car, truck, or van donated on their behalf. We’re working on half a dozen such donations at the time of this writing!

Better yet? We love (love!) to see vehicles put up for re-sale. It is the norm to see a re-sold or auctioned vehicle bring in thousands of donation dollars for a children’s hospital charity!

The Alberta Children’s Hospital shouts out

Just last Fall, the ACH wrote,

“We are updating our Wall of Honour at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and I am pleased to let you know that, thanks to your continued support, Donate a Car is now being recognized in the Guardians category ($250,000 – $499,999) as Donate a Car Canada. During these challenging times, we are extra grateful for the support of community members like you.”

Dear donor, that’s You! You are the “community member” that is an agent of Goodness and hope and practical compassion. That old Camry may be just so much metal and rubber to you at this point. To the charity you love? It could be $100.00, or $800.00, or $13,000.00 giving dollars for a charity like the ACH.

Here’s to another century of grateful giving

These years partnering with children’s hospital donors feels good for our Giving Selves here at Donate a Car. We know that you don’t donate your car in order to get your name printed on a wall. And we don’t do what we do to receive accolades either. But there is a richness in seeing that our time in working alongside each other — you the giver, the hospital as your recipient, and us acting as go-betweens — has a cumulative effect.

The children’s hospital is committed to building their work! Their next 100 years? They have plans to continue personalize care for every child, and to bring that care closer to home. They will seek to empower the best and brightest minds in research. Investing in places and tools that advance child healthcare and research will be key to their work.

Let’s work together and make a mark for practical compassion in children’s healthcare! If that comes in the shape of a steering wheel and some metal on wheels, we are the ones to assist!

The post Alberta Children’s Hospital | 100+ Years of Caring appeared first on Donate A Car.

Top comments from donors who donate a car to a children’s charity

If you’ve had a chance to visit our social media pages, or read through our testimonials, you’ve seen it: donors love how smooth the process is.

One summertime Alberta Children’s Hospital donor wrote,

​The Donate a Car Canada program is well organized, user friendly and the program administrators provide timely updates/ follow-ups. It’s a unique and exceptional service that creates value to non-profit organizations and offers an environmental solution for managing end of service for high mileage vehicles. The program is efficiently managed and offers exceptional value.

~ B.P., Subaru Outback donor

Ready to donate a car to a children’s charity?

You’re ready to roll! You’re set to give…but how do you choose? With (literally!) thousands of kids’ causes to choose from in Canada this can feel a bit overwhelming.

No problem! An easy place to begin your charity choosing is CanadaHelps. They list Canada’s charities by “category that is close to your heart.” This search feature makes finding a cause you can support so easy!

Our own charities page has a search feature, too. Simple enter, “children,” or “kids” and you’ll see an at-a-glance list.

It really is just this easy

Follow these 3 easy steps to donate a car to a children’s charity in Canada:

First, click the big red button here:

The form you find there will take you less than 10 minutes to fill in. Trouble with the form? We are here to help! Call in to 1-877-250-4904 to talk to a cheerful, funny, very efficient human!

Next, wait for your phone to ring. Our agent will call to arrange pick-up of your donated vehicle.

Finally, it’s time to receive your tax receipt! Once your donated vehicle has been re-sold or recycled, we will receive payment for it. Then, CanadaHelps will issue your tax receipt on behalf of whichever charity you have chosen.

Not quite ready to let go of that ol’ car?

Find and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. There you will be able to keep up-to-date on posts. We love to showcase amazing donors and charities in every province in Canada!

Then, when you’re ready sometime down the road, we’ll be just a click or a call away.

The post Donate a Car to a Children’s Charity | ‘Easy as 1-2-3! appeared first on Donate A Car.

One Tesla Model X, one wish to help, and a charity of choice

It’s safe to say that our call staffer was not prepared for the jaw-dropping query coming their way. I mean, we never know what to expect when a prospective donor calls in. It may be a query about a trusty ol’ Honda, or a motorcycle that’s been parked for two years. “There’s a family of mice living in the engine compartment of my rusted out Dodge — can I still donate?” is not outside of the realm of possibility!

But a call in about a Tesla? That is something none of our little crew here at Donate a Car Canada expected on a toasty afternoon late in August!

You can bet we didn’t take that call lightly. Every car, truck, van, SUV, and motorcycle donation is special. Each donated vehicle means needed support for the donor’s chosen charity. And some, like this Model X, need us to be alert, attentive, and on point!

Our donor support person took the call and was careful to answer every question. They provided detailed guidance regarding our process. Next, of course, they got curious about who was to receive the donation proceeds!

How does a Tesla Model X translate into charity dollars?

Every donated vehicle is considered for re-sale first. We have clear (and long-learned) parameters for this decision. Is the car drivable? Does it have any collision damage? Rust? Are there actually mice living in the engine compartment?

If a unit comes to us in running condition with modest mileage we want to ensure it finds a new owner! Our agents across Canada know their stuff. Auctions and re-sale agents alike will promote and pitch our donated vehicles to regional buyers. They know their buyer bases well.

Donated vehicles are sold as-is to the highest bidder. In the case of this fabulous Model X? Buyers saw the value as soon as it rolled across the floor. The proof is in the bids and the final dollar outcome for the charity!

Wheels on the ground for children’s hospitals

Any registered charity in Canada is able to receive your vehicle donation. Your local children’s hospital foundation is absolutely included in that care! For our summertime Tesla donor the choice was clear: he designated his gift to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. There, “Small is Mighty!” Thanks to this generation donation, more children, staff, and families will be supported as the hospital “helps little fight big.”

Your car will make a difference, too! Do you have a car sitting unused in the driveway? It can be running, or a scrapper. If it has some life left in it, we will do our utmost to re-sell it on behalf of yourself (that tax receipt sure does come in handy!) and the cause you love!

We are a click or a call away! Hit the big red button below to go to our donation form. This will take you less than 10 minutes to fill out. Once we have it on our side we will immediately get things rolling for your free tow.

Or, call in to 1-877-250-4904. We are delighted to assist — in person! You will connect with a live donor support staff who can answer any curiosities you may still have. They can also complete your donation form for you.

We appreciate the extraordinary gift of a unique donation like the Tesla Model X! Our charities may not see anything quite like that for awhile. And we value and tend every vehicle donation that comes through with the same respect. Whether donating a $500.00 rusty-trusty ol’ car, or a shiny gem, we are here to serve you and your charity today!

The post Tesla Model X Sparks Huge Donation for Kids’ Hospital appeared first on Donate A Car.

Exceptional donors shape the cause

It will blow your mind when you see the dollars raised by car, truck, van, and SUV donors just like you!

Donate a Car Canada can serve any charity in Canada. So many of those are all about Canada’s kids! And childhood health is the heartwork of hospitals and community outreaches alike.

Childhood health? The ACHF has it covered!

One of our partnering charities is the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Earlier this Fall, two our amazing donor and charity support crew had the joyful opportunity to engage with them in an unusual way. Can anyone say, “Big Giant Cheque Event!”?

This is a very unusual experience for us here! We are a happy team of folks who are working on behalf of donors and charities behind the scenes. If we are filling our roles well, you’ll walk away from your car donation experience feeling surprised by how quick n’ easy it all was. Your engagement with us will be brief and cheerful. Happy efficiency with a hearty dose of kindness tossed in. That’s us!

An invitation to toot our horn on behalf of Canada’s car donors was a bit out of character — and really fun!

Two pics that say…something, but not everything!

But wait! There’s more! Like, even bigger $$!

$308,000 on a giant cheque, and childhood health donations just keep climbing!

At the time of this writing the amount donors like you have actually raised? $358,357.57 … for this hospital alone! That does not count our other receiving children’s hospitals. And it doesn’t include the hundreds of other children’s charities you support through car donation.

Do you have a car, truck, van, or SUV to donate for the cause you love? We are a click or a call (1-877-250-4904) away. We can’t wait to help you help your charity!

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

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McHappy Day — tickle your toes and your tastebuds

What is McHappy Day?

Every year, McDonald’s® Canada franchisees and Crew across the country host McHappy Day, an annual day of community giving to support Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities across Canada.

Who are you helping on McHappy Day?

In an average year, RMHC® supports more than 26,000 families from over 3,400 communities across Canada. Through 33 programs (16 Houses and 17 Family Rooms), across the country, we provide families with a place to stay together and close to their sick child in hospital. Since the first House opened in Toronto in 1981, RMHC Canada has helped over 436,000 families with sick children stay together.

How to support RMHC on McHappy Day

1. Order your faves on May 11 at McDonald’s or through the McDonald’s app. Can’t make it to a restaurant? Order McDelivery via Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes or DoorDash and receive a $0 delivery fee on a McDonald’s order of $15 (plus tax) or more!

2. For a limited time, purchase exclusive merch from Peace Collective.

3. Donate $2 at McDonald’s and you’ll receive a McHappy Day heart* with a special video message.

4. Buy a pair of McHappy Day socks* for $5+ tax at McDonald’s or though the McDonald’s app.

Ronald McDonald House keeps families together.

Imagine learning that your child is ill and you will need to travel to a different city to receive the medical care they need. In the midst of your worst nightmare as a parent, you must now also leave your home, your job and your support system. This is the reality for more than 70 per cent of Canadian families with seriously ill or injured children.

Helping is so easy! First things first: make your McHappy Day purchases!

Next, your car, truck, van, and SUV donations make care for these families possible. Since first partnering together in 2015, Donate a Car Canada has facilitated the donation of dozens of vehicles for RMH.

Donors from High Prairie, Crossfield, Sundre, Canmore, and beyond have gifted recycle-ready, and auctionable cars. One Rocky Mountain House donor donated 6 vehicles at one time!

Many donated vehicles are recycle-ready. These cars, trucks, motorcycles and holiday vehicles are priced based on an ever-fluctuating metal market. From time-to-time, a donor will give a donation that has re-sale potential. These vehicles are sold as-is to the highest bidder.

For example, one Yaris donated from Bragg Creek drew a donation of $989.30 to RMH!

Company vans. Trusty old Hondas. The net proceeds from the sale of each vehicle is sent to the charity at the end of the month. Moreover, no fees are ever charged to the charity. You will receive a tax receipt that reflects the amount that RMH receives from your vehicle donation.

How you can work with RMH to help the kiddos

Last year, 590 out-of-town families stayed at the Houses in Calgary and Red Deer. Additionally, 1,314 local families received health services through the RMH Care Mobile Program.

Give to Ronald McDonald House in other ways (not everyone has a donation-ready car sitting in the drive way!). McHappy Day treats and merch are one great way to participate. Or, ask them about their wish lists.  They may be looking for things like baking supplies, toiletries, recreation and craft materials. Furthermore, they appreciate pick-me-up gifts for their families.

Donated items help keep costs low. This ensures they can continue providing a home away from home for hundreds of families each year.

Of course, if you do have a car, truck, motorcycle, or some other unique 4-wheeled wonder to share, connect with DACC! We will take care of all of your donation particulars, ensuring your gift gets into the hands of the cause you care about.

The post McHappy Day appeared first on Donate A Car.

Canada’s kids and your old cars

We work alongside children’s charities like the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, coast-to-coast.

Donate a Car Canada is partnered with close to 1,000 charities at the moment. Your donated car, truck, van, or motorcycle. Children’s charities galore. Your choice!

Our partnership with BCCHF began in 2013 when a donor requested to donate specifically to BC Children’s Hospital. Many of our donors have personal connections with the hospital. They have kids and extended family directly impacted by the incredible work and healing BC Children’s does. We look forward to witnessing the enthusiasm our donors have when they participate in this shared opportunity to support a foundation impacting so many lives.

BC Children’s Hospital weighs in

You can find us Tweeting, posting, and blogging about our charities throughout the year. From time-to-time, they do the same! We love this because we know it brings awareness to their donors that car donation is a great way to give.

Earlier this month, the foundation posted,

“Thank You, Donate A Car Canada, for your incredible support of the hospital through the years, raising over $163,000 for BC’s kids through your Charity Car Program. Your support helps kids across the province receive the expert care and treatment they need.”

Why BCCHF needs you

Your regional children’s hospital foundation needs you. If you’re in BC, or have loved ones impacted by care in that province, learn more on BC Children’s Hospital Foundation website. “(They) support the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children…in the largest geographic region of any children’s hospital in North America! One million kids in BC and the Yukon count on BC Children’s for specialized care.”

Donate your unused or unwanted car, truck, van, or motorcycle for the foundation today! Free tow and a tax receipt for you. Monies-in-hand for the foundation and their incalculable reach!

The post BC Children’s Hospital appeared first on Donate A Car.

Stretching, adapting…

Every household with minor children is adapting in big ways right now.

School is happening in the kitchen! How’s it going, Moms? ‘Feeling pretty good about grade 6 Math?

The kids are home. Like, they’re home all the time. Alllllll the time. No sports, no music lessons outside the home, selective playdates.

So much online everything. Maybe a little parental guilt about the amount of screen time that’s happening, too.

Teachers and doctors and coaches are stretched the limits of creative Zoom classroom-ing.

It’s a lot. The most resourceful and creative parents I know are feelin’ the pressure.

…and just managing

In the last few weeks I’ve heard the phrase, “We’re just managing.” A lot. There’s not much sparkle or curiosity. Folks are really tired of being flexible and rolling with it all. “I’m lucky because my kids get along well, but do we ever need to get away from each other!”

We’ve settled in for this long and wildly unpredictable ride. We’re doing all we can to maintain normalcy and learning and play. And some of our fellows are struggling under burdens that go beyond boredom and sibling squabbles.

Children’s charities are here to help

Are you a family (or loved-one to a family) that has children facing into unique disruptions during the pandemic? Mental and physical illness are exacting parental challenges at the most secure of times. If you, or your dear ones, are parenting children with complex needs, these are difficult times, indeed.

Our children’s charities list has been growing for years. My quick count shows that we have 174 actively receiving gifts through Donate a Car Canada right now!

Visit our charities page to discover a cause that resonates with you. You’ll find education-based works. There are so many organizations reaching toward sick kids. Focusing on food and housing insecurity, charities are meeting felt needs. There are even children’s charities dedicated to giving children access to sports.

When you donate a car

Choosing a kid’s charity as your vehicle donation recipient means cash in hand for that cause. We’ll do all of the work of pick-up and processing for your donated car, truck, van, motorcycle, etc. We’ll get paid for the vehicle, and then send the net proceeds on to your charity of choice. Tax time will be made a little gentler when you’re reminded of the gift you extended to kids in un-gentle times.

Help making a quick-pick

Kids Help Phone Children’s Treatment Network Because I am a Girl Bullying Canada Children’s Bridge Foundation

Your local foodbank/children’s hospital (see our charities page)

Find out more about how all of this works on our FAQ page. Or, give us a call at 1-877-250-4904!

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 Children’s Charities appeared first on Donate A Car.

Feeding the body

Canadian food banks are working hard in tough times. Keeping pantries and fridges stocked is key to helping families thrive. Explore our charities list for one that is serving in your area.

Charities like Carya reach toward the felt needs of young and old alike. Their vision? “Strong families and communities for generations.”

Their key objectives?

• Childhoods that prepare and propel youth towards future success
• Parents who are confident, enabled and supported
• Stress reduction and management
• Security of housing and food supply for the city’s vulnerable
• Early literacy and lifelong learning  across the age-span
• High school for vulnerable teens and tweens
• Socially connected and safe communities for all
• Long-term poverty reduction through education, resources and community
• Access to opportunity for every gender, race, creed, financial position, background and sexual orientation

Feeding the mind

As you’ve seen, Carya has a bit of this covered, too! Happily, they are not alone.

Strong Start is all about helping build a strong family through literacy. They recently reached out to us say, “…(we) applaud your work in our communities!” New to our program, they’ve received one donation so far. We’re excited about giving Canadian vehicle donors the option to choose this important work! Here’s more about how this charity helps:

Tending the heart

From kids’ camps to hospitals, Canada helps. Food banks and faith-based programs, and everything in between — we take care of each other. The crisis support of programs like Kids Help Phone is essential. Programs that offer joy and creative spark like our theatre programs are just as important! Your gift, whatever your passion, matters:

How you can help

Your strong family, your strong community are the heart of a healthy Canada.

Help our charities in their boots-on-the-ground work. You can do that by visiting their websites. Just click on their donation options link. You’ll find wish lists, action items, volunteer possibilities, and more.

Car donation is an effective help, too. Your vehicle donation becomes an extension of your own strong family legacy. Metal, wheels, and a half-full gas tank will translate into much-needed donation dollars for your charity of choice!

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