Peace through practicality

Compassion, kindness, and generous giving. Have you ever felt need of any of those things? Then you know that they often come in the shape of something really practical. It might be a hot casserole or a warm coat. You may experience it through a friend’s skill in car repair or plumbing. Felt needs (like food, housing, and safety) require kindness that helps to actually meet the need.

Peace can feel a bit more elusive. We hear a lot about it at this time of year. For some — perhaps for those whose felt needs have been met — it can be an interior state of being. “I feel peaceful,” or “I long for peace in my life.”

For others — perhaps we can safely say this is true of most of the world’s population today — the absence of peace is felt keenly. When “home” has been razed and your loved ones have fled. Where food and shelter and drinkable water are absent. When someone you love has been lost. Peace in these places is not theoretical or esoteric or mystical. Not when angry and frightened men are shooting at other angry and frightened men.

Hope for an aching world

It can feel overwhelming to hear stories of our politically disrupted world. But around here? We see the very best of Canadian Goodness every day!

Peace was top-of-heart when Seema chose to donate her 2011 Grand Caravan:

Togethering seems to be the only way to get this right, doesn’t it? One gift at a time. Helping one charity at a time. Individual Canadians giving to the works of practical peace and compassion that they love.

Our Christmas wish for you and yours

However you and I might align — and differ — politically, theologically, demographically…and all of the other “cally” we can muster, this is true: peace is up to me. It is up to you.

May you be met by provision, safety, and companionship of the very best sort this holiday season. Certainly you will do your utmost to meet others with the same. May the generosity you so freely share come back to you! And may 2025 end on a note of hope for what is yet to come.

May you be well…in all things.

Peace.

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Holiday cheer is near and dear

Kindness and generosity are at the very heart of charitable giving. They are core to the work we do here, too. If you’re reading this, it’s almost 100% certain that they’re values you hold close as well.

When circumstances around the globe are all politics and danger and want, “cheer” seems a hollow wish. If you are one who experiences poverty, injustice, or inequity here at home, “holiday cheer” might seem a bit of magical thinking for you, too.

When so much is uncertain, returning our attention to simple ways of kindness and generosity of heart can be a life saver!

Tis the season of Fabulous Fundraisers

It’s no secret that volunteering, sharing our resources, and lending a hand are good for our mental health. If you and your family are looking for ways to enrich your Christmas season, look no further than your local charities! You can bet that there are dozens of creative and joyful endeavors happening not too far from you.

Foodbanks are doing food drives. Clothing banks are ready to receive warm coats, socks, toques, and mittens. Shelters are putting out requests for pillows and towels. ‘Better yet? Pack a back pack for the unhoused. Fill it with the essentials needed to make it through the day!

Local charities might have their own gift catalogue. They may have need of a little envelope full of gift cards that they can hand out as need walks through their front doors.

Whatever your preferred expression of kindness, there is a close-by cause ringing in the season with a creative call for help!

Bring holiday cheer home

BBC has a fabulous article highlighting nourishing and joyful Christmas traditions from around the globe. Titled, “The anti-materialist Christmas: Rituals around the world that swap gifts for meaning” (www.BBC.com, December 9, 2025) The author, Laura Hall, notes, “From remembering departed loved ones to leaning into a multi-generational game, here are seven Christmas traditions you can adopt wherever you are.” She goes on to list seven delightful, globally influenced celebrations:

1. Iceland: Reading by candlelight after Christmas dinner

2. Japan: Spoiling your other half

3. Australia: Playing cricket as a household

4. Finland: Visiting the ancestors

5. Ukraine: Celebrating spiders

6. Denmark: Making homemade decorations

7. Venezuela: Getting your skates on

Curiosity sparked? Be sure to give Laura Hall’s article a read! You might just find a Christmas-enhancing addition to your own family holiday.

A wish from ours to yours

For our part here at Donate a Car Canada, we’re here to assist in your generous efforts right on through the season of holiday cheer. With the tiny exception of Christmas Day, we will be at-the-ready to work alongside you on behalf of your charity of choice. As through every season, we offer our deepest gratitude to endlessly generous Canadian vehicle donors. Your Goodness is expressed through estate vehicle donations, scrappy ol’ junker gifts, and madly big-dollar-value auctionable vehicle roll alongs. Together, we raise thousands and thousands of donation dollars for your beloved charities.

Is there a better collaboration? A collaboration of kindness and giving! So, from our little team of hard working elves here at DACC, warmest wishes to you and yours. May you know provision, community, safety, and health. May you be met by generosity yourself, even as you give so selflessly and so often in even the smallest acts of kindness and caring. We wish you a very merry Christmas, indeed!

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Your spirit of the season may be less Whoville, more Grinch-cave?

The complicated thing about the Christmas month’s “spirit of the season” is that for many this is about just buckling down and getting through it all. We don’t mean to be fussed! But real life can put the squeeze on pretty tight. If our pockets are empty and we feel like we’ve been giving all year? The giving month can feel like it’s all pressure and little pleasure. It’s a time when we feel the sting of lost loved ones. And if we had warm memories from childhood it can feel like an endless chase to capture the sparkly feelings and whimsy that are just so elusive.

Take care of yourself…

Lifehack has some useful help for doing a little spirit of the season self-care. Lifehack Spirit of the season self care to attend to how you might

1. Give yourself permission
2. Involve all of your senses
3. Don’t get caught in the hustle and bustle of the season
4. Do things in moderation
5. Give up expectations

…and do keep tapping into the goodness that is at the heart of you

If you’re finding yourself on our site at this time of year you probably have a vehicle that you need gone. Like, now. It might be taking a much-needed spot on the driveway, and Aunty Beth is going to need to park there. Not only that, Aunty Beth and her beloved Bichon are planning to arrive next week for an extended stay. Just like that, another dash of stress has quashed whatever remaining spirit of the season you were mustering. Don’t worry! We can get your car removed  and the driveway clear in short order. And, while you might not be feeling super give-y at the moment, your charity of choice will be helped!

The donation process is simple, quick, free, and fully holly jolly! First, fill in an online donation form (just click the Rudolph-red button below). Then, sit back and wait for your phone to ring — that will be the tow agent calling to set up your free tow. Finally, just watch your inbox for your charitable tax receipt. One more way to keep the season gentle, generous, and stress-free!

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This post originally landed back in 2020, but we’re excited to share it again this Christmas!

It started with that ’98 Toyota

When Gillian (not her real name) donated her trusty old Camry through our Donate a Car Canada program she had no idea how far that gift would go.

Choosing the Oakville & Milton Humane Society was easy. Gillian wanted to give to a charity that reflects the love she holds for her own Jack Russell Terrier.

Donate a Car Canada got her set up with her free tow (10 – 20 minutes on the phone did the trick). Moreover, one of our funny and efficient Ontario agents was able to get her Toyota picked up that very day!

This quick, easy interaction is played-out many times each day here. Little did we know, however, that Gillian’s gift was to go beyond the simple removal of a donated vehicle!

About those guinea pig treats?

As is often the case, Gillian and one of our donor support team made a personal connection. Kirsten notes, “She called back yesterday afternoon and asked if I could do her a small favour. Would I send a message to the charity for her? She is hoping that her donation can go towards goodies and treats for all of the animals that the Humane Society is looking after. That way they can all have a lovely Christmas too. In a world of uncertainty, fears, anxieties and stress, there are people like Gillian!”

Now a challenge was upon us. We’re practiced at turning hard-working metal and wheels into actual cash for charities. We weren’t entirely sure we could turn that cash into…treats for dogs? This was new territory!

Kirsten unhesitatingly made that charity call, of course! A chat with our contact at the humane society created joy that would make any Jack Russell Terrier wag a tail. Kirsten went on to report, “They actually get together and celebrate Christmas with the animals every year! Furthermore, they actually buy stockings filled with snacks and special treats every year. Parsley for the Guinea Pigs, special chewy snacks for the dogs, etc. Not only that, they take pictures of it and post them on their Facebook page every year too!!”

Next, the boss got involved…

Getting a vehicle connected with a processing agent happens quickly. For us, the next step is awaiting payment from the agent. Subsequently, we tackle the accounting, and then disburse the gift to the donor’s charity of choice.

This takes time. Our boss, hearing Gillian’s story and her Christmas wish, realized our accounting wouldn’t be complete before Christmas.

She challenged, “Could you phone the charity, tell them the story, tell them that the money from her donation won’t be received until December 31^st, but they have 5 donations being sent to them today, so if they would consider her request for Christmas goodies that would be awesome! ”

Back on the phone to the charity, and, you guessed it: it’s being done! Gillian’s wish to honor her Jack Russell Terrier and the dogs (and other animals) at the shelter is a reality.

Find your holiday joy!

Visit your local SPCA or humane society website and participate in some tail-wagging joy of your own!

Giving to your fellow humans is an option, too! Your car, truck, van, or SUV donation can go to any Canadian charity. You read that right! Every charity in Canada has the option to receive your vehicle donation!

We are a click or a call (1-877-250-4904) away and happy to share in holiday cheer! Every donation counts. Scrap car? No problem! Car with uncertain re-sale value? Our agents have you covered!

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Can a season of minimalism offer peace?

Minimalism means different things to different folks. For most of us? It is an idea that takes time to percolate. Stuff and polish and over-fed bellies are a way of life. And, if you are like me, there comes a point where you feel excess…uncomfortably.

Indulgence and beauty and sweet things? They are some of life’s joys! But too much of a good thing can sour it.

I’m curious about the idea of simply, simply simplifying. Without obsessing or becoming austere, what would it be like to get by with less? In a lifelong quest for a quiet heart and a quiet mind, could it be that less stuff leads to less stress?

Splurgin’ and purgin’

The Christmas season is too-many-clowns-in-the-car crazy, right? It’s a sparkling sworl of nostalgia and something that feels like true holiday spirit. A funky mix of connecting with loved ones and loneliness. It’s a blend of spending and indulgence, scouring and scrubbing out.

A construction contractor I talked to last week said, “This is the busiest time of the year for us!”

I wondered why-on-earth? Who has time for home renos in December?

“It’s all about the company that’s coming for dinner! The husband has promised his wife the basement will be done before Christmas…and they end up calling us!”

If that isn’t a nudge toward, “There has to be a better way?”, I dunno what is!

Easing in to a simpler way

I like to keep life really cozy. Going full-out with minimalism won’t work for me. I love clay pots and candles and big blankets. Pictures on the wall and stacks of books feel like Home.

But there is something about not adding more. Now, at Christmastime, there is something about not adding to the stacks of stuff in my loved ones’ lives, too.

In November, I spent weeks fostering a wondering: what is my wish for my loves this year? I would notice when a little wave of guilt would swamp me. You might know that feeling? The one that punches you in the gut and demands that you get the right gift for every person you love? Historically, I would have had it all wrapped up by the end of October. So many gifts. Many, many dollars. And a lot of heart in it all. But something about it was just so intense.

I listened to the guilt, curious about what that was really all about.

I listened to the wish, too.

And I opted to follow the wish. In a time of global wobble and close-by vulnerability, my wish for the ones I care for is comfort, silliness, and connection. I can’t buy those things. They are concepts. Experiences. So I’ll get creative about how to offer the wish without adding to the pile under the tree.

Giving stuff away as a path to minimalism

An extension of that wish is giving stuff away. Clearing my full shelves and closets as I come across folks who need my things more than I do.

Can you relate to this gentle step toward living with less? It’s one of the ways Donate a Car Canada serves givers daily. We help when the thing you want to clear out is the size of a truck…literally! In this way, our small — and big — acts of giving become even bigger acts of conservation and community care.

Add to this the simplicity of this kind of donation. Giving simply becomes a joyful experience. Matchless!

So, here’s to you on your path to a simpler way. As you wonder about Christmas giving that is more intentional and less material. Or, as you give by letting go of some of the things already crowding your world. We wish you peace and curiosity in it all!

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.

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Creative giving – limitless possibilities

When it comes to creative giving, you get to decide: What kind of giving suits you best? Are you an artist? A cook? Perhaps you have zero time, but a sturdy bank account? Money may be in short supply, but perhaps you have toys or household goods that you no longer need?

The cause you love will benefit from whatever generosity you have to share.

Our charities page offers links to over 1,000 charities in Canada. Many of these organizations have an, “Other Ways to Give” option on their own “Donate” pages. Helping your charity is about so much more than dollars and cents these days!

But don’t stop there! Visit CanadaHelps and explore over 80,000 Canadian causes at-the-ready to receive your gifts!

Vehicle donors make a difference

Each of Donate a Car Canada’s receiving charities is served personally. We craft a vehicle donation program specific to their unique work. That’s our version of “creative giving” and it includes everything from exceptional donor support to color matching!

Furthermore, we’re here to serve car, truck, van, and SUV donors by recycling or re-selling their donated vehicles. Each donor shares in their own creative giving way!

As we’ve been around for over two decades, we’re now seeing many donors return with second donations…or third…or more!

Just this autumn we’ve seen some multi-vehicle donations really add up for their chosen charities.

Some donors and charities to celebrate

We serve six Big Brothers and Big Sisters chapters. This Fall, T.B. donated a snowmobile on behalf of Big Brothers & Big Sisters, York region. Yes, you read that right! A snowmobile for charity! Thanks to agents that happily participate in creative giving, we have often processed motorized wheelchairs, scooters, and snowmobiles for dozens of causes.

But wait! There’s more: this wasn’t the first time T.B. had gifted four wheels through our program. The Canadian Cancer Society was their charity pick the first time they donated through our program. That donation? A Honda Civic. One donor, two vehicles, and two charities helped.

There are double donors…and then there are double-double donors!

Creative giving can’t always come in the shape of a car, or truck. We really get that. But for one of our November donors, clearing the yard of multiple vehicles was just the thing!

The beauty of donating a vehicle is that you tend your Self, your property, and your environment while also supporting your cause. In the case of this generous donor? K.M. gifted four (4!) vehicles. At one time!

The Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association is set to receive their fourth and final gift from the donor this month-end. To date, they’ve been sent three of four donations.

What did this multi-vehicle donor gift, and what’s in it for the CHAA? A 1998 Ford Focus earned them $450.00, as did his 2002 Ford Edge. The 1999 VW Golf and 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix offered $350.00 each. That’s $1,600.00 for the charity and one tidy driveway for K.M!

Your giving, your way

Understandably, we are not all in a position to donate a vehicle. Donating more than one vehicle may be right out of the question! If your charity’s vehicle donation program fits for you, we’re here to help!

Human kindness comes in so many shapes and sizes and smells (think cookies and hot soup!). If slinging snow from the neighbor’s sidewalk is an easy-do for you? Thank you! That act is Goodness. Write a note. Send some love on social media. Make that overdue phone call. It all matters!

The post Creative Giving This Christmas appeared first on Donate A Car.

Twelve Days of Christmas

It’s 12 Days of Christmas time at our house. For the past several years, our family has spent the 12 nights leading up to Christmas day hanging out by the tree and reflecting on the year past, and the year ahead . Each evening, one of our five asks a question. Some are easy, some reflective, some debate-provoking. Each of us provide our response. When everyone’s had their say we hand out stockings. We do one stocking-stuffer per night. Socks, gum, and undies make an annual showing.

This tradition is continuing into our sons’ adult years. It’s getting a bit challenging to sort out real-life schedules (we’re doing some very late-night 12 Days this year!), but we all eventually land in the same room, ready to harass, support, and squabble with each other.

Starting the conversation

Some of our questions this year have included

What is your favorite holiday food? Why — is there a memory associated with it?

What was a high point of the past year? A low point? Is there a character quality that you possess that contributed to the high point?

What is the greatest risk you’ve taken this year – physically, financially, socially, spiritually?

Why we have the traditions that we do

Talking about big things and small things in a safe place was a good fit for our family. You have traditions of your own. They are meaningful and strengthen family ties. If you’re an introvert like me, some are gifts you give yourself. Watching old movies, and re-reading favorite novels may be your go-to. Quiet evenings in with your favorite critter and cuppa may make for your best Christmas.

Christmas traditions are points of connection with the ones we love. They support values we hold dear, and the generosity we hope to share. If you’re interested in exploring the “Why do we do that?” of everything from bells to baubles to Hanukkah, check out The History of Christmas. You’ll find fascinating tidbits of info there! For example, did you know,

“The world’s longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1m (207ft) long and 4m (13ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001. Now that would be one big bang!”

Create your own solitary, community, and family memories. Do the things that bring you peace of mind in what can be a stressful season. Most importantly, find some people you like to do them with.

May your Christmas traditions enrich your holiday. From each of our team here at DAC, we wish you and yours comfort and joy! Here’s to excellent health through this holiday season and on into the year ahead!

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Customer complaints: service feedback that works

Perhaps, like Rosemary Counter from MoneySense, you have perfected the art of talking to your service providers? You spark meaningful conversation about needed change. Your ability to respectfully draw attention to a lapse in service is helpful to all future customers!

This kind of customer feedback is important to ensuring good service and best practices. In Canada we pride ourselves on polite speech and patient understanding. We need folks who are comfortable pointing out where there is room for improvement…graciously!

As the economy does it’s wobbly thing, and as Christmas nears, consider your options in providing feedback. Is the customer care you’re receiving deserving praise, or needing improvement?

Customer service professionals want to help, not hurt

Indicate your issue clearly, and outline your hoped-for outcome. What has happened? What do you need? The person you are talking to about your issue is likely not responsible for the problem you’re having. They’re just a regular bloke doing their job (hopefully doing it well!). They probably want to help you resolve things as happily as possible.

If there is a problem that cannot be resolved right away, give the gift of time. Sometimes things can be quickly fixed. Sometimes there are many steps involved. Your patience and kind manner will make a difference.

Here at Donate a Car Canada we take every bit of feedback to heart. Each note of thanks for excellent customer service counts. Every concern about disappointment hits its mark. Each donation is personal here (and we know it is for our receiving charities, too), so we’re eager to assist. We do this in every way possible, even if you have a donor complaint.

So, thank you for taking time to let us know how we’re doing. We are here to serve. May your Christmas season be one of excellent customer service and good cheer!

Artistic credit: unknown

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Snow ban, tow ban!

Listening to the radio advise there was a tow ban earlier this week, it was clearly a crazy blizzard. No tow trucks permitted on the road? A sure sign of bad weather! Through all of it I’m reminded to be grateful for the comfort of heat in my home. Moreover, I’m doubly blessed to have heated seats in my car and a garage to park it in.

This is the time of year when the cold becomes a matter of life or death for many. As we make preparations for our family and Christmas celebrations, some are struggling to survive the elements.

A growing trend in our over-commercialized world is donating money to a charity! Better yet? Donate on behalf of the person you’d be buying a gift for. What a great idea for those ‘hard-to-buy-for’ people in our lives!

We have many charities on our list that could benefit from your support throughout this holiday season. They in turn can make a difference in the lives they are passionate to help.  Here are a few to consider as part of your Christmas list this year!

Boyle Street Community Services – Edmonton

Catholic Missions in Canada – National

Community Living Winnipeg – Winnipeg

Covenant House – Toronto

CUPS (Calgary Urban Projects Society) – Calgary

Distress Centre – Calgary

Hope Mission – Edmonton

Meals on Wheels of Frederiction – Fredericton

The Mustard Seed – Calgary/Edmonton

Project Warmth Society of Alberta

Salvation Army – Alberta

Sanctuary – Toronto

Servants Anonymous – Calgary

Do you want to reach out to any of these charities with a vehicle donation? We can help!

First, we’ll get you set up with a free tow! Once we have your vehicle donation form things hum along. So, fill in an online donation form. This is a ten minute task. Then, wait for your phone to ring (that’s the tow crew ready to set you up with your tow time). Next, watch your inbox for your tax receipt.

The process is simple, quick, free, and friendly! And every car counts for the charity you love!

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