National Volunteer Week

If you have dollars to give, hooboy does your charity of choice ever need them now. Please give. But if finding two cents to rub together is the joke of the day? Share of yourself in a different way. This coming week, charities across Canada are honouring humans that help! Volunteer Canada notes, “Participating, contributing and volunteering helps to create connections, community and belonging.”

Canadian charities function in no small part because of the folks who believe in, and give their time to, them. Around here we have the happy luck of seeing the effects of this across the country. As April has unfolded we have seen hundreds of charity posts spreading gratitude for their volunteers.

Folks like you and I are at-the-ready to fix, haul, create, sort, drive, cook, sing, or slop out a horse stall. We clean riverbanks and transport wildlife. Some babysit and others run whole summer camps. We offer compassionate care in cancer clinics and diabetes classes. Some bravely champion human rights.

The Mayo Clinic gives us some clues about why this kind of caring keeps us coming back for more:

1. Volunteering improves physical and mental health.

2. It provides a sense of purpose and teaches valuable skills.

3. And it can nurture new and existing relationships.

Looking for a place to start your own volunteer experience?

Our little team here loves working alongside vehicle donors. Our business serves Canada-wide in this one specific way. In our down time we find places to give back by supporting the causes we personally love, too. For me, this comes in a couple of different shapes. For example, I sing in a “memory choir”. This unique non-profit is set up to match volunteers with folks living with memory loss in the form of dementia or Alzheimer’s. The science says that when we sing in community it’s super duper good for brain health and mental wellbeing. I have to admit, I joined the choir to volunteer for the sake of others, but the benefits for me have been unquantifiable!

Are you looking for a ready-made community built around volunteerism? This might be one place to start: “Volunteer Canada is leading the development of a comprehensive National Volunteer Action Strategy. That strategy will help to ensure that all people in Canada have pathways to participation that support the shifting ways people connect in their communities. We can support your organization with tools and resources to effectively engage community participation and support a broad range of diverse volunteers.”

A go-to hub for us here at Donate a Car Canada?

We LOVE CanadaHelps! Did you know that they champion over 80,000 charities on their website? If you already have a clear focus for where you would like to give your time and creativity, CanadaHelps can point you in the direction of the group or organization that needs you!

You can even take a boo at our “Charities” tab on our own home page. There you’ll find hundreds of charities that need Unique You. ‘Love animals? Your local SPCA or wildlife conservancy would love your support. ‘Drawn to hospital care? There’s a place for you with your local foundation. The same goes for libraries, health-based charities, and children’s groups. Volunteer with seniors, the theatre, or literacy advocates. Whatever caring cause you love, there’s a place for you.

Whether you are an individual, a faith group, a book club, or a business team, this is your time. Get out there and show Canada what you’ve got this National Volunteer Week!

The post Creative Giving | Pockets Full of Holes? Volunteer! appeared first on Donate A Car.

What happens when I donate a vehicle?

First, we have live humans answering an actual phone line every day (1-877-250-4904)! That noted, many folks call in whilst in the middle of the important decision: Should they sell a vehicle privately? Should they donate it for the charity they love?

A beautiful extension of the Donate a Car Canada program is that when you donate your unused, unwanted vehicle, you can choose ANY Canadian charity to gift. The net proceeds from the re-sale/recycling of your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle goes directly to the charity.

There are zero costs or tasks left to the charity. We manage all aspects of the donation process. CanadaHelps manages the actual receipting process. This allows your chosen cause to continue doing the work they’re missioned with — no distractions!

And what about you? How is it good for you? Beyond the joy of giving (which you know is a happy buzz!), there are a few key wins:

Your free tow

Within hours of completing your donation form, one of our agents will call you to arrange free pick up of your vehicle. These crews are highly adaptive and will work with you to serve within the time frame that serves you best. These professionals know their stuff. They’ll assist with everything from proper registration paperwork and transfer of ownership to the care and keeping of your property when they come for the vehicle.

That tax receipt

Once your vehicle is picked up and re-sold or recycled, it’s just a matter of accounting completion. You will be kept apprised of where things are at in your process all along the way, including letting you know when your gift has actually been disbursed to your charity of choice. The receipt will arrive to your inbox shortly thereafter. You’ll receive a link for accessing copies of the tax receipt if your original is somehow misplaced, too. And we’ll be a click, an email, or a phone call away if you have any questions about this process at any point along the way.

The reassurance that this service is here for the long haul

Donate a Car has been at this for 20 years! Many vehicle donors return twice, three times, or many-many more! We’ve had business fleet vehicle donors come back one year after another to donation a handful of vehicles at a time. Others experience a change in family circumstances. We have carefully tended process around estate vehicle donation and other extenuating circumstances. We are a personalized, compassionate, and joy-filled service. Honouring each donor and their gift as unique is what we do!

So, why would I opt to sell a vehicle privately instead?

Dollars to donuts, if you sell a vehicle privately you may see a slightly stronger dollar amount than will be reflected in a vehicle donation tax receipt. There are few reasons for this:

When re-selling a vehicle through auction or via another bidding process, agents simply do not see Blue/Black Book values. This is often because the sales reflect what the precise current market will support.

There are some fees incurred in the running of the business end of things. Donate a Car Canada is a business that serves from coast to coast. We keep our costs low through several key means: our team is lean, and we all work from home. Because we are an online service, our running supplies are also minimal. That said, we do have employees (the reason you can talk to a funny and fabulous human when you call in, and you’ll get a personal note when you email).

Our agents cannot afford to donate their truck, fuel, and staff costs. Some of the value of the vehicle will need to go to the agent providing service. The cost of business for ourselves and for our agents are a factor in the donation outcome.

Simplifying life one vehicle at a time

If times are tight and pennies are pinched, the choice to sell a vehicle privately may be the route for you. But if there’s some wiggle room in the budget, donation may be the perfect service for you! One way of assessing that is considering how “full” your own bottle is. If your bills are met, you have the freedom to pick up a coffee from time to time, and maybe a vacation is in the plans, donation may be one way for you to extend care in your community.

If the bills are well in hand, trips are a no-brainer, and there’s lots of room to give in the bank account, giving in this way might be an easy Yes!

So, if you’re done with it, do good with it! The process is simple, quick, and free! If you have more questions, pop over to our FAQ’s. If you’d rather talk to one of our team, find us at 1-877-250-4904, Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 5:00 MT.

The post Sell a Vehicle Privately, or Donate it? appeared first on Donate A Car.

Growing hope and sustaining kindness one choice at a time

How do you keep your attention focused on hope and human kindness when surrounded by instability and uncertainty? Have you noticed that you have a whole lot of agency in some parts of your life? You may be experiencing considerable lack of control in others?

What are your go-to activities, practices, and hobbies you engage in when you need to bolster your (or your loved ones) outlook?

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

~ Emily Dickinson

“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –

Sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –

I’ve heard it in the chillest land –
And on the strangest Sea –
Yet – never – in Extremity,
It asked a crumb – of me.

The Canadian charities keeping hope alive

Charities like the Canadian Cancer Society help hope bloom! You likely already know that April is Daffodil Month! Every year, the CCS shares their brightly-coloured floral campaign inviting us to give, volunteer, and support folks living with cancer.

While not every charity is literally bloomin’ flowers, thousands (and we do mean 1,000’s!) of helping organizations are fostering resilience and determination.

They do this by building houses, filling fridges, fostering literacy, providing shelter, and caring for critters of every shape and size. ‘Need a quick dopamine zot? Spend a few hours volunteering at your local animal shelter. Join a walk-run-ride for your charity of choice! Engage your local theatre. Experience the robust earth caring efforts of your local conservation group.

Is anything so effective in bolstering faith in humanity than participating in helping and community?

Here’s where to start looking for inspiration

Remember those thousands of helping organizations? There is nothing quite so inspiring as exploring site after site showcasing the remarkable groups whose mission it is to just make the world a better place!

Have you heard of CanadaHelps? This is the go-to site to begin hope building. You might start your who’s-who of human kindness search with their list of 86,000 charities. You read that right! Or, get behind their “Cause Funds”. These are clusters of groups rallying behind similar causes. Join a local community of like-minded humans compassionately working toward very good ends! Or, if your wish is to make a difference related to an urgent, crisis situation, they have a link for that, too!

So, begin your exploration today. Perhaps there will be hope and motivation to be found in previously unexplored places.

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How Artemis II and her crew inspire

As I write these few words about inspiring humans, I’m getting a little education on how the Artemis II crew is to be transported from their craft to the medical bay. They’re about to fill their lungs with Earth air once again. Feet firmly planted on our little orb, they’ll turn their attention toward helping their bodies readjust to the pull of gravity.

The crew is comprised of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen (Oh, Canada!). If you’re like me, you’ve likely been a bit taken up with the many messages that have been beamed down to us from journey. Messages of integrity, togetherness, compassion, and achievement.

Waiting hopefully-expectantly for them to safely poke their noses out into Earth’s sea air feels like we’re, somehow, all connected by those messages.

Messages like…

Koch: “We will explore. We will build.” She goes on, “We will build ships. We will visit again.” Then, “We will construct science outposts. We will drive rovers.” And, “We will do radio astronomy. We will found companies.” Finally, “We will bolster industry. We will inspire. But ultimately, we will always choose Earth. We will always choose each other.”

Then, Glover: “Trust us, you look amazing, you look beautiful. And from up here, you also look like one thing. Homo sapiens, all of us, no matter where you’re from or what you look like, we’re all one people.“

Hansen: “As we surpass the furthest distance humans have ever traveled from planet Earth, we do so in honoring the extraordinary efforts and feats of our predecessors in human space exploration. We will continue our journey even further into space before Mother Earth succeeds in pulling us back to everything that we hold dear. But we most importantly choose this moment to challenge this generation and the next to make sure this record is not long-lived.”

And lastly, Wiseman: “No matter how long we look at this, our brains are not processing this image in front of us. It is absolutely spectacular, surreal. I know there’s no adjectives. I’m going to need to invent some new ones to describe what we are looking at out this window.”

Our global community and reaching for the stars

The Artemis II mission is, these intrepid explorers have often noted, the outcome of ingenuity and effort be hundreds of people. People working together in concert, across nations. Then putting ingenuity and effort into inspirational execution.

(As I write, mission control has taken the microphone. In the background you can hear the cacophony of humanity working, waiting, expecting, and thinking ahead. Furthermore, even as they await the transport of The Four via army transport helicopters to med support, mission control is already talking about missions yet to come!)

Artemis missions “to the moon and beyond” will be the effort of women and men around the world.

Beyond Artemis II

Jubilation has just broken out at mission control as the first crew member emerged from Integrity. The rousing and inspiring success of this mission will compel the NASA program forward for decades to come.

Our Canadian representative on board, Jeremy Hansen, has proven to be a joyful sage at every grip of the mic. Leading up to departure, and in flight, his commentary has been both playful and evocative. Instructing us to “live in our integrity,” he often notes the Anishinaabe seven sacred teachings (respect, love, courage, honesty, wisdom, humility, truth) that are represented on his flight patch.

These are values we can all lean into, hey? These are the values that pulse through humanity — the very best of who we are in individually, and in community. The very best of who we can be even while our feet are firmly planted on terra firma. Hansen’s gentle challenge to himself, then to his children, and out beyond to all of us, is to live deeply into the best of who we all can be. A sage call to lovingkindness that resounds, now, to the moon and back.

The post Mooning Over Artemis II | We’re All One People appeared first on Donate A Car.

April: a basket full of everything Easter to Earth Day

What does your Easter weekend have you tuckin’ into? This might be all about family…avoiding them, or enjoying their company in quantity! Perhaps you’re equal parts floppy ears and floppy slippers? This might be a weekend of honouring deeply held religious practices. It could be a scrabble for hidden bunnies and eggs, offering permission to dive into the chocolate like it’s your full-time job!

The month honours the Easter holiday in so many ways. What we aren’t as familiar with as the many other causes and cares represented early in Spring. I happen to be writing this on National Cat Lady Day, for example! Here are just a few of the “awareness” markers recognized this month:

#HelpHopeBloom | #DaffodilMonth

Earth Month! 🌎💚🌱

#ParkinsonAwarenessMonth

Autism Acceptance Month♾️🌈🧩

#OrganAndTissueDonationAwarenessMonth |#BeADonorMonth

Child Abuse Prevention Month💙💙💙

#SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth

When Spring is in the air

There’s something about this time of year that invites fresh starts and boundless possibility. For some faith traditions, Easter is a reminder of hope. For the commercial world, it’s certainly an opportunity to splash a whole lot of everything-is-gonna-be-okay pastel from wall to wall!

If you’re feeling the pull of warmer air and softer earth, you might even be getting the bug to scrub out the corners. Clearing out the closets and sweeping out the garage feel a bit more do-able right around this time of year.

Keep your local charities in mind as you free-up your own living space? Your local critter shelters may be just the right spot for your old blankets and sheets. Clothing donations can be a real boon for charities supporting women in crisis. Thinking of putting in a garden this Spring? Plant an extra row! Give that produce to your foodbank or food shed.

And, of course, if you have an unused, unwanted vehicle taking up space in the yard, the garage, or the driveway, we’re your one-stop spot for turning four wheels into valuable donation dollars for your charity of choice!

Here’s to you finding hope, lightness-of-step, and a human kindness cause that helps you feel the newness and promise of Spring!

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March is a month chalk-a-block with special days!

We’ll name just a few of March’s drive change special days. In a month that has so very many, opting to hone in on just three came down to choosing one day (today!).

Have you heard the call to Rock Your Socks? Every year, World Down Syndrome Day is an invitation to join communities around the globe in promoting awareness, inclusion, and understanding. It’s about uplifting the unique strengths and contributions of people with Down Syndrome. We are all made stronger when we honour and support individuals with diverse abilities. We advocate for a community where everyone belongs, participates, and thrives. This is a celebratory day where supportive folx are invited to “rock your socks” (by wearing your most fabulous, fancy, funny pair) and choose to include!

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

“While much progress has been made, Indigenous peoples, and racialized and religious minority communities in Canada continue to face racism and discrimination every day. This day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate. Re-committing efforts, to ensure all people are respected and have equal access and opportunity to be safe and to succeed.” (Government of Canada)

International Day of Forests

Tree Canada (one of our receiving charities) notes, “Today we celebrate International Day of Forests, a day where people across the globe commemorate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

This year’s theme – Forests and health – reminds us to appreciate forests, both urban and rural, for the benefits they offer our health.

Did you know? Trees help us live longer, healthier lives. Exposure to nature reduces stress, speeds healing, and helps improve mental health. Research shows that walking through a forest for just 15 minutes can lower symptoms of anxiety and depression and boost positive moods.”

3 inspiring reminders, 1 simple way to drive change

While March 21st may have played out as just a regular ol’ day for most of us here in Canada, it also serves as a reminder that there are unique needs in our amazing country. You and I can deploy our human kindness superpower and drive change for any one of the three special areas named here. Or, we can choose from literally thousands of other needs that would be most helped by our individual efforts.

For us here at Donate a Car, we’ve honed a compassionate and practical method to drive change. It’s all in the name! Every donated car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, or van counts. Every donation dollar that results from the re-sale or recycling of unused/unwanted makes a difference!

Passionate about trees? Donate for conservation!

Moved by issues of racism, exclusion, bullying, or marginalization? Or, we might say, moved by issues of equality, inclusion, diversity, and dignity? Your charity of choice is ready to put your donation dollars to exceptional work.

It really is this easy to drive change!

There are just three steps to donating a vehicle:

1. Fill in an online form (This takes less than 10 minutes.)
2. Sit back and wait for the phone to ring (It’s your tow agent call to set up your free tow!)
3. Finally, watch your in box (That’s where your tax receipt will land after your vehicle is re-sold or recycled.)

There’s not cost to you. Your charity of choice will pay $0.00. They won’t have to lift a finger. Even the tax receipt process will be looked after for them by CanadaHelps.

You. Me. Together we are making a difference. One vehicle at a time.

The post 3 Big Days, 1 Big Way to Drive Change appeared first on Donate A Car.

Donor stories reflect the personality of Canadian generosity

Gary donated his Toyota Tercel for The Knowledge Network:

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!

The post Donor Stories | Funny and Fabulous Generosities appeared first on Donate A Car.

Donated Hyundai models raise thousands of dollars for charity

Just a few minutes ago I had the happy experience of engaging a Hyundai Tucson donor. Her trusty and beloved ol’ girl is ready to come off the road. The donor is having a hard time letting her go, but she’s excited to be donating to her charity of choice. In this case, she’s giving to a human rights organization.

We’re working on a Santa Fe donation for a hospital foundation, too. An Accent donation is going to Ronald McDonald House Charities this month end. The Canadian Red Cross will see the proceeds from a Sonata donation drive on up shortly, and an Elantra will benefit the ALS Society.

Every car counts!

Re-sale ready vehicles are a boon for charities coast to coast. Whenever possible, our cooperating agents re-sell donated vehicles to the highest bidder. Vehicles are sold as-is (no repairs are done on the vehicles prior to sale).

If your Hyundai is rusted out and ready for crushing, no problem! We’ll process your vehicle for recycling.

Either way, the net proceeds can go to ANY Canadian charity. You can simply choose one from our drop down list on your donation form. ‘Still not sure about who to gift? Pop over to CanadaHelps!

Remember: the tow is always free!

Does the charity get the Hyundai? Or just the money from the sale?

Donate a Car Canada facilitates the sale of all donated vehicles. As mentioned, this is done by either recycling or re-selling the cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles. Boats and RVs are occasionally processed through auction as well! The net proceeds from those sales are sent right off to each donor’s chosen charity.

For the charity to manage this process for themselves would be costly and cumbersome. From paperwork to towing to processing, a LOT goes into managing a donated vehicle. We take care of all of the details so the charity can just keep doing what it already does best: fulfilling its mission within your community, your world. CanadaHelps has a part in this, too. In addition to tending the possibility of donation to Canada’s thousands of charities, they also facilitate the tax receipt process for donated vehicles. Yet another effort spared your charity of choice!

Ready to donate? It’s simple, quick, and free. And hoping for exceptional customer care from real, live humans? You’ll receive 5 star treatment here. All day. Every day.

We’re ready to see your donation form! Need more information? Call us at 1-877-250-4904, Monday – Friday. Hyundai (or Honda…Ford…Dodge…Tesla…) ready to roll? We’ve got you covered!

The post Hyundai Donors Turn Their Wheels For Charity appeared first on Donate A Car.

Streamlining the simple life one donor at a time

A 2006 Ford Escape donor recently reminded us of the value of seeking out the simple life:

“I had this car for 6 years, difficult for me to part with it now, just
difficult to continue paying insurance and find a place to park. This car
has taken me to many places without breaking down, truly appreciated the
service I received.”

Letting go of a beloved vehicle is not easy. It can be emotional. Some donors say that it’s like losing a member of the family.

And, sometimes letting go of a complicating factor in full and overwhelming lives brings a sigh of relief. This is made so much easier when you know that the letting go will aid a good cause.

Our Ford Escape donor added a layer of goodness to his gift by naming a charity that was new to us! He chose Life Water as his charity of choice. In no time, we had the charity set up and ready to receive donations from future vehicle donors!

ps: We help charities live the simple life, too! There are no costs or tasks for the charity in this process. From donation to tax receipt, the charity is looked after.

Why donate instead of selling privately?

Another comment we have been hearing from donors for our twenty years in vehicle donation support? “I was going to sell it privately, but…”:

But I just don’t have time to spend on this right now. Life is so busy!

But it is such a hassle to deal with tire-kickers! There are so few interested buyers and so many wasted hours spent on cranks.

But I’m settling out the rest of the estate. I just needed one thing to be easy, painless.

But I really just want to do something good for the charity I love!

Like our Ford Escape donor, they know something about balancing the stresses of life and the wish to live a simple, generous life.

The simple life made a little simpler – one free tow at a time

Every donated vehicle is assessed for either re-sale or recycle. The effort is to re-sell whenever possible; we endeavor to raise the highest donation possible for the donor’s charity of choice. This ensures the strongest tax receipt for the donor, too! While we do not typically see Blue/Black Book values on our re-sales, we do see strong monetary returns that reflect the spread in the used vehicle market at the time of donation.

One of ways we ensure simplicity, speed, and no-cost support is fabulous agent care. Donors receive a call to arrange tow support within 48 hours of the time of donation. Then, having set up a time convenient to the donor, they provide free tow support.

If you take a peep at our socials and Google Reviews you’ll see the relief and gratitude this inspires!

If you’re looking for one thing to be quick, easy, and free in your life, we’re here to make it happen. We can’t wait to see your vehicle submission!

The post The Simple Life | One Way to Embrace It appeared first on Donate A Car.

Things to do on Family Day

Or, on Heritage Day, Louis Riel Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, and Islander Day (depending where you live in this great country of ours!)

Wherever you live in Canada, and whichever province you call home, a stat holiday in the heart of winter can only be a good thing! Are you and the humans you like best looking for things to do this Family Day?

Around here, it’s all about the giving. However your own province acknowledges the significance of Monday’s stat, a little lovingkindness can only make the day better!

So, gather your best humans around you and let’s get to imagining unique ways to spend the day!

Getting Informed

First things first: take a good look around. Who are the charities serving in your community? What do they need? Think big and broadly! You’ll be amazed to know that there are (no exaggeration) thousands (1,000’s!) of charities in our country. When looking for things to do on Family Day, consider doing a deep dive into donkey sanctuaries! Explore organizations offering full tummies, a sturdy roof, or furniture to make a home. Find out who needs what and how much of it. The kinds of helping on offer are limitless!

Noticing what jives

It won’t take long for you to get a sense of what gets your heart pumpin’ — where you feel a wish for justice or a natural inclination to just step up and help. Or, it may be a wish to create or cook or just show up. What feels right in this exploration of helping organizations? Follow that feelin’!

Assessing your resources

Once you have a sense of what makes you come alive, take stock. Are you a person whose greatest resource is time? Finances? Belongings you no longer need? Are you an artist, a digital communications pro, or a musician? Is administrative genius your thing? What do you have to give that you would love to share? Could that be something that gets added to the top of the “Things to do on Family Day” list?

Making a plan

Next step? Put your sense of direction and your understanding of your own capacity to help to work for you! When setting plans and goals for next steps, keep it simple. Sustainable. Maybe you wish to do a one-time Give — you just want to go big and make a one-time impact! Or, perhaps you’re more of a marathon giver and you’d like to build your giving practice into something that keeps on giving for a time.

One way to do this? Visit CanadaHelps to learn how to create a fundraiser. In fact, you can visit almost any charity website and explore their “Ways to Give” tab.

Spreading the word

At the top of the list of things to do on Family Day, we might put…well…family! Whether you are fondly connected to your actual relatives, or you’ve lovingly built your Found Family, let them know about your plans to make giving your focus. Share your excitement and your ideas. Invite them to get involved, too! Nothing builds community like serving and helping together.

Doing so much good

Then, get at it! Do your thing. Be Lovingkindness and generosity in this wide, wonderful country.

Tidying up

Part of all of that Goodness is being mindful of the spaces and places you’re in. If your particular expression of giving involves events, items, or actual stuff, be sure to respect the facilities and humans you’re interacting with. Giving items? Be sure they’re quality (That is, if you wouldn’t give it to someone you like a lot, maybe don’t give it at all? Folks in need don’t want our junk!). Using a community space for an event? Leave no trace. Better yet, leave it in better shape than when you arrived!

Celebrating the win

When it’s all said and done, gather your crew around and enjoy the moment! Revel in what it is like to do Good together.

Setting your sights on this time next year

And then start planning for this time next year! What would you change about your giving efforts? Are there things that went hummingly that you know you want to do again? Keep planning, and keep giving!

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