Kidney Cancer Canada and Donate a Car Canada have been working together since 2015! Will 2024 be a record year for motorcycle, van, truck, and car donations? Your unused, unwanted vehicle can make that happen. Running, or not — every car counts!

Donate a Car Canada offers you the option to choose any Canadian charity — including charities that impact loved ones living with various kinds of kidney-related diseases. Kidney Cancer Canada is one of those charities.

Kidney Cancer Canada

The mission of KCC is to improve the lives of those affected by kidney cancer across Canada. They advocate for access to new treatments and promote research. Furthermore, they offer support, information, and education.

Key support is available to those who are recently diagnosed. Helpfully, they provide direction about just what questions to ask the doctor on that first visit. 

Check out the Patient and Caregiver Stories page on their website. Or, explore their “Ask the Expert” Youtube clips .

Resources for patients and caregivers

KCC is a rich resource of information. Whether you’re facing into diagnosis, or supporting a loved one who is, they’ve got your back. Online coffee chats and webinars are available for remote access. Furthermore, they keep folks up-to-date on available treatments.

Where your car comes in

One way you can have their back

Consider gifting Kidney Cancer Canada’s specialized work with your car, truck, motorcycle, or boat donation!

Explore our simple, quick — and always free — process by spending some time reading our testimonials. Check out our Google Reviews. Or, give us a call at 1-877-250-4904 to speak with a funny, caring, capable human! Once we have your submission form we’ll make all of the tow arrangements with our supporting agents (We have agents across Canada that work on our behalf!), and get your gift sent off to your charity of choice.

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The Voyager (baby-blue, of course!) was followed by our all-time favorite: our Pontiac Transport. That van was perfect for road tripping, and equipment-hauling. Seven bucket seats go a long way for keeping the peace between three boys under 10 years of age.

Our final minivan purchase was a Dodge Caravan. Yup – the very same model that you see scattered through every grocery store parking lot in North America. We hauled dogs, kids, friends, and gear over thousands of kilometers in that forest-green wonder.

When your minivan has seen better days

It was a happy day for us when our family outgrew the need for such a large mode of transportation. The boys pulled out of team sports and then started driving on their own. We made the season of life change to smaller vehicles. And so many more of them. One family of five seems to need a lot of cars!

At the time that we were ready to surrender minivan ownership,  a little research promised us the option to donate the old vehicle to any Canadian charity!

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

With so many causes that our family cares about, we would have had opinionated conversations about who could receive the donation outcome from our last Caravan. In fact, years later, our sons did donate their own first car (a plum-purple Ford Escort) — and choosing just one charity was so hard to do!

Donate a Car Canada facilitates the sale of all donated vehicles. 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.

We don’t have a minivan to donate any more, but with the number of drivers in our family (and the number of vehicles we’re sure to go through in the next 20 years) we expect we’ll have another vehicle up for donation soon!

ps: A little update, as of Spring 2021: our family has gone on to donate 2 more vehicles. One of the lads let go of his beloved Avenger. Our Buick Rendezvous also brought in a donation. Inn from the Cold was the recipient of both of those as well!

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As you set to Spring cleaning, in addition to cleaning out the closets you may need to tackle the garage? Consider the Arthritis Society in that clean sweep!

The Arthritis Society has been setting lives in motion for over 65 years. They provide education, programs and support to the over 4.6 million Canadians living with arthritis.

Founded in 1948, TAS is the largest non-government funder of arthritis research in Canada. They have invested over $195 million in projects, leading to breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with arthritis.

“There is no cure for arthritis; we need to work together to create an arthritis free future.”

You can help!

The Walk to Fight Arthritis is The Society’s marquee fundraising event. The Walk unites those who feel the emotional and physical pain of arthritis in communities across the country.

The 8th annual Walk is happening in 30 communities across Canada on Sunday, June 4, 2017.  Join in! Help fund a cure and improve the lives of those living with arthritis!

Arthritis Society-funded resource now publicly available

A note worthy Arthritis Society news release informs,

It is a common assumption that arthritis is a disease that affects adults only, however

• an estimated 24,000 Canadian children and teens live with one or more forms of childhood arthritis
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common
• JIA affects about 10,000 (one in 1,000) children in Canada

JIA causes inflammation in the joints and impacts kids’ and teens’ physical, emotional and social wellbeing.

So, in an effort to help teens with JIA better manage their arthritis and improve their transition to adult health care, a team of researchers developed an online program called ‘Teens Taking Charge: Managing JIA Online Program.’ It is now publicly available on aboutkidshealth.ca.

What does this online program provide teens?

This interactive internet-based program was designed for teens with JIA as well as for their parents. The content is delivered in 12 modules, and it was developed by health care professionals across Canada. As a result, it is a reliable, easily accessible resource to be used throughout the course of illness.

In addition, it includes information about JIA, treatments, and self-management strategies (for example, how to deal with physical symptoms like pain, stiffness, fatigue and emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression). Peer support is facilitated through discussion boards. Furthermore, there are videos featuring patients, their families, and health-care providers offering instruction, personal insight and inspiration.

Although Arthritis affects movement and the ability to function through the day, patients are vital, vibrant, and strong. So, with one eye to their ongoing health concerns, their contributions to their families and communities are a sure thing!

In Rheumatoid Arthritis in Full Color, artist Regis White notes, “To me, creating amounts to expressing what’s in your heart, without any limits or judgments, and regardless of talent, passions or aspirations. After all, we were all born artists!” Despite a diagnosis at 25 years of age, Mr. White has produced over 500 works of abstract art.

The Arthritis Society website is a great source for more detailed, engaging, and creative ways to learn about Arthritis. Furthermore, you’ll see unique and energetic ways to contribute to the cause and the cure, so check it out!

Maybe your best way to contribute today is through a car donation! We can help by taking care of your vehicle, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3. We’ll get your vehicle picked-up (for free) and have the net proceeds from its sale sent off to the Arthritis Society!

The post Arthritis Society: Treatment, Caring Support, Advocacy appeared first on Donate A Car.

Auction-ready Smart Car donated with loving intention

Heather’s vehicle donation charity of choice was Bruce House. They’re a community-based organization providing housing, compassionate care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS in Ottawa. They believe that everyone has the right to live and die with dignity.

“I chose Bruce House because it is an organization close to my heart – for a few reasons.  I lost a family member to HIV/AIDS when I was in high school and I also first heard about Bruce House when I was in high school.  Our school chose Bruce House to be the focus of that year’s fundraising initiative.  It was especially meaningful, given my recent loss.  A short while later I start volunteering for Bruce House, in the hospice itself and also at fundraisers, information tables and during the Pride March.  

Since then I have met and lost more people to HIV/AIDS and the staff and volunteers at Bruce House are amazing, so truthfully there are many special someone’s in mind when it comes to Bruce House.  When I saw their name in the list of affiliated charities with Donate a Car I couldn’t have been more delighted; the organization is incredibly deserving.”

Don’t trade it — donate it!

Heather donated her ‘07 Smart Car from Gatineau, and our auction house in Ottawa was happy to step up and do the work of re-selling the car.

“We bought the SmartCar in 2007, it was our first car and there are so many special memories attached to it– I was very sad to see it leave us.  Purchasing a car for us was a bit of an angst-filled experience. My partner and I are concerned about our eco footprint and have never wanted to be over-reliant on a vehicle.  So the SmartCar struck a nice balance for us and we have continued not to be over-reliant on cars.  

We were able to purchase a car that bucked conventions in size, structure and fuel usage.  We had the car for 8 years and would have kept it if we lived in a warmer climate (the cold is hard on diesel engines).  The idea of selling the car was unappealing, but being able to donate it so that someone else can fix it and continue to use it – and the bonus that the funds go to an organization we care deeply about – meant a lot to both of us.”

Donation dollars add up to a smart gift for charity

$1593.25 in donations dollars for Bruce House was the happy result from the sale of Heather’s Earth-friendly SmartCar! We’re inspired by Heather’s lifestyle of mindfulness toward the planet and her practical goodness in walking alongside vulnerable friends.

Layered compassion. Reaching toward the felt needs of others, and awareness of our impact on our world. We can help with both!

To learn more about the work of Bruce House and other ways that you can support their work, visit them here.

To donate your own vehicle through our program, just fill in our online donation form, or give us a call at 1.877.250.490. It’s as simple as 1-2-3, and it’s quick and free, too!

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Autism has probably touched your life in one way or another. With rates of diagnosis climbing (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1 in 68 children are being identified as having the disorder) we know that the unique beauties and challenges of the spectrum have far-reaching impact.

Prior to joining the team at Donate a Car Canada I had opportunity to work in different respite and rehabilitation roles. Working and playing alongside children and adults impacted ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) was a joyful challenge and delight.

The mysterious beauty of scrambling to keep up with quick minds and unique trains of thought inspired me to look at the world in entirely new ways. The frustrations of our limited language, and the need to express everything from a fast food order to a complex emotion became riddles of unimaginable proportion! I was witness to the power of music to soothe and restore equilibrium. The stark beauty of the interplay light and color and movement and how those things can fully engage – or distress – took on new meaning. The simple (oh, so not simple!) act of communicating a want, a need, a tenderness? Gifts to be cherished!

Autism Speaks is at the forefront of research and support.

Autism Speaks, along with Autism Speaks Canada, has grown into North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. They are dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure. They are increasing awareness of ASD, and advocating for the needs of individuals and families impacted by the spectrum. 

What are the causes of autism? Who is impacted by it? What is being done in the fields of research and support? Check out this helpful link at Austism Speaks for helpful answers to tough questions! Enrich your life by expanding your understanding of ASD. Consider offering your kind support to Autism Speaks Canada by donating a vehicle to raise a charitable donation for them. You can donate on-line today at www.donatecar.ca or by calling us at 1-877-250-4904.

The post Speaking Out for Charity: Autism Speaks appeared first on Donate A Car.

Would you act to right a wrong?

When Cheryl donated her SUV in March of 2012, she intended to serve and support her area animal shelter. Her simple wish grew into so much more!

Oxford University Press asks, “Would you act to right a wrong?”

Thanks to her practical compassion and written feedback, her donated Toyota Rav4 will inspire young people! They will be challenged  to think beyond themselves, and to find unique ways to contribute to their communities. How? Early in March of this year we received a special request from the creative folks at Oxford University Press. They asked if they could use Cheryl’s testimonial. They plan to use her  experience and example as a challenge to Canadian high school students, posing the question, “Would you act to right a wrong?” They will do this on their student access Civics and Citizenship website.

What Cheryl had to say

I wanted to get a smaller car and didn’t want to go through the hassle of going to a car dealership and having a salesman offer next to nothing for my RAV. When I read about donating a car I was interested, and when I saw I could select the charity, I was excited to see Animal Rescue Foundation on the list.

This charity is near and dear to my heart. I am always appalled by the number of homeless animals, and have 2 barn cats from a rescue society as well as 3 more that have found their way to my place. I suspect that at least 2 young kittens were just ‘dropped off’ in my area.

Fortunately I have room for these cats, but many people don’t, so organizations such as ARF are invaluable in caring for these animals until a home can be found. Thank you to all of you at Animal Rescue Foundation for all you do to help. I am pleased that I was able to help by donating my vehicle, and hope others will consider doing the same. ~ Cheryl ~

Simply a Canadian way of being

We see this kind of effort in acting to “right a wrong” played out in spectacularly generous ways every day! Last summer a car was donated through an East Coast recycler who, we later learned, works hard to support his area women’s shelter. Our donor gifted the car to benefit a national charity. But it went on to do something truly amazing! Our agent sent payment for the car so that we could send it to the donor’s charity of choice. Then? He generously gave the car to a woman from the area shelter! A double donation!

Recently we posted about one of our recycling agents who was compelled to give a donated wheel chair to a customer who needed just such a thing! The donor was able to gift their own charity of choice. Then, thanks to the goodness of our agent, the chair benefitted a second person. Another double donation!

Cheryl’s vehicle raised a donation of $2100.00 – that goes a long way to right a wrong!

Those are just a few examples! One of the very best parts of what we do: gifts that give in multiple ways.

Thanks to donors like Cheryl, and unexpectedly wonderful opportunities like the one being presented by Oxford University Press, the gift of one vehicle can result in the impact of kindness, generosity, support, and action over and over again!

The impact of your gift of a donated vehicle is worth so much more than just dollars and cents!

The post Civics 101: Would You Act to Right a Wrong? appeared first on Donate A Car.

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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