The Knowledge Network donors give big

The Knowledge Network entertains, educates, and challenges us — and the charity’s donors are quick to show their thanks! We first wrote about them way back in 2015. At the time an RV donation in Langley earned a donation of over $3000.00!

Donors continue to gift them, and we have some exciting stories — old and new — to share!Funded by an annual operating grant from the provincial government and donations from loyal viewers, The Knowledge Network offers commercial-free creative documentaries, arts and culture, drama and children’s programs from Canada and around the world. Through the commissioning of broadcast and digital interactive content, it also plays a vital role in supporting the independent production community in British Columbia.

You can read more about their programming and engaging ideas via the K: Magazine.

An old story, but such a good one!

The magazine is where you’ll find one of our long-ago donor stories. ‘Back in 2015, we were excited to reprint the following with permission from our donor, Peter, and the Knowledge Network. Read on to learn more about how a change in driving preference resulted in new freedom for Peter, and a gift of over $4000.00 to his charity of choice!

But wait! There’s more!

The Knowledge Network receives car, truck, and van donations ongoing. This past summer and early fall have been a good stretch for them. We’re currently processing almost a dozen active gifts for them. Motocycles included! And their loyal donors are willing to spread this particular knowledge…

Acura donor earns $4,674.88 for TKN!

Here’s what she had to say,

“I have been impressed by how smoothly this process has gone. You replied

more promptly than I expected, you kept me informed. The tow truck driver

kept me informed of delays.

Well done!

It has been a real pleasure working with you.”

’06 scrapper gifted on behalf of TKN brings a little luv, too:

“‘Want to let you know that our donation experience was extremely convenient

and seamless. The towing company was prompt and helpful, called ahead and

collected the vehicle without a problem The whole experience couldn’t have

been easier.

Thank-you.”

“Perfectly drivable” and ready to auction ’08 Elantra adds to the mix

In June we were happy to agree with our Hyundai donor. Despite the car’s age, his Elantra rolled through auction and drew a donation outcome of $1,077.55 for the charity!

Is TKN your heart-and-mind work?

Donating a vehicle is so easy! Our donation form takes less than 10 minutes to complete. You can do this online (just click the big red button below). You can also call in to 1-877-250-4904. We’re happy to help!

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There’s a buzz in the air! It’s Back to School Time!

I’m writing from a unique vantage point. My desk overlooks a busy small town street in Alberta, Canada. I’ve been watching the leaves turn and the skies dance as Autumn settles in. Early (It feels so early for Fall to be nipping at our heels!) The cool, smoke-free air is welcome and I’m getting that familiar squiggle in my tummy: it’s a new school year!

Today, the local elementary school is doing a staggered orientation. Girls and boys are scurrying down the hill, parents close at their heels, to meet their teachers. There are babes-in-arms, and moms juggling tiny hands clenching theirs. ‘So many dogs trundling along beside, oblivious to book learning, but so excited about their humans and the smells-along-the-way.

There is relief in the air (The kids are going back to school!). And there is uncertainty, too. We still don’t know what protocols really need to be in place to keep kids, teachers, and families healthy. We’re reaching for something, “normal.” Familiar. Safe. Uninhibited.

We’re finding our way together. ‘So many bumps along the way as we all learn how to hold differing views while continuing to be kind.

Our charities are adapting, leading, serving

Donate a Car Canada is honored to serve almost 1,000 Canadian charities. This is a diverse roster! Many of our receiving charities hold children and families as their top priority. Education. Services. Supports. Safety. Mental health resources.

If you are considering donating a car, truck, or van this autumn, take a look at some of the charities that would welcome your donation dollars:

Alma Children’s Education Foundation: play-based and project-based education programs utilizing local indigenous knowledge and language.

Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids: make and deliver free healthy lunches for students who would otherwise go hungry.

Kids Help Phone: free, confidential and expert mental health support in English & French, 24/7/365.

Learning Disabilities Association of Manitoba: programming, support and advocacy for individuals impacted by learning disabilities and ADHD.

The Canadian Safe School Network: reduce youth violence and make our schools and communities safer.

The Legacy Children’s Foundation: Legacy’s “Gift of Music” programs mirror programs are assisting youth to complete school and refrain from criminal behaviour.

Phoenix Education Foundation: provide unique learning opportunities for families so that each young person may develop into a life-long learner and an active, responsible global citizen.

Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC: steps in where health care ends, providing direct help to children with special needs in BC. For over 50 years they have ensured that children have the support to reach their potential and thrive.

How you can help during the Back to School months

The charities noted here are just a few of Donate a Car’s partners.

Choose the charity you love and visit their webpage. Check out their social media (Face Book, Instagram, Twitter). There are so many ways to give — even if you don’t have dollars to spare! Donate time, ideas, or resources.

If you have an unused or unwanted vehicle, we’re the team for you!

Our donation form takes 10 minutes to fill in.

The tow (or pick-up by hiker service) is free.

You’ll receive a tax receipt for the net proceeds from the re-sale or recycling of your car, truck, or van.

And your kids’ charity will receive your donation dollars!

Ready to make a difference this school year?

The post Back to School appeared first on Donate A Car.

And here we are. 2020 and in the midst of a pandemic. This question has become the most pressing decision of the summer.

Confusion, overwhelm, outright fear

Should I send my kids back to school? What arises in you when you face into this question with your family?

And do you have a process for discerning a way forward when emotions are high, information is confusing and even conflicting, and all you really wish for is a set routine? Something that feels normal. Familiar. Do you find that your thoughts run away with the what-if-s and how-to-s and I-can’t-even-s of the thing?

You’re not alone

You’ve read all of the information. You understand your options clearly. What now? Are you connecting with other parents? Are your children old enough to participate in this conversation? What is your own gut telling you (she probably knows what you need!)?

Some helps for making the choice

If you need some internal back-up from your own best teacher — your Self — this may help:

• Spend a day holding only the “Yes, I’m going to send my child back to school,” in your mind. Go about the day as if that is your decision. Notice: what happens in you when you stay with that answer. Do the same for the “No way! My kid is doing school at home.” Notice, notice, notice. What does this choice feel like?
• Take a day off from social media. Give your heart and mind permission to step back from the steady stream of importantinformation! and advice. Spend this one day listening only to your own inner voice, attending to your own interior life, as you ask, “Should I send my kids back to school?”
• Ask your Self, “What do I need right now?” In a quiet moment, maybe with your hand resting on your heart, ask, “What does my son/daughter need?”

Your kiddo is going to be ok

Most importantly, remind yourself often that a year of disrupted schooling is not going to make or break your child’s education.

I recall a time in the parenting and schooling of my own three sons where I was gripped by anxiety. Overwhelm. Uncertainty for the future. It was an important time of reflection: I was able to ask myself the question,

What really matters in my sons’ education? What will matter in one year? 5 years? In their adulthood? I was surprised to notice that the thing that surfaced as “most important” was not a university degree. Rather, I wondered if I was doing all I could to nurture boys into men who would be capable, helpful, content, hard workers, good humans. The kind of men who could navigate something as crazily disruptive as a global pandemic.

Schooling was disrupted in our lives for a bit back then. They’re all in their twenties, now, and (having achieved different levels of school along the way…via many non-traditional and traditional paths) they’re solid humans. Capable. Helpful and hard working and funny. The kind of men who handle global pandemics with presence of mind.

No right way – wrong way

What if there’s no wrong way to educate your children during the pandemic? Could it be that the answer to, “Should I send my kids back to school?” is…go for it! Or, don’t. Whatever you decide, don’t make yourself wrong. You’re doing the best you can and they’re going to be just fine.

The post Should I Send my Kids Back to School? appeared first on Donate A Car.

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

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

Plan Canada Projects

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

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

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

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

Turning the wheel toward Plan Canada

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

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

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

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

If you would like to proceed with your vehicle donation…

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

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

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

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

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

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