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.

Help raise a roof with Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity Canada has been on the leading edge of actively addressing housing security for decades. They envision a world where everyone has a safe place to live.  They bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

“Unfortunately, for too many Canadians, that right is not realized. Canada is in an affordable housing crisis and too many people across the country do not have the homes they need.“

Habitat for Humanity and your donation-ready vehicle

Donate a Car Canada has been serving various H4H branches since 2014. Our early relationship was with the Quebec, Kingston/Limestone, and Victoria branches. Edmonton signed on next, and many other regions followed! Most recently, Sunshine Coast jumped on board!

These various chapters have seen thousands of donation dollars through vehicle donors whose concern is housing insecurity and equity. The Sarnia-Lambton region has received over $40,000.00 in car donations through the years! Others have a smaller showing, but we know there are many more vehicles rolling their way in good time.

Happening in real time!

Cars for homes are being donated as we speak! As I write, we are working on 2 Honda donations for Habitat. A Toyota, Chevy, Lincoln, BMW, and Mini Cooper are all in the works, too. BC and Ontario H4H chapters will be the surprised recipients this month end.

Giving this way is simple, prompt, and free — for donor and charity alike. We manage the process from submission form to pick-up to tax receipt (through CanadaHelps). So, your local H4H branch need do nothing but sit back and wait for your donation dollars to drive right up!

If housing security is your cause of choice, we’re here to help! We’re a click, a call (1-877-250-4904), or a submission form away. We can’t wait to work alongside you in turning your vehicle into valuable donation dollars for Habitat for Humanity!

The post Donate Cars for Homes | Habitat for Humanity Vehicle Donation appeared first on Donate A Car.

CNOY — Coming to a charity near you!

Visit the Coldest Night of the Year official site for so many goodies about the who, what, when, where, why of CNOY!

Here’s a quick peek:

“The Coldest Night of the Year is a winterrific family-friendly 2 or 5 km fundraising walk in support of local charities serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Each year in February, tens of thousands of Canadians step outside the warmth and comfort of home to shine a light of welcome and compassion in their communities. Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised over $75,000,000 across Canada in 190 Canadian communities – 100% of net proceeds stay local to support our CNOY charity partners.” 

About those 5 W’s

CNOY says it best:

• Where: Chances are there is a CNOY location quite near you! If not, you can still walk and fundraise for your local charity offsite in your own community, wherever you are.
•  What: Participants register to walk 2km + 5km, whether at a main event, or offsite with their team.
•  Who: Everyone is welcome! CNOY is family-friendly – participants range in age from toddlers (with parents of course) to active seniors.
•  How: Participants register online to set up their personal Fundhub page. It’s easy to set your goal, add your photo message, and thank donors via email. Donors who give online are receipted within minutes of their secure gift of $20 or more.
•  No Registration Fee: CNOY is 100% free to join! Everyone is welcome to come and fundraise for their local CNOY charity.
•  Impact: By walking in the cold, you’ll feel a hint of the challenge faced by those experiencing homelessness during winter. By fundraising, you’ll be contributing much-needed money to a charity in your town that is bringing hope and help to people in your community who need support.

Raise the roof

Can’t get out the door this time, but wishing to help the cause?

There are so many ways to support your charity of choice. Give to the cause that lands closest to your own lived experience. That could be a wildlife or animal cause. You or your loved ones may be affected by cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or an “invisible” illness. Giving to kids or seniors through sports, theatre, or wellness programs might be what gets your heart goin’.

Engage. Support. Serve. Some days, weeks, months, or years we need to be on the receiving end of supports from local services and charities. At other times, we have the means and capacity to give back! Simply do what feels true for you today — each of us doing our small bit at a time.

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A few events demonstrating how hockey helps Canadian charities

As the title really says it all, let’s jump right in! Here are just a few examples of how hockey helps Canadian charities:

Easter Seal’s Camp Horizon benefited from a tourney today!

The Kimmet Cup is an annual Alberta tournament held to support charities like the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.

And later this month, “Hockey Helps the Homeless will be hosting its 17th annual charity hockey tournament...Since inception, HHTH has granted over $28 million nationally to partner agencies: YWCA Calgary, INN From the Cold, Trellis Society, and Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta.”

Sledge hockey is in the mix, too

The Calgary Sledge Hockey Association was the recipient of a $5,000.00 donation thanks to a Cochrane tourney earlier this year.

And let’s not forget about how road hockey helps Canadian charities!

Have you heard about the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer event? “Join Road Hockey and help create brighter tomorrows for cancer patients everywhere. Not only would you be participating in the world’s largest road hockey fundraiser, but your fundraising efforts will Carry The Fire for a new generation of cancer patients who are counting on The Princess Margaret’s trailblazing work to transform what it means to be diagnosed with cancer.”

Our part in supporting

Not all of us can strap on a pair of skates. And puck handling while skating backward may be a bit beyond our skillset, too! But all of us can add to the work as hockey helps Canadian charities across the country. Every cause in our country is hurting right now. That means that every volunteer hour, every donation dollar, and every unique gift-in-kind is key to charities thriving. There’s a charity near you that aligns with your values. Reach out to them and discover how you can help!

For our part, our everyday work is to facilitate vehicle donation. Do you have an unused, unwanted SUV, car, truck, van, or motorcycle? An estate vehicle that you are unsure what to do with ? Perhaps you are at-the-ready to purchase a new vehicle and are deciding between selling your old one, or trading it in? Consider donating it!

The process is simple, quick, free, and friendly! A quick donation form, a couple of emails, a phone call from a towing company and you’re done! Your vehicle will be re-sold or recycled — whichever brings the strongest donation outcome for your charity of choice. And you, of course, will receive a tax receipt.

While you won’t see us out on the ice any time soon, we can’t wait to serve you here!

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