Paying it forward…or back…

A Calgary Food Bank donor connected excitedly to give us details about the family car. The car was getting on in years, and had served the family well. Would we consider auctioning it? His reasons were simple, “It is a pleasure to give back to the food bank that fed my family for the first 3 months when we first came to Canada as new immigrants.“

The Calgary Food Bank will surprise you with the (creative!) services they provide. Our Honda donor had good reason for choosing to give back to this work!

In 2019-20 the CFB cranked out 1,356 creative initiatives. These raised $3.4 million in funds and 1.8 million pounds of food.

They have food hampers and community gardens. They rescue food! I mean, This. This is beautiful: between September 2019 and August 2020 they rescued $26,809,910 worth of food (that’s 10, 311, 504 pounds)!

Visit their website, find them on Face Book, and give your local food bank some love. They are helping in very real and very timely ways.

From auction block to lunch box

We are careful about how we assign donated cars, trucks, vans, and motorcycles. Like you, we want to see the highest dollar outcome for each charity. Our experience, our agents, and the ever-fluctuating market direct us in this.

Can the car be re-sold? If the mileage is below 200,000 kms and she’s lookin’ good, we can likely auction or re-sell. Running strong, less than 10 years old? The auction block and buyer buzz will have us on track for strong donation dollars.

If the vehicle is recycle-ready (she’s tired and grumpy and wants off the road), no problem. We have agents that will manage vehicles in virtually any condition. As long as it is intact (no parts missing, please!), and has 4 tires, it’s donation-worthy!

In the case of our small car donor, it was auction time. In less than two weeks, our donor’s car went from submission form to auction platform. And…SOLD! For a donation outcome of over $1,000.00!

This gift will be sent to the Calgary Food Bank this month-end. From submission form, to auction platform, to lunchbox. It’s just that easy!

Goodness is how Canadians roll

We have a series of emails that we use to keep donors in the loop on their donation process. Our CFB donor has been excitedly tracking his step-by-step process, “Thank you for making my dream of touching lives come true.” And that’s it, right? We all really do want to bring a little gentleness and support into each others’ lives.

Your local food bank is one simple way to contribute to your community directly.

Perhaps you and your family are experiencing food insecurity in these wobbly times?

The Calgary Food Bank advises,

“Please call 403-253-2055 to request your emergency food hamper. You must call first as hamper distribution is by appointment only.

Be prepared: we will ask some personal questions like income and basic expenses. This includes government/income supports, rent, mortgage, utilities, childcare, and medical.

Once you have called and been approved for a food hamper, our volunteers will book a you a specific time to pick-up your hamper. Hampers can be picked-up at our main location or one of our satellite locations.

You can validate your IDs virtually making it possible for a Third Party (family member, friends, volunteers, other delivery service etc) to pick-up your hamper in a more timely, safe, and convenient manner.  Find out more information about the process.“

Free tow and donation in 10 minutes

‘Ready to donate your car, truck, van, or motorcycle? Our donation form takes 10 minutes to fill out (it’s easier than setting up an online shopping membership!). Your free tow will happen in a timely manner (typically within 1-5 business days). And from there it’s just a matter of accounting and getting that gift to your charity of choice. Easy, quick, and so good for the cause you love!

The post Calgary Food Bank appeared first on Donate A Car.

How MUCH does a CRV help?

Last week we talked about how our tax receipt amounts are determined. Our 3 option process is definitely affected by a vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Honda and Toyota donations can bring sturdy donation returns. They’re just great vehicles, and they can go for years…and years! We’ve seen 20 year old Honda Accords re-sell for hundreds of dollars for charity.

In just the last few months we’ve had two Honda CRV donations that really filled our We Love This Job tank. Both happened to be donated in Ontario. Despite each being over a decade old, with mileage of over 200,000 kms per vehicle, they sold strong!

Our Mississauga donor drew a donation of $1400.00 for the MS Society. Richmond Hill’s CRV rolled up at over $1900.00 for the World Wildlife Fund!

This is easy!

Donors often come to us uncertain of how best to manage their donation. Can it be re-sold? Should it be recycled? Our MS Society donor had a non-running Honda CRV. Determining how best to process such a gift was outside their wheelhouse.

That’s where we (and our always-helping) agents come in. This method of vehicle “disposal” is so easy for the donor. We gather your donation information via an online form. This is a 10 minute project (do-it-yourself, or with a little phone support from us). We forward the information necessary for towing on to our participating agent nearest you.

And then we wait for payment. Once Donate a Car Canada has that monies in hand, we disburse your gift to whatever charity you’ve picked. The most effort you’ll have to apply (as the donor) is that donation form!

Simple for the charities, too

Furthermore, our 900+ receiving charities have a simplified process. They are not saddled with trying to manage the acceptance, assessment, and selling of donated vehicles. But they do get all of the benefits of that process in the form they need it most: a cash donation.

They’re only task? We ask that they provide you your tax receipt within two months of receiving the monetary return on your donated vehicle.

I want to try this!

You’re a click away. Have the year, make, model, and VIN for your vehicle at hand. We’ll also ask for a mailing address (for your tax receipt), and a pick-up location (for the vehicle).

This is just as easy for estate vehicles. We process running and non-running cars and trucks. Your company vehicle can go through the process, too!

The post Honda CRV Donors Help appeared first on Donate A Car.

Car Gurus have their say

“A capable, spacious, luxury cross-over” is George Kennedy’s summation of the Acura RDX. While, he notes, it’s not that much different from the 2019 model, he has a lot to say about the value and drivability of the RDX.

Trouble spots? He does highlight the Acura’s infamous infotainment system. Users seem to weigh-in as having easily adapted with a little time and savvy. On the other hand, reviewers love to pin their criticism to that component.

TFLCar – The Fast Lane’s review

TFL loves the Acura, but consider the multimedia system, “a nightmare.” From the sounds to the unintuitive radio screen access, this reviewer is super sad about the infotainment and navigation system.

Stay with this video to learn about sport and sport plus modes. The Acura RDX has some fun features to play with!

Honda and Acura vehicle donations

Hondas and Toyotas make for strong donation outcomes. As our decades-plus files show, these makes hold their value well. Furthermore, donated Camrys and Accords bring in some of our highest donation outcomes.

‘Curious about just how that process works? Read more HERE to get a clear and detailed picture of our three method process.

In short, it is very common practice for us to re-sell Acuras, Toyotas, and Hondas. Donating isn’t just for scrap vehicles any more, and when our agents find buyers for donated vehicles like these particular makes, charitable donations can reach into the thousands!

Click below to begin your donation process! Call in and talk to a real (funny and caring) human if you have more questions or curiosities: 1-877-250-4904. We can’t wait to work alongside you on behalf of your charity of choice!

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