Donate a Car Canada is a team of determined, funny, and feisty people! Icy roads and speed bumps are no match for this crew. Sickness? It's nothin'! We will hit the ditch in our efforts to take care of each other. No telling what we will do to tend our donors!
Uvalde. Are you feeling as speechless and heartbroken as I? Are you making any sense of it for yourself? We are not powerless. Here is one way of being with numbing tragedy that hits close even when it happens far away.
“When one reaches out to help another he touches the face of God.” – Walt Whitman
Your kindness counts
Henri Nouwen says, "...our faithfulness to a small task is the most healing response to the illnesses of our time." Kindness matters, and your efforts in the smallest expressions of that goodness can have large effect.
Take a little minute and consider the nature of the acts of kindness that have most put air in your own lungs. Was it a break, a smile, a compliment, a hand up, or a hard-earned treat? Whatever it was, it probably didn't cost the giver much, and it made a difference to your day. What was it like for you to be the recipient? And did you go on to be a giver of the same?
Benefits to bein' nice
Psychology Today notes, "A recent study, Kindness Counts, conducted by researchers from the University of British Columbia and the University of California, Riverside, broke new ground by showing the benefits derived by tweens when they were taught happiness-increasing strategies.
For a month, several hundred 9-11 year-olds performed and recorded three acts of kindness each week for anyone they wished. Another several hundred kept track of three pleasant places they visited during the week.
Not surprisingly, the results were consistent with adult studies. When kids performed acts of kindness or took notice of the pleasant places they visited during the week, they significantly increased feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
But those who performed acts of kindness received an additional benefit. Measuring how well children were liked or accepted by their peers, the study showed those who performed acts of kindness gained an average of 1.5 friends during the four-week period – good support for the idea that 'nice guys finish first.'" (Acts of Kindness: Key to Happiness for Children & Teens)
Three acts of kindness each week? 'Sounds do-able! Let's take up that challenge and make a difference.
Kids. They grip our hearts in a way no one or nothing else can. When we watch the news and see or hear anything that affects a child, there’s a part in all of us that squirms and churns. We want our future adults to be safe, to be raised well and to be productive and hopeful citizens. Some days it’s a little more challenging than others to impart life skills they can use for their lifetime! Continue reading "Parenting: Raising Positive Kids in a Negative World" →
Would you act to right a wrong?
When Cheryl donated her SUV in March of 2012, her intention was to serve and support her area animal shelter. Thanks to her practical compassion (her vehicle raised a donation of $2100.00!) and written feedback, her donated Toyota Rav4 will inspire young people to think beyond themselves to find unique ways to contribute to their communities. Continue reading "Civics 101: Would You Act to Right a Wrong?" →
You have Our Gratitude
Thank you Ireneusz from Edmonton for donating a 2004 Ford Escape to Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
Thank you Peggy from Victoria for donating a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire to Alzheimer Society of BC
Thank you Brian from Abbotsford for donating a 1995 Dodge Spirit to Variety - The Children's Charity of BC
Thank you Gordon from Mallorytown for donating a 1993 Jaguar Sovereign to Brockville and District Hospital Foundation
Thank you Aaron from Richmond for donating a 2004 Acura 1.7el to BC Children's Hospital Foundation
Thank you Surjit Singh from Etobicoke for donating a 2002 Honda Odyssey to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
Thank you Stephanie from Redwater for donating a 2010 Dodge Nitro Utility to Kids Cancer Care Foundation
Thank you Sachin from Mississauga for donating a 1999 Honda Civic to Ronald McDonald House Charities South Central Ontario
Thank you Paul from Chestermere for donating a 1992 Honda Civic to Alberta Cancer Foundation
Thank you Derrick from Strathmore for donating a 1988 Ford F150 to Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society
Thank you Jessica from Ottawa for donating a 2002 Chevrolet Astro to ABLE2 Support for People with Disabilities
Thank you Robyn from Port Coquitlam for donating a 2006 Nissan Sentra to BC SPCA
Thank you Jorgen from Langley for donating a 2004 Ford F350 Crew Cab to Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation
Thank you Jorgen from Langley for donating a 1994 Chevrolet Z71 Half Ton to Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
Thank you Darlene from Winnipeg for donating a 2002 Dodge Caravan to Heart and Stroke Foundation