Paralympics in the spotlight

Last night was a late night: I stayed up to watch Canada and the U.S. reach for gold in women’s hockey! There is something truly joyful in cheering for those who have worked hard at what they love. Happily, the thrill of witnessing excellence in sport is just a few days in. There is so much more to come in the weeks ahead!

The Canadian Paralympic Committee reports that the games will run from “March 6 to 15 March 2026 and feature six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboarding, wheelchair curling.”

They go on to say that we could have as many as 600 athletes and up to 79 medal events! Visit the CPC website to learn how, “Paralympic athletes are world-class competitors.” They have “…remarkable stories that can make an impact on people of all ages. Paralympic sport is truly super exciting to watch and follow.”

Cheer the team, care close to home

I am writing this from the comfort of my own couch. In fact, I am barely an armchair athlete, let alone a real athlete! Maybe you can relate?

I am aware of “abilities” and “disabilities” in a different way when an Olympic torchlight shines on Canadians. My work history includes some years spent in respite care (in homes, and in the school system). During those years I worked with children and adults with diverse in strengths and abilities. I have some small understanding of what it takes for our differently abled athletes to get where they are. Competition on a world stage is a playful reminder. Let’s cheer and support our fellows for whom everyday life is made more complicated by unique challenges.

Canada is home to charities whose aim it is to ensure accessibility. They work for equality, and inclusion for all Canadians. To that end, these are community-focused works. Some are working in our schools. Many are passionate about ensuring opportunities in work and sports.

While we cheer the wins and losses of athletes in Beijing this winter, we can support those our athletes represent here at home.

Giving where you care

Your car, truck, van, SUV, or motorcycle can help. An unused, unwanted, and in-the-way car turns into big dollars for charity here at Donate a Car!

A quick definition for clarity on who’s who (from one of our charities, Special Olympics BC):

“Special Olympics is solely for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The Paralympics focus more on physical disabilities. The Olympics and Paralympics are about elite competition and specialization…”

Our wish here is simply to bring our attention to our country’s athletes and to all people who are differently abled. That said, are you looking for a charity that is focused on athletics? Look no further! Or, if you prefer to give to a work with a different focus, no problem. Either way, consider one of these groups as your charity of choice:

Cerebral Palsy Alberta

Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA)

Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba

Christian Horizons

CNIB

Connected In Motion

Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre of Calgary

Edmonton Down Syndrome Society

Elves Special Needs Society

Halton Down Syndrome Association

Inclusion Foothills

March of Dimes Canada

Lower Mainland Down Syndrome Society (LMDSS)

Renfrew Educational Services Society

Special Olympics Calgary

Special Olympics British Columbia Society

Spinal Cord Injury BC

Special Olympics Society of Nova Scotia

Special Olympics Ontario

Saskatchewan Cerebral Palsy Association Inc.

Special Olympics Saskatchewan

Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association

Ups and Downs – Calgary Down Syndrome Association

Variety – The Children’s Charity of BC

Voice of Albertans with Disabilities

Wheelchair Basketball Canada

Winnifred Stewart Foundation

YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region

We’re ready to roll when you are

Our online form takes less than 10 minutes to fill out, if you are ready to go ahead. Donations move along at the pace that suits you best. It is standard for a car to go from “donated” to picked-up within 3 – 5 business days. So, if you have a car that needs to get out of the drive way, we can help in a hurry!

We make estate donations easy, too. This can be a gentle way for an executor or Power of Attorney to care for a loved one.

Not only that, business owners find this process quick and efficient. ‘Need to move old fleet or business vehicles? We can tackle the details and move the units so you don’t have to.

Keep this creative sort of human kindness in mind as you settle into the couch to watch your favourite Olympic sport this winter! Better yet, fill in your donation form while watching your athletes go for gold! We’re one click away…

The post Paralympics | Caring at home appeared first on Donate A Car.

Today’s sports news champions Canadian athletes

Have you seen what’s happening in sports this week? From lacrosse to volleyball and golf to hockey, Canadian athletes are the stuff of pure inspiration! The Canada Summer Games have just wrapped up. What a showing! There are milestone moments in so many of our sports this week!

Years of hard work and singular focus make what these athletes do look so easy! Especially from where I sit on my comfy couch! I find myself wondering about what sorts of things they gave up to achieve such feats of endurance. What opportunities presented themselves? Did they always know that the sport they now excel in was their destiny? Does it have anything to do with destiny?

A lot of skill — some innate, some learned and honed. So much grit! And maybe even a little luck tossed in. Which is kind of where you come in…

Creating opportunity for athletes on the rise

Not every playing field is equal. What would it be like for you to be part of putting a bat, or ball, or pair of sneakers in the hands of a young athlete?

Consider what it might be like to lend a hand to athletes who are standing on podiums for Canada. Get curious about how you can assist in keeping talented, hard working Canadians on track doing what they do best. Check in with your local sports-related charities to see where you can get involved in supporting Canadian athletes!

You unwanted or unused vehicle can help!

Giving cool, hard cash is one way to help immediately and efficiently. Here at Donate a Car Canada, you can choose any Canadian charity for your donation! We have a long list of charities supporting Canadian athletes. ‘Have a car, truck, van, or SUV taking up space? Donate to one of these inspired works:

Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA)

Connected In Motion

KidSport Canada

Special Olympics in

Calgary

British Columbia Society

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Saskatchewan

Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association

Wheelchair Basketball Canada

YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region

YWCA Calgary, Edmonton, or Regina

You don’t even need to get up off the couch!

Giving in this way is so easy! You can help your Canadian athletes and get yourself a free tow in the process. The donation form will take you less than 10 minutes. Your tow agent will give you a call to arrange pick-up timing that works well for you. Every detail is taken care of for you at no cost to you, or to the charity you love!

Your donated vehicle will be either recycled or re-sold (whichever means brings in the strongest donation for your cause). You will be kept in the loop every step of the process. Finally, you will receive a tax receipt for your donation!

Not quite ready to donate? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! There you will get an overall feel for how we care for each other and our charities. This is a caring community, here to serve you.

We’re just one click away…

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