Charities that depend on used cars getting fewer donations
Charities that accept cars as donations are reporting a decrease in interest in their programs since the onset of the pandemic.
Over the course of the pandemic, auto manufacturers have produced fewer vehicles due to supply chain issues and chip shortages, leading to major price increases for cars both new and used.It also caused more people to hang onto their current vehicles longer, resulting in a reduction of the number of cars being donated to charities.
Several charities in Canada depend on car donations, either to re-sell or to sell for scrap. The person who donated the car receives a tax receipt in the process.
“We've certainly seen a decrease in the number of donation volumes since the beginning of the pandemic," David Cybulski, managing director of Kidney Car in Ontario, told CTV News Toronto Thursday.
Kidney Car is one of the largest charities accepting used car donations in Canada and has received over 500,000 vehicles in the past 30 years.
Cars to be donated to charity.
Even though the number of donations has dropped, the charity says its revenues have remained steady because the value of vehicles increased.
"The mid-range vehicles, those roadworthy vehicles are in-high demand and we are directly competing with dealerships these days," Cybulski said.
Tammy Hewitt of Scarborough has a 2010 Dodge Caravan that still operates well with low mileage. While she could have sold it herself and made some money, she decided to donate it instead.
Hewitt said Kidney Car will issue her a tax receipt for its value and then use the money from the sale of her vehicle to fund Kidney research.
"It's for a great cause. The car would do nothing here but sit in the driveway or end up in a landfill. This way, it goes to help people and the money goes to a great cause,” she said.
Homeless Cars is another charity that depends on used car donations to help fund its programs.
Amanda Katz, the executive director of Homeless Cars, said while the charity appreciates the vehicles that have been donated, the number of vehicles it's receiving is dwindling.
“Year over year, donations are down significantly. Levels have dropped by 40 to 60 per cent,” Katz said, adding, “people are really holding onto their cars for as long as they can and it just means there are fewer available for donations."
As supply catches up with demand, there may be a shift back to more donations, but charities that count on used cars want to remind the public they're a viable option if you want to donate a car, get a tax receipt and make a difference.
While the majority of vehicles donated are over 12 years old with more than 200,000 kilometers and tax receipts may be about $500 to $1,000, someone recently donated a newer car and got a tax receipt for $20,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.