If you have anything on wheels sitting unwanted in your yard, the Kidney Foundation of Canada wants it.
"In return, is plenty of good car-ma," said Annick Lim, volunteer representative for the Kidney Foundation of Canada who had a kidney transplant in 1999. "People who donate get a charitable tax receipt and get the free tow to clear out their yard. Anywhere from Vernon all the way down to Oliver and Osoyoos."
Recycle for life is an event taking place this weekend where people throughout the Okanagan can donate old unwanted cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles or campers with all the money raised in recycling going to the Kidney Foundation of Canada
The actual recycling event is taking place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Action Metals in Kelowna. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. is the plant tour and car crushing takes place at 3 p.m. A hot dog barbecue, face painting and balloons will also be available for children.
There have been approximately 150 cars donated to the Kidney Foundation through Action Metals in Kelowna in the past year, raising approximately $11,000. The money goes to support life-saving kidney research across Canada, programs and support services, public education and communications, organ donation awareness and foundation development.
The Kidney Foundation of Canada reports that kidney disease is increasing quickly, with more than two million Canadians already affected. As the population ages and as diseases like diabetes and hypertension increase in prevalence, this number is expected to double within the next decade.
An organ donation registry booth will also be set up at the event to help close the gap of the 85 per cent of people who said they would donate their organs to the only 17 per cent who are actually registered. The Kidney foundation said one person alone could save up to eight lives by donating their organs.
Individuals wanting to donate their vehicle to the Kidney Car program can simply call the 1-800-585-4479 number and arrangements will be made to pick it up. This is a provincial pick up service.