Beat the Heat

Written By Amanda Katz

When most people think about giving to charity, summer is one of the most critical—and often overlooked—times of the year to support those in need. Especially in the homelessness, housing and food insecurity space.

The Reality

Hard hitting stats:

  • 120 heat-related deaths per year on average in Toronto (2000–2024), with the highest mortality in July and August.

  • The city endures 12–14 days per summer over 30 °C, with projections showing that could spike to 55 days by the 2050s.

  • On any given night, 25,000–35,000 people experience homelessness in Canada, many living in Toronto’s urban heat islands with little shade or cooling.

  • The urban heat island effect leaves homeless individuals especially exposed — without trees, air-conditioning, or refuge — driving heightened risks of heat stroke, dehydration, and chronic health worsening.

What’s Needed

Charities across the country scramble every summer to supply summer life-saving essentials like:

  • Bottled water

  • Sunscreen

  • Cooling towels

  • Shade umbrellas or tents

  • Baseball caps and light clothing

  • Access to air-conditioned shelters

At Homeless Cars, we’ve seen firsthand how summer donations can make a difference in Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary and Edmonton. But demand for these heat-relief items soars while traditional donations slow down during the summer months.

How Vehicle Donation Helps Beat the Heat

Every vehicle donation this summer helps fund our partner organizations, so they can respond faster and more effectively to dangerous heat conditions. Your gift helps someone find shade, stay hydrated, and survive the sweltering days ahead. This means, when you donate your car to Homeless Cars, we turn the proceeds into direct support for charities in your city.

Your car can be transformed into funding for:

  • Bottles of clean water

  • Dozens of sunscreen kits

  • Cooling stations for shelters

  • Emergency transportation or outreach vehicles

Now’s The Time To Act

If you’ve been thinking about getting rid of a vehicle, don’t wait for the holidays. Donate it today and help someone beat the heat tomorrow.

👉 Call 1-833-465-7227 or visit our donation page to donate your vehicle and make a life-saving impact this summer.

Amanda Katz
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