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Dr. Hiremath has always believed in giving back, but the decision to donate his car to Kidney Car for a second time was driven by a sense of purpose. The aging vehicle in his driveway, a car that had served his family faithfully for 14 years was near the end of its road. Dr. Hiremath knew it could become something far more valuable if given to Kidney Car.

He remembered the ease of his previous experience with Kidney Car. The process was smooth: a simple online form, a friendly call from the towing service, and a quick, seamless handover to the tow truck driver. And still, a gesture so easy could have such a lasting impact.

For Dr. Hiremath, the true reward was not the tax receipt, or the cleared space in his driveway, but the knowledge that his donation would support real people. Dr. Hiremath understands the challenges of living with kidney disease, as a kidney specialist, he helps people in his community every day come to terms with the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. He also believes in the tangible, everyday support provided by The Kidney Foundation of Canada – The Peer Support program, patient handbooks that help arm newly diagnosed patients with information and short term financial assistance that directly helps families managing life with kidney disease.

His family felt the weight of this decision in their own way. His older son, who learned to drive in this car and had used it for months before it was donated, was especially sentimental. The car held memories of long drives, shared laughter and the pride of a parent watching a child grow more independent. “It’s not just a car - it’s a vessel for family stories and milestones,” Dr. Hiremath said.

In donating this vehicle, Dr. Hiremath knew he was also passing on a legacy. His old vehicle, once a place for family memories, would now drive a different purpose- supporting patients and families with kidney disease, and perhaps inspiring someone else to make a similar choice. Dr. Hiremath’s story of his generosity was not just about his car, but about a simple and powerful way that people can help one another.

To learn more about the Kidney Car program, visit kidneycar.ca.