Message from Ruth Pearce, Chair, Global Outreach Committee
January 2010
We are all well aware of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and wondering how we can help. Steve Lennon described that devastation Sunday morning in church. As chair of the Global Outreach Committee, Ruth Pearce then briefly provided information and cautions regarding donations. The following expands on that information.
- Be aware that tax credits for charitable donations can be claimed only for donations given in Canada through Canadian sources. For example, donations given to UU UNO on United Nations Sunday had to be clearly addressed to CUC in Canada. CUC provided the receipts for our Canadian donations, and then forward the appropriate donation to our New York office. This may not be an appropriate time to be concerned about tax credits, but we are hoping that you will take that tax credit into account and dig a little deeper when deciding how much to donate.
- The Canadian government has promised to match donations to assist Haiti dollar for dollar. It is unlikely that this doubling of our donation would apply to non-Canadian charities or NGOs, although I have been unable to confirm this explicitly through an internet search.
In brief, to ensure we get the biggest bang for our buck, donate to one of the many Canadian or Canadian based branches of the charity of your choice. Note: I became concerned about this issue following the all church email message from UUSC and UUA regarding their decision to cooperate in a joint appeal for aid to Haiti. USC, however, is a totally different organization from USC Canada, just as UUA differs from CUC: both are based solely in the United States, not in Canada. Accordingly, no Canadian tax credit is possible, and matching Canadian dollars unlikely. CUC subsequently posted a message regarding relief for Haiti on our website suggesting various organizations deemed suitable. To my consternation, again American organizations such as the William J. Clinton Foundation were included, and the UUSC/UUA joint appeal was repeated.
- While many charitable organizations are worthy, I have undertaken considerable research on the internet as well as examining appeals in the Globe and Mail. The following are some recommended organizations, all either based in Canada or with clearly Canadian branches. If you decide to do your own research, be sure to specify Canada on the search subject line.
UNICEF
This is a United Nations organization, and through UU UNO we are affiliated with and support the United Nations. UNICEF has been in Haiti for over sixty years, it is already on the ground. Their web site focuses on their concern with the many children who have been injured and orphaned by the earthquake. You will automatically receive an official Canadian receipt for a donation of $25.00 or more, for lesser amounts a receipt will be issued on request. To donate: Ph. 1 - 877-955-3111, internet: www.unicef.ca/disaster, mail address: UNICEF Canada, 2200 Yonge Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M4S 2C6
Medecines Sans Frontiers/Doctors Without Borders (MSF CANADA)
This organization is appalled and overwhelmed by the number of amputations required. Limbs have been crushed under the fallen debris, there is no alternative. Conditions for such surgery are frightful, hospitals have been destroyed so amputations are taking place in the open or in whatever shelter is available. MSF is flying in inflatable hospitals, and experiencing difficulties at the airport. To donate: Ph. 1-800-982-7903; Internet: www.msf.ca; Mail address: 1-800-982-7903, Mail address: 402-720 Spadina Ave, Toronto ON M5S 2T9.
Canadian Red Cross: Manitoba/Nunavut Office
This well-known organization needs no further description, and it has a Winnipeg office. To donate: Ph. 1-800-982-7903. Internet: http://www.redcross.ca , mail address: PO Box 2441 STN Main, Winnipeg MB R3C 4A7.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
This organization is based in Manitoba, although it has spread worldwide. While its faith base differs from ours, it has an enviable reputation. It is well-established and active in Haiti. The website features a heart rending account by one of its aid workers who lived through the earthquake and, with his voice breaking, gives a live account of what he was seeing and experiencing. There is also a good account of how the matching government funding works:
- an individual donates to MCC Haiti earthquake response. MCC informs the federal government of the amount received from a Canadian individual and explains in detail how the money will be spent;
- the government matches the funds dollar for dollar. The funds can be used for immediate, medium or long term earthquake relief in Haiti.
This follows procedures from previous disasters in China and Burma in 2008 when MCC received a total of $1.9 million in matching funds. MCC, of course, is not alone in benefitting from the generous policy. The example of this substantial amount in matching funds confirms the importance of following the correct procedure when deciding which organization to support so we are indeed getting the best bang for our buck! Matching funding ends February 12th.
To donate: Phone 1-888-622-6337, website: www.mcc.org , mail address: Mennonite Central Committee CANADA, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5KY
We have many superb NGOs and other charitable organizations operating in Canada. Let’s support them as they support the Haitians, for us.
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