December 31st is rapidly approaching. If parties, last minute business appointments and family events have prevented you from writing that check to your favorite charity. Not to worry. You have until 11:58 pm, Dec. 31st to make your donation.
If your charity has a website with a Donation Button, you can go directly to the website, use your trusty credit card and make your gift from the comfort of your home.
Depending on how busy the donation site is, you will have your tax receipt in a few hours and all ready for next year’s tax remittance.
If your charity doesn’t have a website but is registered with CRA, the website for CanadaHelps.org will have them listed on their website and you can go directly to them.
Remember when you are thinking about last minute gifts, a great way to show you are thinking about that special person who has everything, make a gift in their honour. They don’t have to dust, water or polish it and you get the tax write-off!
When you are thinking about who to make a donation to, think about your favourite environmental or arts organization. Canadians and Americans only give 2-3% to these charities.
A gift to your favourite charity is a great way to invest in a happy, healthy and prosperous future.
The irony with the environmental organizations especially, is they are working to prevent many of the illnesses that catch our eye. With the arts organizations they make our lives richer and more enjoyable and worth living.
Even the Hon. Kevin Falcon via the Gateway Report on the South Fraser Perimeter Road admits there are going to be more jobs in the health sector because there is going to be an increase in respiratory and cancer illnesses due to the road! You don’t have to donate to research to find that out. It has already been done for you.
If you don’t like giving over the internet, call your favourite charity and give over the phone or drop into their office. Phone first. With this weather you can’t be sure someone will be in the office. So I recommend you seriously consider giving through the internet.
If you chose to mail a check, make sure that the envelope is stamped by Dec. 31st. The best way to make sure this happens, mail early or mail it at your local post office.
While you are thinking about your New Year’s resolutions, think about updating your will and include your favourite organization. For heaven’s sake, use a lawyer who is an expert in wills or you can create more problems for your favourite charity–and that is not your intent.
While you are at it, contact your insurance agent and ask him/her about taking out an insurance policy listing your favourite charity. You pay the dues and get a tax receipt for them while you are still here to enjoy the tax benefits. And it doesn’t affect your family’s inheritance.
Again, talk to someone who is knowledgeable about this so that you do it right for the maximum benefit for you and your favourite charity.
All the best for a happy, prosperous green future filled with music and all those things that inspire us.
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