Children's charitable foundation concerned by CRA's aggressive tactics

TORONTO, May 14, 2015 /CNW/ - The Giving Tree Foundation of Canada ("The Giving Tree") today called upon the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") to stop its unfounded, callous campaign to revoke The Giving Tree's charitable status.

The Giving Tree's donor-directed dollars – millions of which fund over 20 Canadian children's charities – are now in jeopardy due to the CRA's aggressive bullying tactics. The Toronto based charitable foundation gives millions of dollars to children's charities across the country that provide essential services and core programs for young people and their families.

"Our entire program is at risk of being shut down. After several requests, the CRA has not provided any opportunity to meet and discuss the issue," said JoAnne Korten, The Giving Tree's Executive Director.

"We've always been open and transparent and the giving program has passed numerous detailed audits. The CRA's heavy handed approach is putting essential children's programs at risk. It's completely disheartening," said Korten. "These children need an advocate, and we view that as our role. We must be allowed to continue to support community charities and the good work that they do."

"The donation structure is entirely appropriate, legitimate and within the bounds of law as it stands and as was intended," said Vern Krishna, CM, QC, former President of the Law Society of Upper Canada, former Chief of Tax Policy & Legislation in the Department of Finance, and architect of the original federal Charity Donation Rules and Structure.

Thus far, The Giving Tree has provided millions in funding to various Canadian children's charities including:

Leave Out Violence	The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation	Youth Without Shelter
JACS Toronto	Maria Montessori Preschool & Elementary Inc.
Make-A-Wish Canada	Canuck Place Children's Hospice Foundation
Legacy Foundation of Canada	Special Olympics Canada
Geneva Centre for Autism Foundation	IWK Health Centre Foundation
Delisle Youth Services	Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation
Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation	Toronto Jewish Free Loan
WCPD Foundation	Youthdale Treatment Centre Foundation
BC Children's Hospital Foundation	Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation	Engage and Change
The Hincks-Dellcrest Foundation	Congregation Darchei Noam
Sports Alliance IS Development Fund	Reconstructionist Synagogue
The Portage Foundation	Regent Park School of Music
Vancity Community Foundation	Chai Folk Arts Council
The Spatz Foundation	MREA Shelter Foundation
Queen's University	President's Choice Children's Charity
University of Waterloo	East Metro Youth Services
Hope House Youth Charities	Sunny View Youth Association
The Gardiner Museum	One Family Fund
Ingersoll Community Foundation	Chai Lifeline (Canada) Inc.
Out of the Cold Program - Holy Blossom Temple
AARC Foundation

SOURCE The Giving Tree Foundation of Canada

Image with caption: "The Giving Tree Foundation of Canada (CNW Group/The Giving Tree Foundation of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150514_C6560_PHOTO_EN_16665.jpg

For further information: JoAnne Korten, Executive Director, [e-mail]