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
JoAnne Korten, Executive Director, [email protected]
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