A local animal shelter is cautiously optimistic about the federal government’s plan to give you a little more time claiming a donation to your favorite charity on 2024 tax returns.
The Nova Scotia SPCA is one of many charities across the country who took a hit when Canada Postal workers walked off the job.
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Sarah Lyon tells our newsroom they are looking at about a $60,000 shortfall, as a good chunk of their donations typically come through the mail.
However, she says, with the extension introduced Monday, it shows that Ottawa heard their concerns.
“It does say that the government intends to come back to Parliament in the New Year and introduce this legislation. So, it’s not an absolute right now, but it is great that the government heard from charities, and they listened, and they are trying to help us because we are a social safety net. We are, you know, trying to fill big gaps that the government and private sector aren’t.”
Dogs, cats and Taylor Swift
To help bring in much-needed donations, the best way to do it, is to ask.
Lyon tells us their Dogs vs Cats challenge on Giving Tuesday, has been ongoing for years now and has been very successful.
You simply text a picture of a cat, dog or paw prints to vote for what your favorite pet is along with a donation – and once again, cats have come out on top.
“For the fourth year in a row,” Lyon says. “And they’re rubbing our noses in it. The underdogs did not. They put up a good valiant effort. And, you know…in the end…all animals here are winners.”
The challenge raised over $100,000.
In addition to that one, they had the ‘Taylor Swift Cat Challenge’ on the pop superstars’ birthday, December 13, asking for a monetary donation that has significance to Swift.
That one raised $1,000.
Continue to fundraise
Despite the success with those online challenges, many don’t like to contribute that way.
Lyon says the SPCA relies hugely on donors so they will continue with mail campaigns as well.
“We’ve heard from donors who like to give through the mail. They don’t want to give online and so maybe they were waiting for the strike to end. So, this way does help with their taxes.”
A heartfelt thanks
Meanwhile, a very large national charity is giving a heartfelt thanks to the feds for the extension.
The Salvation Army says this “meaningful decision” will have a “lasting impact on Canadians and the vital charitable services they support.”
In a statement, Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for communications, says, “This extension allows us to continue providing uninterrupted services in over 400 communities across Canada and ensures that the most vulnerable among us receive the help they need.”
Introducing legislation
The federal government said it will introduce legislation to make these changes official once Parliament returns in the New Year.
Figures provided by the feds show there are about 86,000 registered charities across the country.
The original deadline was December 31, but with the intention to extend to February 28.
With files from Brad Perry
