Frequently asked questions about donating  

Will I get a tax receipt?

We automatically provide a tax receipt for every donation $20 and above. If you include in the preferences that you would like a tax receipt we will also provide a tax receipt for donation amounts under $20.

We will send the tax receipt by mail, for your records.

What payment methods are available?

Donations are accepted on your MasterCard or Visa card online.
We can accept personal cheques and Amex Credit Card via the mail. We can also accept direct bank account withdrawal on any monthly donation, you can send us a void cheque so we can administer your monthly donations.

Please mail cheques to;
Gift Processing,
SOS Children's Villages Canada,
200-244 Rideau Street,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 5Y3

Is donating on-line secure?

With us it is. When you connect to our secure donation form, you are connected via a SSL Certificate which is very secure, like your on-line banking is very secure.

Can I call to donate?

Yes, however we are only able to answer weekdays 9 to 4:30. Please leave a detailed message at other times. We do not operate a 24 hour call centre, the costs are too much for us, we prefer to spend your donation on the raising of orphan children.

Can I donate goods? (car, food, clothing)

We prefer you don't. 
Often the costs of shipping and import border charges are more than the value of the items donated. Money allows us to purchase locally, stimulate the economy, and provide the help more efficiently.

How much of my money will go to the children?

We pay a small credit card transaction fee, the rest is used by the charity to conduct its work to help children. Year-to-year the amount varies for other administration and fundraising costs. Our annual report will provide the most recent and most accurate percentages.

What is the most efficient way to give?

Sponsorships are the most efficient way to give. Donations of  sponsorship confirm your intent to give regularly and we make sure that 82.5% of the donation reaches the child. Occasionally we fundraise for emergency programs, when we do, 100% of the funds raised are directed to the emergency.

Can I get on/off your mailing list?

If you donate to us, we need to keep you on our database for tax receipt purposes.  You will be mailed your tax receipt. 
You can select and change how you would like to be contacted on our donation form or on our update your contact information form at any point. 

Please note, mailings are often arranged two months in advance for costs savings, please allow two months for our system to catch up to contact information changes.

 

 

No. SOS Children’s Villages Canada is the only Canadian licensed charity directed with the responsibility to raise funds from Canadians for the work of SOS Children’s Villages around the world.  We have policies, procedures, oversight and safeguards to make sure the money gets to SOS projects overseas.

No other SOS organization or representative is authorized to raise funds or provide tax receipts for Canadians for the purpose of funding SOS programmes around the world.

If you are contacted by someone claiming to work for SOS Children's Villages, asking for money to be wired or mailed overseas, please get their name and telephone number.  Do not call them back at the number they provide, rather please contact our office at 1-800-767-5111 to confirm that the person works for SOS Children’s Villages. 

 

 

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