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Frequently Asked Questions about Donating

Will I get a tax receipt?

We automatically provide a tax receipt for every donation of $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 email when you donate online or by mail if you request this method.

What payment methods are available?

Donations are accepted on your MasterCard or Visa card online.

 

We can accept personal cheques donations through the mail. We can also accept direct bank account withdrawal on any monthly donation; to do so, 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,
240- 44 Byward Market Square,
Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 7A2

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 from 9am to 4:30pm.

 

Please leave a detailed message at other times. We do not operate a 24 hour call centre as the costs would be too high and we prefer to spend your donation on the raising of children in need. 

 

Call us toll free at +1 (800) 767-5111 or at +1 (613) 232-3309.

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.

 

Although SOS Children’s Villages Canada is not set up to directly receive vehicles as a form of donation - working on our behalf, Donate a Car Canada will accept your vehicle for donation – running our not! Old or new.Learn More

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. Sponsorships confirm your intent to give regularly and we make sure that 80.5% of the donation reaches the child. Because we raise orphaned children, regular and planned donations help us plan for the children for the long-term.

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.

I have been asked by someone purporting to work for SOS Children’s Village to donate directly overseas. Is this legitimate?

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 programs 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.