As a charity, Epilepsy Ontario relies on the generous support of donors (people like you!) in our outreach efforts to Ontarians living with epilepsy. Without any government funding, we rely solely on donations, foundation and corporate grants and fundraising activities to sustain our work.
Ethical Fundraising Practices
Epilepsy Ontario is committed to accountability and transparency. Our fundraising culture is donor-centered and ensures that the funds you raise and the dollars you donate are used to improve the quality of life for people have Epilepsy. Epilepsy Ontario is dedicated to ethical fundraising and financial accountability. In January 2012 the board of directors adopted the Donor Bill of Rights. We invite you to read this document by clicking here.
If you have any questions or concerns about our fundraising policies and practices, please contact us at [email protected].
Where does our money go?
The funding we get enables us to provide information about epilepsy and make referrals. Our website is a go-to resource for people who are newly diagnosed with epilepsy as well as their families. From types of seizures and first aid to treatments and coping methods, we want to dispel myths and replace them with facts.
Advocacy is another important initiative we support with our funding. We are working with all levels of government to improve support services and employment equity for people with epilepsy. Purple Day and Epilepsy Action Day are just a couple examples of the ways we are raising our voices to fight the stigma.
We also use our funding to organize provincial programs for young people living with epilepsy like the OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship and Summerfest. Students can apply for the annual scholarship to pursue post-secondary education. For children aged six to 16, Summerfest is their ticket to an unforgettable summer at Camp Couchiching in Longford Mills.
How can you help?
Monetary donations
Your personal contribution can help us reach our goals. To make a donation and change a life today, you can either mail a cheque to Epilepsy Ontario or to make a gift online, visit Canada Helps. You may dedicate your donation to someone special or set up a monthly donation to continue your support all year long.
Gifts of Stock and Securities
If you own shares or mutual funds that are publicly traded on certain stock exchanges you can receive extra tax savings by donating them to Epilepsy Ontario. Not only can you offer financial support to people living with epilepsy in Ontario, but you can receive significant tax savings.
By giving shares directly to a registered charity, like Epilepsy Ontario, only 25 per cent of your capital gain will be taxable, compared to the normal 50 per cent. The tax benefits can equal as much as 50 cents for every dollar of stock you donate. Stock donations can be made online at Canada Helps.
For corporate contributions that make a real difference in the lives of people with epilepsy, please contact Epilepsy Ontario, to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Car donations
Do you have a car sitting unused in your garage? Visit CharityCar.ca to learn how you can give your old vehicle new life. Not only is it environmentally friendly to recycle your car, but your car could make all the difference to a family in need.
How does it work?
- Fill out the online form to donate your vehicle to Epilepsy Ontario
- After submitting the online form, you will receive a call within 24 to 48 hrs to arrange a time to pick up your vehicle.
- CharityCar will assess your car’s value for scrap metal.
- CharityCar will send 100 per cent of the donation to Epilepsy Ontario.
- Epilepsy Ontario will provide you with a tax receipt for the full amount of the vehicle donation.
- Ethical Fundraising Practices – See our commitment to ethical fundraising practices
Shoppers Optimum Points
Have you been collecting Shoppers Optimum Points? Thanks to our friends at Shoppers Drug Mart, you can show your support and appreciation for Epilepsy Ontario by donating your points. It’s as simple as buying the products you normally would, having the Points credited to your Points account, and visiting the donation site.
Your donated points will help us purchase:
- products and supplies for our clients,
- office materials,
- special event and fundraising needs and
- anything else available through Shoppers Drug Mart that we might otherwise use our scarce resources to obtain.
If you do not presently have a Shoppers Optimum Card, simply fill out an application form at any Shoppers Drug Mart location and start collecting Shoppers Optimum Points right away.
Planned Giving
Leaving a gift in your estate can make a long-lasting statement about your life, and offers you a way of being remembered well into the future. It may also be a way for you to make a gift larger than you ever imagined.
A planned gift ensures that our work at Epilepsy Ontario continues to support people living with epilepsy through client services, counseling, information and referral services, education, and advocacy across the province. You can choose to support us right away or later through your estate. By planning ahead, you can make a gift that may also impact your future income, your current tax position and the size of your estate.
All gifts, large or small, are important; and can make a significant difference.
Some of the benefits of making a planned gift to Epilepsy Ontario include:
- Tax advantages under current laws
- Giving can be tailored to your personal and financial circumstances
- Your donation is made from assets, not current income.
- Gifts are planned today for distribution at some time in the future.
Most of the gifts involve planning, but are easy to arrange. Your financial or estate advisor can help you structure your gift.
Types of Planned Gifts
- Bequests
- Life Insurance
- Securities and Mutual Funds (with Canada Helps)
- Registered Plans (RRSP and RRIFs)
Information about these options is not intended to be specific financial planning or legal advice. Epilepsy Ontario strongly recommends that you consult your legal advisor, financial planner and family members when considering a planned gift to ensure your financial goals are considered, your tax situation is reviewed, and your planned gift is tailored to your circumstances. To view or download our Planned Giving brochure (click here).
For further information, please contact our Epilepsy Ontario at 905-474-9696 or by email at [email protected].
Thank you for supporting Epilepsy Ontario. We couldn’t do it without you!
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Upcoming Events
Visit this page to see all our upcoming events.