Straight answers.

In most cases, gifts to a registered charity can reduce the tax you owe, as allowed by law where you live. The exact benefit depends on your situation, so check with a tax professional. We send an official receipt for every eligible gift.

Online gifts get an emailed receipt right away. Monthly givers get one combined receipt each February for the year before.

Yes. Choose a response fund or a program when you give. Gifts to where it is needed most help the most, because they let us stock up before the next disaster.

We say so on the response page. Extra gifts then go to the Readiness Fund, which stocks the next response. If you would rather not, call us and we will move your gift.

We ask for money, because donated goods take time and money to sort, store and truck. A gift lets us buy exactly what is needed, close to where it is needed, often at bulk prices.

Call the donor line or email us. You can change the amount, pause or cancel at any time, no questions asked.

In our example fiscal 2025 report, 84 cents of every dollar went to programs and responses, 10 cents to fundraising and 6 cents to administration. The full breakdown is on our transparency page.

An independent, licensed accounting firm audits our statements every year. We publish the audited statements and a plain-language summary.

Because finding new donors costs something. We keep that cost low and report it every year, so you can judge it for yourself.

We respond when local emergency managers or partner groups ask for help, and when we have the people and supplies to do it well.

Always. We partner with town offices, Indigenous governments, faith groups, food banks and community centres. They know their community better than we do.

Shelters and meals run for days or weeks. Rebuilding and recovery support can last up to a year after a major response.

No. We train you for free. Trades roles need a licence or real experience, and recovery visitors are screened.

Most roles are for people 18 and over. Teens aged 15 to 17 can help in the warehouse with a parent or guardian's consent.

Please don't. Untrained helpers can slow things down. Sign up now, train in the quiet months, and we will call you when we need you.

If you are in danger, call 911. For shelter, meals or recovery help, call our line or visit any shelter or recovery centre we run. Our help is free.

No. You do not need insurance to get help from us, and we will never turn someone away from a shelter for lack of ID.

Yes. We only share it with your permission, and only with groups that can help you.