Non-profit organizations in the Kawarthas region are hoping to “create a movement of generosity” by inspiring residents to donate their taxpayer rebates from the provincial government to local charities.
Laurie Dillon-Schalk, executive director of the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, which represents 15 non-profit organizations, is encouraging people to consider giving the $200 cheque they receive from the Ford government to their local charity of choice.
The $200 taxpayer rebate is being sent to all eligible adults in Ontario who filed their 2023 income tax and benefit return by December 31, 2024. Families who qualify for the Canada Child Benefit payment will also receive a separate cheque totalling $200 for each eligible child under age 18.
“We are very grateful that Ontario is offering families timely relief from the high cost of living,” Dillon-Schalk told kawarthaNOW.
She estimates “well over” $10 million will be injected into the City of Kawartha Lakes from the rebate cheques. That number is approximately $20 million when it includes the City of Peterborough.
“These funds will help many families,” Dillon-Schalk said. “At the same time, there are some families who are fortunate enough to want to make their $200 go further. As a collective of 15 major charities, we recognized that if we could encourage just five per cent of those who receive cheques to donate, we could create major support to non-profits at this critical time.”
“We are in this together. We need residents to recognize the impact of their dollars. We urge those who can donate, to donate, especially into the local charities that support the well-being of our community.”
She is hopeful to initiate “a movement of generosity.”
When asked about what the sparked the idea, Dillon-Schalk said that, prior to the holidays, the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, in partnership with Kawartha Works Community Co-op and the City of Kawartha Lakes municipality, consulted with more than 25 social service organizations or municipal service representatives as part of planning for a Vital Signs research project study measuring the well-being of the community.
In these discussions, they ended the sessions with the question: are you in crisis?
“While we knew demand would be high for social service, we were surprised. Our service organizations were experiencing extremely high levels of demand — unprecedented. For some non-profit veterans, even those with 25-plus years (in operation), the need was higher than ever before seen in people’s careers,” she noted.
“So, demand/need is high, capacity is thin, and funds are low, especially following the postal strike.”
The roughly month-long Canada Post strike between November and December 2024 prevented many organizations’ holiday donor letters from landing in people’s mailboxes.
The postal strike had a similar impact on non-profit organizations in Peterborough, said the Peterborough and Area Fundraisers Network (PAFN). PAFN, along with local non-profit organizations in Peterborough, is urging residents “to seize this opportunity to give back.”
“Charities in Peterborough play a vital role in addressing urgent needs while also fostering a stronger, healthier, and more equitable community,” said Isabel Botha, chair of PAFN, in a media release.
“The need in our community is great and we encourage those who can do so to donate to a local charity close to their heart. Donating your rebate is a simple but impactful way to support these organizations’ efforts and make a difference.”
There are nearly 400 registered charities providing services across the City and County of Peterborough, according to the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough’s 2024 Vital Signs Report. These organizations are dedicated to a wide range of causes, including Indigenous education, environmental conservation, youth mentorship, and community care.
“The overwhelming community response to the proposed funding cuts by the City of Peterborough late last year underscores how deeply valued the charitable sector is to all of us,” Botha told kawarthaNOW, referring to a proposed 25 per cent across-the-board funding cut to 75 arts and social services organizations in the city’s 2025 draft budget that city council ultimately rejected after intense community opposition.
“It was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together to advocate for the resources and programs that sustain our collective well-being,” Botha added.
She said that, according to CanadaHelps’ 2024 Giving Report, the number of Canadians making charitable donations continues to decline, while service usage in the charitable sector is at an all-time high.
“Supporting a charity whose mission aligns with your personal priorities or passions is, therefore, an impactful way to drive tangible change and help build the kind of community we all want to live in.”
