Minister of National Revenue Visits Vancouver General Hospital to Celebrate National Volunteer Week

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2015) - Canada Revenue Agency

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., met today with the Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society at the Vancouver General Hospital. In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Minister Findlay highlighted the many Government of Canada initiatives that support and celebrate volunteering and charitable giving. These include the First-Time Donor's Super Credit, the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit, the Volunteer Firefighters' Tax Credit, and the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP).

The Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society is the sponsor of a new Vancouver General Hospital program that provides service to first responders dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Government of Canada is also actively supporting Canada's charities, volunteers, and the communities to which they contribute:

• The First-Time Donor's Super Credit allows a 40% federal credit for charitable donations of $200 or less, and a 54% federal credit for the portion of donations over $200 but not exceeding $1,000.
• Search and rescue volunteers and volunteer firefighters can claim $3,000 if they have completed 200 hours of eligible volunteer work within the year.
• The CVITP allows Canadians with modest incomes and simple tax situations to get help in filing their income tax and benefit returns, and in accessing the benefits and credits for which they may be eligible. It provides support to thousands of Canadians across the country every year.

Free volunteer tax preparation clinics are typically offered to eligible individuals across Canada from February to the end of April. Information on CVITP clinic dates and locations can be found at www.cra.gc.ca/volunteer.

Quick Facts

• This year marks the 12^th consecutive National Volunteer Week.
• The First-Time Donor's Super Credit gives an extra 25% non-refundable federal tax credit when a charitable donation tax credit is claimed.
• Last year, over 16,000 CVITP volunteers helped complete more than 600,000 individual income tax and benefit returns in communities across Canada.
• Qualifying responsibilities for the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit and the Volunteer Firefighters' Tax Credit include:
• Responding to and being on call for firefighting, search and rescue, and related emergency calls;
• Attending meetings held by the fire department or search and rescue organization; and
• Participating in required training related to preventing or suppressing fire or search and rescue services.

Quotes

"Our Government is proud to recognize hardworking volunteers during National Volunteer Week. Volunteers are community builders, whether by putting their lives on the line in emergency services, raising funds, or a multitude of other activities, they are improving the lives of neighbours. We salute these selfless acts."

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue

"Last year, over 2,000 organizations and their 16,000 volunteers assisted Canadians through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. We thank the volunteers who help seniors, students and families of modest means file for their tax credits and benefits."

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue

"The Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society (VFCS) is extremely honoured to be participating in National Volunteer Week with Minister Findlay here in Vancouver. At VFCS, we have over 700 dedicated members who volunteer in their off-duty time. We not only put out fires, but respond to all types of emergencies including medical, car accidents, HAZMAT, rescue, and much more. We are thankful to the Government of Canada for providing tax credits that will help VFCS with our important charitable work, which allows us to enhance the health of, and create positive outcomes for, vulnerable people."

Nils Gorseth, Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society

"Grassroots charities like the Vancouver Fire Fighters' Charitable Society (VFCS), allow our Foundation to significantly improve specialized health care and research for British Columbians. We are proud to partner with the VFCS and are grateful for their contribution during National Volunteer Week and throughout the year."

Barbara Grantham, President & CEO, VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation

Associated Links

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2013/qa01-eng.html

www.cra.gc.ca/firefighter-searchandrescue

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