Raj Sablok
Steps to Successful Giving
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eing charitable doesn’t necessarily mean writing a cheque or opening your wallet. Giving away gently used clothes and household items or donating canned goods to the local food bank can have a significant impact. Charity can also be about giving time to a person, project, or event that focuses on the needs of others. It might not always be the most convenient thing in the world for you to do, but it is one of the most worthwhile. Never feel your donation is too small. Every little bit helps. Combined with the donations of others, your donation can make a big impact.
HOW TO CHOOSE A CHARITY What’s Important to you? Think about the issues most important to you. Do you care about the environment? Want to help children? Research the work the charity does. Charities have an obligation to provide detailed information to interested donors. Honest charities encourage your interest and respond to your questions. Never give to a charity you know nothing about.
The Activities? Think about the activities of the organization. Do you want your donation to go toward research that will lead to new knowledge, to direct service that will have an impact now, or to advocacy work that may lead to changes in the way things happen now and in the future?
Every little bit helps. Combined with the donations of others, your donation can make a big impact. Big or Small? If you give your gift to a large organization, it can be part of a bigger whole. If you give to a smaller organization, your single gift may have a larger impact on the charity. Yours could be the donation that helps keep an important program running or allows a new pilot project to start.
Legitimate? Do not be misled by a charity’s name. Some questionable charities use an impressive name that closely resembles the name of a respected and legitimate organization.
Choose an organization that aligns with your beliefs. Also, choose one that uses the donations wisely. High administrative expenditures do not benefit the recipients.
All registered charities in Canada are overseen by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); you can check to see if your charity is registered.
Who? Where?
We are lucky to have so many well-run charitable organizations in BC.
Do you want to help people in your own community or on the other side of the world? Volume 27 Number 4 Winter 2018
Where Does the Money Go?
Ask how much of your donation goes for general administration and The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener
fundraising expenses and how much is left for the program services you want to support. All registered charities make their financial statements public, so that’s a good place to start. Ask to see a copy of their most recent annual report. You’ll be able to assess the basic financials. Once you are satisfied the charity is worthwhile, give generously if you can. Many good charities need your help to operate valuable programs and provide needed services. When you give wisely, you will be giving more effectively.
“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” Dr. Loretta Scott In recent past years, our friends and family have been involved in fundraising for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation (BCCHF), an organization that does incredible research and treatment for taking care of children throughout the Province of BC. We are currently raising funds for the BC Cancer Foundation. The research done in their facility in Vancouver benefits patients in cancer treatment, here in BC and around the world. Our two young boys understand the need to assist; they always help out by holding a lemonade stand or making bracelets to sell. Every little bit helps! s
Former banker Raj Sablok is the wife of BC Notary Akash Sablok and daughterin-law of BC Notary Tarlok Sablok. TABLE OF CONTENTS
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