May 25, 2007
Popular booklet reissued in more accessible forms
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The popular booklet "Charitable Giving: Be a Wise Donor" has been reprinted in different formats to make the information more accessible to a larger audience.
The publication aims to help New Brunswickers make informed decisions about giving money to non-profit organizations and registered charities. It has been reprinted in a large print format, in Braille and has been transcribed to audio CD. These new formats will be made available to the public through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) and public libraries.
"One of the main target audiences for this information is seniors because they are often targets of frauds," Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister T. J. Burke said. "Therefore, it is important that we get this information out to them in formats that meet their needs."
Deborah Doherty, executive director of Public Legal Education Service - NB (PLEIS-NB) said her organization welcomed the recommendation from the CNIB to make these materials more accessible. "We worked with them to publish these materials, because it was clear from our first launch that there was a demand for this information," she said.
Since the booklet was released four months ago, PLEIS-NB has distributed over 10,000 copies. Free copies of the publication in its original format are available to the public through Service New Brunswick, public libraries, and PLEIS-NB. Doherty said that organizations seeking larger quantities for distribution to clients, volunteers and donors should contact PLEIS - NB directly.
The booklet addresses the question: 'When someone from a charitable organization knocks on my door, calls on the phone, contacts me by email or mails me a donation form, how can I be a wise donor?' It outlines six steps to take in deciding whether to donate or not; explains the difference between registered charities and non-profit groups; explains the difference between a tax deductible receipt as opposed to a 'receipt' and provides tips on what kinds of questions to ask, and factors to consider when giving, and where to get information to determine if a charity is legitimate.
The booklet was published by PLEIS-NB, Consumer Affairs Branch, New Brunswick Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs and the Canada Revenue Agency.
