FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

1.	Q.	How are funds raised?
	A.	Funds are raised through donations collected year-round in Montreal and Toronto In addition, there are a variety of fundraising activities, such as the Sian Bradwell Softball Tournament, which is held in Kirkland and Pierrefonds (Quebec) around the beginning of August. Approximately 500 players participate. the Sian Bradwell-West Island Lakers Basketball Tournament (held in Pointe Claire, Quebec, in late January or early February). There are over 750 youngsters from the age of 6 to 16 in the league “Smiles” [bar code scanning] fundraiser through grocery stores sale of advertising space in the yearbook (which doubles as a programme for the softball tournament) silent auction of prizes (joint last event of the softball tournament) Other fundraising events organised by volunteers
2.	Q.	What is the difference between sponsorship (of a team, advertisement, etc.) and donation?
	A.	A donation is defined as being a contribution that is made without any conditions attached. The donor does not expect anything in return for the gift [other than an receipt for income tax purposes] and does not receive anything other than the receipt. Receipts are issued only for donations and not for sponsorships, where the gift giver receives a benefit (advertisement, banner advertising, logo display, etc.). When a business makes a donation of cash or other property to a charity, it may not be considered as a gift to the charity. Since a gift is deemed as such only when no consideration is received in return, if a business receives promotional value or advertising services in return, a tax receipt cannot be issued. If a company shows $1,000 as a Apromotional expense@ for sponsorship, a 50% write-off can be claimed as a business expense. If $1,000 is given as a donation, 29% of the amount can be claimed as a tax write-off. Businesses are encouraged to declare contributions such as cash donations or sponsorships as a business expense because it is generally of greater advantage to them. The Hospital Foundations can provide a letter confirming sponsorship. In the case of merchandise being donated, it can be more advantageous for a company to take a write-off directly from inventory, which does not necessitate a receipt. Further information is available from the website of the Canada Revenue Agency (C.R.A., formerly Revenue Canada): http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/p113eq.html#P77_2732
3.	Q.	If I make a donation, what portion will go to the hospital?
	A.	100%! As a volunteer-based organisation, we do not pay salaries. All fundraising events are conducted by volunteers. The expenses of running the Fund come from event registrations and other sources but not from donations.
4.	Q.	If I purchase an item in the sports memorabilia auction, can I get a tax receipt for it?
	A.	No. The purchaser receives an item of value and cannot therefore receive a tax receipt because it is not a donation.
5.	Q.	I would like to help. How can I get involved?
	A.	Thank you! We rely entirely on our volunteers, and are deeply grateful for your help. Please refer to the information at: http://www.sianbradwell.com/fund/help.htm If you have any questions or would like further details, please call 514-630-2703 or send an e-mail to: