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Frequently Asked Questions


Parkinson Society Canada is a registered Canadian charity funded mostly through contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. With your help and others like you, we continue to fulfill our mission - providing education, support services, advocacy and research that benefit Canadians living with Parkinson’s and their families.

Thank you for your interest in the work we do and the services we provide.

Frequently Asked Questions
How does my donation make a difference?
Why should I choose Parkinson Society Canada as my Parkinson's charity?
How can I donate to Parkinson Society Canada?
How do I make a donation in honour or in memory of someone?
What is the most efficient way to donate to Parkinson Society Canada?
What is a corporate matching gift?
Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?
When will I receive my tax receipt?
Will Parkinson Society Canada sell or trade my name and address?
What if I do not want to receive correspondence from Parkinson Society Canada?
Do I have any rights as a donor?
Parkinson Society Canada is a member of Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. Why is this important and what does it mean for me?
How much does Parkinson Society Canada spend on fundraising?
Does Parkinson Society Canada hire external fundraisers who work on commissions?
How much government funding does Parkinson Society Canada receive?
How can I contact Parkinson Society Canada?
What is Parkinson Society Canada’s charitable registration number?

If you have additional questions, please contact us at 1-800-565-3000 or donating@parkinson.ca.

Q. How does my donation make a difference?

A. Your donation enables Parkinson Society Canada to provide education resources, support services, advocacy and research funding.

With the support and funding of committed Canadians, Parkinson Society Canada is able to provide educational workshops, conferences, a toll free National Information and Referral Centre, print materials in Canada’s both official languages and support services. Our advocacy initiatives are helping to change policy at all levels of government. We have a proud tradition of funding Canadian-based research engaging top scientists in the study of Parkinson’s disease.
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Q. Why should I choose Parkinson Society Canada as my Parkinson's charity?


A. Parkinson Society Canada is the only Canadian charity dedicated to providing support for people living with Parkinson’s disease every single day of the Parkinson’s journey. Through its regional partners across Canada, Parkinson Society Canada is providing education and support services and advocating on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s disease. As well Parkinson Society Canada’s National Research Program funds research into the cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment and/or understanding of Parkinson’s disease, related disorders including: Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), other Parkinson’s conditions and the impact these diseases have on society. Parkinson Society Canada has the expertise and knowledge to do this effectively nationwide and in Canada’s two official languages, English and French.

Parkinson Society Canada has been serving Canadians since 1965.
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Q. How can I donate to Parkinson Society Canada?

A. You can donate onlineby phone, by mail or in person. You can make a donation by cash, cheque, money order or credit card (please do not send cash in the mail).

Other ways to donate include monthly donations, gifts of securities or by remembering Parkinson Society Canada in your will. For more information, see our donation section.
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Q. How do I make a donation in honour or in memory of someone?

A. You can make a memorial or in honour gift online, by mail, or by calling our office at 1-800-565-3000. When you make a donation in honour or in memory, Parkinson Society Canada will send a personalized card on your behalf, if requested. Tribute gifts are a wonderful way to remember or honour a loved one, friend or colleague.
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Q. What is the most efficient way to donate to Parkinson Society Canada?


A. An automatic debit or credit card monthly donation is the most efficient way to donate to Parkinson Society Canada. This automated method of giving keeps our fundraising costs down while ensuring that we have a regular source of income to fund ongoing projects and research. It's simple to set up and you’re always in control. You can change or stop your donation at any time simply by contacting us.

You may also wish to consider leaving a gift to Parkinson Society Canada in your will. A considerable portion of our funding comes from people who leave a lasting legacy in this way. These gifts play an important role in how Parkinson Society Canada shapes programs and services.
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Q. What is a corporate matching gift?


A. Many corporations have matching gift programs. When you make a donation to Parkinson Society Canada, your company will provide an equal or “matching” donation, thereby doubling your gift. It's an easy way to multiply the impact of your contribution to supporting people living with Parkinson’s disease. Talk to your employer to find out if your company has such a program and how you can participate.
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Q. Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?


A. Yes. For all donations of $20.00 or more, Parkinson Society Canada will automatically issue an official tax receipt. However, if your gift is less than $20.00 and you would like an official tax receipt, please let us know and we will be happy to send you one.
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Q. When will I receive my tax receipt?


A. Parkinson Society Canada’s goal is to send receipts to our donors within two weeks of receiving a donation. For donors who have chosen to give each month through our pre-authorized monthly giving program, receipts are sent out once a year at the end of January. For Parkinson SuperWalk donations you will receive your receipt by the end of January. Receipts for online donations are sent to the email address provided within 48 hours of making the donation.
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Q. Will Parkinson Society Canada sell or trade my name and address?


A. Parkinson Society Canada will not sell or trade your name and address if you let us know. We respect your privacy and do not sell personal information. To keep our fundraising costs low and to find new donors, we do trade donor names and addresses with other carefully selected organizations occasionally. However, if you request that we not trade your name and address, we will honour your request and code your file accordingly in our database.
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Q. What if I do not want to receive correspondence from Parkinson Society Canada?


A. If you do not want to receive correspondence from Parkinson Society Canada, simply tell us. We want to keep you informed on how your money is being used to bring hope to people living with Parkinson’s, but we do not want to send unwelcome material. Contact us at 1-800-565-3000 or donating@parkinson.ca.

If you prefer to receive communication by email only (not by mail or phone), let us know and we will accommodate your request
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Q. Do I have any rights as a donor?


A. Yes, donors have many rights. Parkinson Society Canada has adopted A Donor Bill of Rights (PDF) that was developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. At Parkinson Society Canada, we believe that current and prospective donors should have full confidence in the causes they are asked to support.
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Q. Parkinson Society Canada is a member of Imagine Canada’s Ethical Code Program. Why is this important and what does it mean for me?

A. The Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code (Ethical Code) lays out a set of standards for charitable organizations to manage and report their financial affairs responsibly. By adhering to these standards, charities are complying with generally accepted practices for soliciting and managing donor dollars. (source : www.imaginecanada.ca)

This is important because, as a donor, you want the greatest impact for your investment and you need to know that your donation is making a difference.

Parkinson Society Canada is one of more than 400 charities in Canada to meet the Code’s fundraising and accountability standards. You can feel confident that your donation is being managed in a responsible way.

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Q. How much does Parkinson Society Canada spend on fundraising?

A. Parkinson Society Canada spends 27% of total expenses on fundraising. This percentage is well within the Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for registered Canadian Charities which states that 35% is an acceptable amount to spend on fundraising activities. A complete breakdown is available in our 2010-2011 Annual Report and our 2010-2011 Audited Financial Statements.
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Q. Does Parkinson Society Canada hire external fundraisers who work on commissions?

A.
No.
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Q. Is Parkinson Society Canada funded by the government?

A. Parkinson Society Canada does not receive regular government funding. Last year only 4% of revenue came from government grants. We rely on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations for ongoing support.
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Q. How can I contact Parkinson Society Canada?


A. Telephone: 1-800-565-3000
Email: donating@parkinson.ca
Website: www.parkinson.ca
Mail: Parkinson Society Canada
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 316
Toronto, ON M2P 2A9
Canada

You may also follow us on Twitter (ParkinsonCanada) and Facebook.
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Q. What is Parkinson Society Canada’s charitable registration number?

A. 10809 1786 RR0001. Parkinson Society Canada’s charitable registration number includes three regional partners: Parkinson Society Central & Northern Ontario, Parkinson Society Manitoba and Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.
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