Donor FAQ

Parkinson Canada is a registered Canadian charity funded through contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. Your support allows us to fulfill our mission – by providing education, support services, advocacy and research that benefit people affected by Parkinson’s in Canada.

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

We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have. Please contact our Donor Care Team:

How does my donation make a difference?

With your support, Parkinson Canada provides help and hope for thousands of people affected by Parkinson’s in Canada. We provide education, events, resources, and guidance to people living with Parkinson’s via phone and email.

Our advocacy initiatives are helping to change policy at all levels of government. We have a proud tradition of funding research, engaging top scientists in the study of Parkinson’s.

Why should I choose Parkinson Canada as my Parkinson’s charity?

Parkinson Canada is the only national Canadian charity dedicated to providing support for people living with Parkinson’s every single day of their Parkinson’s journey. We provide education and support services and advocate on behalf of people living with Parkinson’s. Our research Program funds research into the cause, prevention, improved treatment and understanding of Parkinson’s. We work tirelessly to challenge the stigma that so many people with Parkinson’s face, raising awareness of both the condition and the support available to live well.

How can I donate to Parkinson Canada?

You can donate online or by contacting us at 1-888-664-1973. You can make a donation by cash, cheque, money order or credit card. Please do not send cash in the mail. 

If you wish to donate via e-transfer or EFT/direct deposit, please contact us at 1-888-664-1973 or email donate@parkinson.ca

Other ways to donate include monthly donations, gifts of securities or by remembering Parkinson Canada in your will. For more information, see Give your way

What is the most efficient way to donate to Parkinson Canada?

An automatic debit or credit card monthly donation is the most efficient way to donate to Parkinson Canada. This 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 is simple to set up and 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 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 Canada shapes programs and services. 

What is a corporate matching gift?

Many corporations have matching gift programs. When you make a donation to Parkinson 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. Talk to your employer to find out if your company has such a program and how you can participate. 

Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes. All donations made by mail or phone will receive an official tax receipt for amounts of $20 or more via email.

If your gift is less than $20 and you would like an official tax receipt, please let us know by contacting us at 1- 888-664-1973 or donate@parkinson.ca and we will be happy to send you one. 

When will I receive my tax receipt?
  • After the transaction is completed, receipts for online donations are automatically sent to the email address provided.  
  • For monthly donors and/or Parkinson Canada SuperWalk donations, you will receive your receipt by the end of January.  
  • We strive to provide all other kinds of receipts to our donors within two weeks of receiving a donation.
Will Parkinson Canada sell or trade my name and address?

Parkinson Canada will not sell your name and address. We respect your privacy and do not sell personal information. If you do not wish to be contacted by our partner charities, please let us know by contacting 1-888-664-1973 or email donate@parkinson.ca.

What if I do not want to receive correspondence from Parkinson Canada?

We love to keep you informed about how your gift is being used to bring support and hope to people living with Parkinson’s. However, if you would prefer not to receive correspondence from us, please let us know by contacting us at 1-888-664-1973 or donate@parkinson.ca

If you prefer to receive communication by email only (not by mail or phone), please let us know and we will accommodate your request. 

Do I have any rights as a donor?

Yes, donors have many rights. Parkinson Canada has adopted A Donor Bill of Rights (PDF) that was developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. At Parkinson Canada, we believe that current and prospective donors should have full confidence in the causes they are asked to support. 

Can I request a refund for a donation I’ve made?

As a registered charity, Parkinson Canada is required to follow the guidelines established by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which state that donations cannot be returned. As such, refunds are only issued under extenuating circumstances. 

To request a refund to be considered, please contact us at 1-888-664-1973 or donate@parkinson.ca

If a refund is granted, we will cancel the original donation receipt issued to you and file an information return with CRA, if the fair market value of the returned donation is more than $50. Please visit the CRA website for further guidelines on this topic.

Parkinson Canada received accreditation under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program. Why is this important and what does it mean for me?

The National Standards Program is a Canada-wide set of shared standards for charities and nonprofits to demonstrate their compliance in five fundamental areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.. The Accreditation signals to donors that the organization has undergone a rigorous peer review of their practices. Parkinson Canada is one more than 40 organizations in Canada to obtain this highest accreditation standard

Is Parkinson Canada funded by the government?

Parkinson Canada does not receive regular government funding. We rely on the generosity of foundations, corporations and most of all, people like you for our ongoing support. 

How can I contact Parkinson Canada?

General inquiries: 1-800-565-3000 

Donation inquiries: 1-888-664-1973 

Email: donate@parkinson.ca 

Website: http://www.parkinson.ca 

Mail: Parkinson Canada 
4211 Yonge Street, Suite 316 
Toronto, ON M2P 2A9 
Canada 

You may also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

What is Parkinson Canada’s charitable registration number?

Parkinson Canada’s charitable registration number is 10809 1786 RR0001.