View - The Municipality of Lambton Shores

An “Education and Awareness program” pertaining to “Charity Donation Boxes” could
be developed to make residents aware that donation boxes are not always operated by
charitable organizations and to encouraged residents to investigate the “charity” listed
on the box to ensure that the group is a bone fide charity, and that the donations are
going where he/she wants them to go.
Information could be provided on ”Charity Intelligence”, an organization that does
research and analysis on Canadian charities can help donors make informed donation
decisions, and that the status of a charity could be confirmed by checking the listing on
the Canada Revenue Agency website.
This information can be provided in the “Living in Lambton Shores” advertisements, and
in the next tax installment newsletter, as well as on the website. The cost for this
program would be negligible, and would bring awareness to an issue that many people
are not aware of.
In addition, private property owners hosting an existing “donation box” would be advised
of the “property standards” and other regulation with respect to the boxes.
It would also be recommended that a policy be drafted to prohibit the placement of
charity donation boxes on municipal properties, including road allowances, and
authorizing staff to remove any boxes placed on municipal property without permission.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol McKenzie
Clerk
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