For 12 years, BDO has worked with Farm Credit Canada to support food banks across the country with Drive Away Hunger. This year, BDO has set a big goal to achieve one million meals during the campaign that runs until October 16, 2019.
To be able to reach this goal, BDO offices across Canada have been organizing events, setting up donation stations, and working with their communities. By working together, we hope to help as many people as possible. And we need your support to get there. All you have to do is stop by your nearest BDO office and bring a non-perishable food item or monetary donation. Your BDO team will do the rest.
You can find your nearest location here.
Where do your donations go?
The food and funds that are collected go directly to the local food bank closest to your BDO office. Your generosity supports the local community where you live and work—where you can see the direct impact your donations make.
Food banks need both food and funds to help fight hunger. When you donate food, the food banks distribute it to those in need to help them overcome the obstacle of food security. This helps food bank visitors lessen the worry of where their next meal, or their children's next meal, will come from. Food Banks Canada reports 35.2% of food bank visitors are children under the age of 18.
Food banks use money donated to purchase food in bulk at rates the public does not have access to. They're able to stretch your donated dollars further than purchasing items at the local grocery store. Funds are also needed for operating expenses such as rent, utilities, salaries, and insurance that make these efforts possible. These funds are required to keep the food bank locations open and able to distribute much-needed food to the community.
When you donate money to a food bank, you receive a donation tax receipt. This tax receipt is used when you file your annual T1 tax return. Your donation gives you a tax credit on your tax return. For donated amounts greater than $200 in one year, you will receive a higher tax credit.
It's easy to participate in BDO's road to one million meals with Drive Away Hunger. Your local food bank needs you. Little by little, giving back adds up.
Melanie Borho-Persechini is a CPA, CA, partner and GTA NPO leader in BDO's Mississauga office.