There's still time to donate to the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation (FVHCF) and qualify for the 2024 tax receipt.
Thanks to a recent announcement made by the Canadian government, all charitable donations made by Feb. 28 will qualify for the tax receipt. This decision, said FVHCF, gives donors "additional time to support vital health care initiatives in their communities," such as local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
"This is fantastic news for both our organization and our generous donors”, said Elizabeth Harris, the executive director of FVHCF, in a press release. “The much-needed extension allows us to make up for lost ground due to the recent postal strike which significantly impacted our ability to receive donations. We are counting on our community for their support."
FVHCF's direct mail fundraising campaign was hit hard by the nationwide postal strike, which lasted from Nov. 15, 2024 to Dec. 17, 2024. The campaign typically generates around $140,000 for the foundation. This money goes towards providing essential equipment and programs for the hospitals and healthcare facilities endorsed by the Fraser Health Authority.
However, this campaign relies on contributors being able to mail in their contributions.
The federal government's extension or grace period is helpful, the foundation said, as it is giving charitable organizations to recover from the challenges posed by the postal strike. And it is allowing FVHCF to obtain the funds they need to continue "their critical work to support healthcare in the Fraser Valley."
"Start the New Year off by making a difference in your community. Your support is vital to ensuring that patients in our care receive the best in healthcare," FVHCF said in its press release.
The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation supports the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Mission Memorial Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, and several other regional health centres.
Donations can be made online at fvhcf.ca, by mail, or in person. For those who have questions you can email info@fvhcf.ca or call 604-851-4890. Dr. Lakhbir Jassal can also be contacted at Lakhbir.Jassal@fraserhealth.ca for discussions about supporting community hospital foundations.