We’re Asking You to Donate Cash Instead of the Card
I’m so encouraged by the generous spirit of my fellow Canadians. At the height of discussion surrounding Loblaw’s price fixing, one of the top trending hashtags in Twitter became #breadforfoodbanks; an online movement encouraging eligible Canadians to sign up for $25 grocery gift cards and then donate them to local food banks. Many of you have asked if you can donate these cards to help feed hungry neighbours here in Mississauga.
I like how you think! But here’s the inside information — there’s a more effective way to channel the impact of this rebate program. Instead of sending the card to us, I’m encouraging you to spend the $25 gift card on your OWN groceries and THEN donate $25 cash to the food bank.
Here’s why your cash gifts can have a bigger impact:
1) Cash Gifts Go Further in Purchasing:
We at food banks purchase food in LARGE quantities at wholesale rates. So when you donate cash instead of the card, you are contributing to higher purchasing power and ensuring the food bank can get the best value per donated dollar. Unfortunately, gift cards won’t help us with these purchases.
2) Cash Gifts Support Food Rescue Efforts:
We work closely with grocery stores in our community to help minimize food waste by picking up donations from their stores. Your $25 cash donation helps support the cost of transporting that food to hungry neighbours in our community before its best before date!
3) Cash Gifts Get a Charitable Tax Receipt:
We are not permitted by the CRA to give you a tax receipt for a gift card. But we can give you one for a cash donation! You’re definitely going to be able to spend $25 at Loblaws with that gift card, why not also get a tax benefit by making your donation in cash?
BONUS: During our Spring Food Drive, a generous donor is matching all financial donations, dollar for dollar, that are made before April 13th. Which means your financial gift will DOUBLE in impact, providing twice as many meals for your neighbours in need. Talk about impact!
CLICK HERE to make a secure online donation now.
Thank you for your ongoing support and creativity in all the ways you support the food bank!
With my thanks,
Meghan Nicholls, Interim Executive Director
