React with your heart but act with your head.
That’s the message of warning offered by the provincial government to citizens who feel compelled to help the displaced residents of Slave Lake. High winds spurred a wildfire last weekend, resulting in the destruction of much of the town and the complete evacuation of more than 7,000 people.
The outpouring of support for displaced residents is exactly the type of situation that can lead to fundraising scams, says the province.
“Albertans are compassionate, generous people and it is very humbling to see them pulling together to help the residents of Slave Lake,” said Service Alberta Minister Heather Klimchuk. “Unfortunately, there are also people who use any opportunity to take advantage of that generosity.”
The government advises people to take a few simple steps to make sure that their money actually goes where it’s supposed to.
Albertans being solicited for donations through any venue (including phone, email and in person) should ensure that the organization is a legitimate charity by:
• Asking canvassers for identification or printed information about the charity
• Searching the Internet for information on the charity’s name and its background
• Asking telephone solicitors for a website or mail information
• Contacting Service Alberta to find out if a charity or fundraising organization is properly licensed or registered.
Alberta’s Charitable Fundraising Act contains specific rules that must be followed when charities ask Albertans for donations.
Service Alberta spokesperson Sharon Lopatka reports no problems so far.
“We haven’t heard any complaints yet but we know that people take advantage of these situations so we’re trying to be proactive. It always happens.”
“It’s amazing how quickly the scammers get out,” she added. “We just want to make sure that people are thinking before they get caught.”
When making donations, Albertans should avoid giving cash or using wire-transfer services. Cheques should be made out to the organization itself, not an individual, and donors should keep all receipts. Online donations should only be done on secure websites.
The provincial department also advises people to be doubly cautious when responding to email solicitations that appear to come from friends or family.
“If you feel uncomfortable, don’t give,” Lopatka says.
People can get more information by visiting www.servicealberta.ca. This includes various tip sheets about charitable organizations and charitable donations for individuals and groups interested in fundraising.
