I read the letter from Alex Whalen and Jake Fuss of the Fraser Institute which described how the amount of donations to charity has waned in Newfoundland and Labrador. Let me tell you why my charitable donations on my income tax have decreased substantially.
The Canadian Revenue Agency changed the rules for the worth of donations to libraries. Before 2019, I would donate up to $1,400 in books and DVDs to the libraries and I was given a tax receipt for what the purchase cost me. In 2019, this was changed to a $5 or a $10 tax receipt, so instead, I donated the books and DVDs to thrift stores. Thus, my charitable donations decreased.
Now, I just give to a family I know is having a hard time putting food on the table or purchase extra tickets to fund Beagle Paws or the SPCA.
Also, when I began researching what the CEOs of certain charities earn and saw some six-figure salaries, it became a turn-off for me. Now, I just give to a family I know is having a hard time putting food on the table or purchase extra tickets to fund Beagle Paws or the SPCA. These charities are run by volunteers and I feel my hard-earned money is better spent in supporting these charities.
I'm sure there are many who live in Newfoundland and Labrador who feel exactly as I do and just support a charity of their own without needing a receipt.
Thank you.
Anna Penney
St. John’s
