Donation FAQ

How does my donation to BridgeWay Family Centre make a difference?

Your donation will help us to improve the well-being of children by ensuring they have the best possible start in life.  Approximately 650 people per day are impacted through our services and our core funding cannot keep pace with the demand, so we count on financial support from caring people to help us build stronger families.  We are grateful that our core costs are being covered with funding so we are able to apply 100% of your gift to directly support our programs for vulnerable pregnant teens and women, children under six, their parents and caregivers.

Why should I choose BridgeWay Family Centre for my donation?

  • We are helping build stronger families and communities.
  • We provide a safe place for expectant mothers to receive support and education that helps to ensure a healthy pregnancy for them and their baby.
  • Our nutritional counselling encourages mothers to understand the importance of healthy eating to reduce the risk of delivering a low birth weight baby.
  • We support the development of an important bond between a parent and young baby.
  • We support healthy risk taking in young children to develop their curiosity and physical fitness.
  • Our early learning programs help children be ready for school.
  • We base our programs on current research.

When I make an online donation, why does my official tax receipt come from Canada Helps?

Canada Helps is a registered charity dedicated to providing charities and their donors access to an affordable, secure online fundraising platform. Once they promptly receipt your gift directly to you they disburse your gift to us, less a small processing fee. Because it’s a non-profit organization, these fees are less than the for-profit alternatives thus providing you convenience while ensuring your donation goes further.

Does BridgeWay Family Centre accept donations in lieu of flowers or special occasion gifts?

Yes. We appreciate when BridgeWay is chosen as a recipient of a memorial or tribute gift and will happily notify the person you’re honouring or the family of a loved one who has died. We accept donations directly by cheque and mailed to 1801 Lakeshore Blvd. W. Unit 101, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J6. Please provide the name and contact information of the individual or family you’d like us to notify.

How do I make an online donation in honour or in memory of someone?

BridgeWay appreciates the opportunity to honour loved ones through your support. You can make a tribute gift online through Canada Helps. If you’d like the person you’re honouring (or a relative or friend in the case of a memorial gift) to receive a customized message, just complete the necessary information on the Canada Helps website.

Alternatively, you can mail a cheque directly to BridgeWay at 1801 Lakeshore Blvd. W. Unit 101, Mississauga, ON L5J 1J6.

What is a corporate matching gift?

Many Canadian corporations offer matching gift programs so we encourage you to ask your employer if they do and how you can participate.  When you make a donation to BridgeWay participating companies will provide an equal or “matching” donation thus doubling your gift and strengthening the impact of your support.

Will I receive an official tax receipt for my donation?

Yes. BridgeWay will issue official tax receipts for all donations of $20.00 or more that are made directly to our charity. If your gift is less than $20.00 and you’d still like to have an official tax receipt just let us know.

Please note, if you donate online through Canada Helps, your official tax receipt will be issued directly from that charity. Your gift will be remitted to us.

When will I receive my official tax receipt?

BridgeWay strives to issue your official tax receipt within one month of your donation.

In the case of our monthly donors, a cumulative receipt will be sent after the end of the year.

For those of you making online donations, your receipts will be issued through Canada Helps and usually takes only a few minutes for one-time donations.  Monthly donations are receipted annually.

What if I do not want to receive other correspondence from BridgeWay Family Centre?

We honour our donor’s requests. Our correspondence is intended to keep you informed of the work you’re helping us accomplish with your support but we don’t want to send you unwelcome material. Just let us know by emailing [email protected] or calling 905-822-1114.

Do I have any rights as a donor?

Absolutely. The Donor Bill of Rights was developed by professional fundraising associations and BridgeWay has adopted it as an important benchmark to ensure as donors we respect your rights and that we are worthy of your support.

Does BridgeWay Family Centre hire external fundraisers who work on commission?

No.

Is BridgeWay Family Centre funded by the government?

BridgeWay is primarily funded by government prenatal and early learning programs. However, this public sector support isn’t sufficient to keep pace with the demand for services.

How can I contact BridgeWay Family Centre?

We have a number of centres throughout Peel Region. Call our main office at 905-822-1114.

What is BridgeWay Family Centre’s charitable registration number?

13232 9228 RR0001