Blogosaurus Lex

I never thought that Charity Tax Law would become an area that I could converse easily about! And while I still don’t know nearly as much as my colleagues, after working with Charity Central for over a year I can now safely say I know what the De Minimus Threshold is…I think.

Hi my name is Kim Ireton and I’m the Communications Assistant on the Charity Central project. In a nutshell, I put together most of the promotional material that goes out for Charity Central. This includes press releases, print ads, fact sheets, e-mails, direct mailings, and I also coordinate and man our display booth at any conferences Charity Central attends. On top of this, I assist the project coordinators with anything they choose to throw at me and keep the Starbucks that is close to our office in business. Oh, and I also answer phone calls and emails every once in awhile.

Charity Central is a three year project that is designed to help Registered Charities understand their responsibilities under the Income Tax Act. It has three specific areas of focus – receipting, books and records, and fund raising guidelines. The project has put together a very comprehensive, very enlightening website; stacks of informative print materials (that are also downloadable via the website); as well as a toll-free Helpline to answer questions from charities in Alberta.

In addition to my other duties, I have had the chance to answer Helpline questions. It is always a learning experience to speak with people who are actually “in the field” working for and with the charities. Charity Tax Law is a huge and complex topic, and I have so much respect for the people I work with who can answer charities’ questions with ease.

The project is coming to a close, ending in March 2010, and I feel like I’ve only just now scratched the surface of comprehending the rules which govern registered charities. But it really has been such a pleasure to work with Charity Central and the Legal Resource Centre. So if you work or volunteer with a registered charity in Canada, please visit our website: www.charitycentral.ca or if you’re in Alberta call our toll-free Helpline 1-888-587-4438. I, personally, might not be able to answer your question, but I definitely know someone who can!