BBB Mainland British Columbia: Important donation tips following the Lapu Lapu Festival tragedy

This past weekend’s tragic events at the Lapu Lapu Day Festival have deeply shaken our entire community. Better Business Bureau Mainland British Columbia extends our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families, and the Filipino community during this difficult time. Please know that our thoughts are with you.

In response, resources have been established by the City of Vancouver and the Philippine Consulate to support those impacted. The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver has also released a warning regarding unsanctioned fundraising campaigns.

For those seeking to help victims and families impacted, Better Business Bureau has five important tips to help ensure your contributions make the intended impact. 

1. Be cautious with crowdfunding appeals. Some crowdfunding sites take precautions in carefully screening, vetting, and managing postings, while others might not. Always review the platform’s procedures, fees, policies and other specifics before donating. Whenever possible, donate directly to organizations you trust or to individuals you personally know. If a fundraiser claims to benefit a charity, consider donating directly through the charity's official website.
2. Understand how donations will be used. Watch out for vague appeals that don't identify the intended use of funds. For example, how will the donations help victims' families? Also, unless told otherwise, donors will assume that funds collected quickly in the wake of a disaster or tragedy will be spent just as quickly. Ask how funds will be used, as well as when and how support will be delivered. 
3. Research the organization’s track record. An established charity will more likely have the capacity and experience to address the situation quickly, along with a track record that can be evaluated. While newly formed organizations may have good intentions, but can be harder to vet. Look for organizations with a track record of responding to similar crises.
4. Stay safe with online appeals. Be wary of unsolicited messages, emails or even social media posts requesting donations. Never click on links to unfamiliar charity websites, especially in text messages or emails as they may take you to look-alike websites. Scammers often set up fake charity websites that look convincing, where you will be asked to provide personal financial information, or that may download harmful malware onto your computer. Verify information independently and visit a charity’s official website directly. Don't assume that charity recommendations on social media have already been vetted.
5. Confirm the charity’s registration with Canada Revenue Agency: In Canada, only registered charities can issue official tax receipts and charitable organizations must be registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. If an organization claims to be a charity and isn't registered, that's a red flag. Before donating, verify the organization’s status through the  Canada Revenue Agency's database or call the Charities Directorate at 1-800-267-2384. You can also search for information on which organizations can issue official donation receipts.