Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Should you require further information, please contact us by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone at (514) 526-5222.

Questions:

1. What is the Federal registration number for Dans la rue?
2. Can I trust people going door to door in the name of Dans la rue and make a donation to them?
3. How many times will I be solicited by Dans la rue in a one year period?
4. Does Dans la rue sell or share its donors' list?
5. What happened to ‘Le Bon Dieu' in your official name?
6. When will I receive an income tax receipt?
7. Are all donation amounts tax deductible?
8. Is it possible for Dans la rue to issue a tax receipt in the name of someone other than the donor?
9. When can a tax receipt be issued for a gift-in-kind?
10. Does Dans la rue accept 2nd hand clothing?

Q1: What is the Federal registration number for the Dans la rue?
A1: Our registration number is 13844 9020 RR0001.

Q2: Can I trust people going door to door in the name of Dans la rue and make a donation to them?
A2: NO. Dans la rue uses neither door to door solicitation nor telemarketing to raise funds. Nobody is authorized to use such solicitation methods in our name.

Q3: How many times will I be solicited by Dans la rue in a one year period?   
A3: If an individual is currently an active donor, this person will receive an annual request in November or December. If the individual does not respond, Dans la rue sends one reminder notice in the following Spring.

Twice a year, Dans la rue keeps its donors informed of its activities by way of a Newsletter. The newsletter is not sent as a request for a donation, it is a modest gift from us to you. Dans la rue feels it is the donor's right to know what is being accomplished with their donation.

Q4: Does Dans la rue sell or share its donors' list?
A4: Dans la rue wishes to assure you that while the selling of donor lists may be common practice amongst others, it is not our philosophy. Our Board of Directors has even adopted a resolution to show how serious we are on this topic.

Q5: What happened to ‘Le Bon Dieu' in your name?
A5: Le Bon Dieu dans la rue, yes it is still our legal, registered name. However, during correspondence with our supporters many omit that portion because they find it too lengthy. Many are not familiar with our full name because media, over time, have used the less formal name of Dans la rue. Some supporters call us Pops, a nickname given to Father Emmett Johns, our founder, by the kids he has helped over the years.

Q6: When will I receive an income tax receipt?
A6: We do everything possible in order to send your income tax receipt within four to six weeks after we receive your donation. However, more time may be required during the Christmas Holiday period. But rest assured, if you make a donation by December 31, we will send your receipt on time for you to file your income tax (latest February 28th).

If you are one of the many donors who make monthly donations through preauthorized payments on your credit card or by cheque, you will receive a single income tax receipt for the total annual amount of your donations, on or about January 31st of the following year.

Q7: Are all donation amounts tax deductible?
A7: Yes. Dans la rue's policy is to issue an income tax receipt systematically for donations of $15 or more. A receipt will be issued on request for donations under $15.

Q8: Is it possible for Dans la rue to issue a tax receipt in the name of someone other than the donor?
A8: No. In conformity with existing tax laws from Canada Revenue Agency, Dans la rue cannot issue an official income tax receipt in the name of anyone but the person who made the donation. (www.cra-arc.gc.ca)

Q9: When can a tax receipt be issued for a gift-in-kind?
A9: Dans la rue can issue a tax receipt for a material donation when the proper documentation that states the ‘fair' market value of the item(s) is produced. A tax receipt will not be issued for used or second hand material goods.

Contributions of services, that is, of time, skills or efforts, are not property, and therefore they do not qualify as gifts for purposes of issuing official donation receipts according to Canada Rvenue Agency.

Q10: Do you take donations of second hand clothing?
A10: Many reasons (cost of fuel, proper use of our resources, etc.) have forced us to change our policy on this type of donation. We now approach only schools (high school, CEGEP or universities) and deal directly with them to organize collections for the articles of clothing required to meet the needs of our kids. We know you will all understand the challenges we are faced with and the corresponding changes we must make.