Donation Frequently Asked Questions

How can I donate to the Canadian Red Cross?

The easiest way to support our charity is to donate online. You can also give us a call. We’re at 1-800-418-1111.

There’s so many other ways to help. You can donate by mail. Or you can leave a gift in your will, or even organize a fundraiser. Want to learn more? Read about other ways to donate.

How do I request a replacement receipt?
Did you donate online? If so, you should have received a receipt by email. Please check your Junk and Spam email folders if you cannot find it. 

Did you donate by mail? If so, we will send you a receipt based on your receipt preferences. If you opted to receive a receipt by mail, you will receive it within 4 to 6 weeks.

Still need a replacement receipt? We would be happy to issue a replacement. 

To get started, fill out our donor inquiry form. You can also contact us by phone at 1-800-418-1111. Prefer to email? Write to us at WeCare@redcross.ca.

Help us handle your request as quickly as possible. Please include:

• Your full name
• Your address
• The amount of the donation you made 
• The method of payment you used to donate.

Monthly donor? Please note that we send receipts for monthly donations by the end of February.

Can I raise money for the Canadian Red Cross through a fundraising event?
Organizing an event is a great way to engage your community. We can help you talk to your network about our charity and its impact. Ready to get involved? Take a look at the Fundraise for the Canadian Red Cross page. And if you're interested, you can submit an idea to your local fundraising representative.

How can I stay in the loop with the Canadian Red Cross?
Keep up with the impact of your donation through Canadian Red Cross e-mails. You’ll hear all about the incredible work that happens because people like you donate to our charity.

The Canadian Red Cross blog is where you will find stories about how we help people in Canada and around the world. 

Are you on social media? If so, make sure to follow the Canadian Red Cross. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and TikTok. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel. 

How much of a donation goes directly to help people impacted by an emergency? How much does the Red Cross use for fundraising? 

In every emergency, the Canadian Red Cross has a simple goal. We want to dedicate the greatest part of what you donate to those who need it. Nonetheless, there are always costs associated with running a charity.
 
For example, it costs money to run a call centre or a large website. Paid staff helps make sure that you get your receipts. Other teams write reports about the impact of our work. These are all important costs that encourage people like you to donate.

Of our total operating expenses:

• 8% is spent on fundraising
• 89% of our operating expenses are spent on programs and service delivery 
• 3% of our expenses revolve around governance and general management

To learn more, read our Annual Report and Strategy.

How do I remove the transaction cost from my online donation?

There are costs involved in every donation. For example, your credit card company charges a fee to process the payment. The good news is that you can help cover these fees when you donate. That means more of your gift will go towards emergency supports. 

Our donation platform will recommend adding a small amount to cover transaction costs. This makes a big difference for our teams on the ground. It is not, however, required. Don’t want to cover transaction costs? Just unselect the ‘Cover transaction costs’ button before selecting your method of payment.

Can I donate to the Canadian Red Cross in memory or in honor of someone?

Yes. If you're donating online, you can select ‘Dedicate this donation’. This will allow you to donate in memory or in honour of someone. 

Donating over the phone? Please inform the representative. They'll help make your gift in honour of an individual.

Can I send an e-card when I make a dedicated donation?

Yes, when making a donation online you will receive an email after your donation is processed titled: Complete your dedication with a personal message. Click the link at the bottom of this email to customize and send an e-card.

 

Why become a Canadian Red Cross monthly donor?

When you give monthly, your giving has a bigger impact. Your ongoing support allows us to plan for the long term. That helps keep our administrative costs lower, and our shelves stocked. Ready to make a difference? Become a monthly donor today.

What payment methods can I use to give my monthly donation?

The easiest way is to visit our online donation form and use your credit card. You can also set up a monthly donation by phone. Just call us at 1-800-418-1111. Our contact center accepts donations by credit card.

Looking to set up a monthly donation by automatic bank withdrawal? Please print, fill out and send us our mail donation form. You’ll also need to include a void cheque.

Can I choose or direct my monthly donations to specific projects or countries?

When you donate, the Canadian Red Cross assigns funds where they are most needed. This helps us make the greatest impact using your gift. It is also a best practice in the charity sector. If you would like us to direct your donation to a specific program, please get in touch. You can write to us at WeCare@redcross.ca. We’re also reachable by phone at 1-800-418-1111.

How can I cancel my monthly donations or change my donation amount?

Did you recently become a monthly donor online? If so, you can cancel or change the amount you donate by yourself. Just login to our self-service portal and scroll down to “Recurring Donations”. Then, click the Settings icon followed by the Cancel Donation button.

If you do not have access to our online portal, we can help. To get started, fill out our donor inquiry form. You can also contact us by phone at 1-800-418-1111. Prefer to email? You can write to us at WeCare@redcross.ca.

What happens if I miss a payment for my monthly donation?

We may try to reprocess your monthly gift after your scheduled processing date.

When will my donation be deducted?

Did you make a gift online or on the phone? The first time you donate, funds will be deducted immediately. After that, monthly donations will be deducted on the same day each month. You can start your gift later point in the month if there’s a better withdrawal date for you.

Did you make a gift through our face-to-face, telemarketing, or mail programs? If so, you will be prompted to choose either the 1^st or 15^th as your withdrawal date when making your first gift.

When will I receive my tax receipt?

You will receive a consolidated tax receipt every February. This receipt will include all your charity giving to the Canadian Red Cross for the previous tax year. Tax receipts are sent by either mail or email, depending on your preferences.

 

How are donations for appeals managed?

When disasters strike or crises develop, the Canadian Red Cross is there to help. To act quickly, we organize appeals. These are campaigns where we ask you to donate for a specific operation. 

Our focus is on keeping our costs low and generating the greatest impact. This is a best practice in the charity sector. To do that, the Canadian Red Cross uses a set of proven tools. For example, standardized guidelines and assessments help us determine what is needed during an emergency. This allows us to allocate resources in the most effective way.

All donations raised for appeals are put into a separate account. They are dedicated to that appeal and used to support emergency response, relief, and recovery operations in affected countries. Fundraising costs are based on charges incurred for each individual appeal. This includes receipting, processing credit cards, reporting etc. The cost of administering an emergency appeal is up to eight per cent (8%) of the dollars raised. This amount includes fundraising and trust fund management.

Funds that are not required for immediate use are invested in a manner that is consistent with the statement of investment policies. This statement is approved by the National Audit and Finance Committee of the Society. All funds are accounted for in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in Canada.

In a large-scale emergency, why does the Red Cross ask for money instead of donations of food, clothing or other supplies?

When you donate money, your charity gift has a greater impact. It helps us get the exact supplies needed to respond to a situation. Our experts have determined that this is the most effective approach. 

We do not accept donations of items like food, clothing or toys. The costs involved in getting these items to their destination is too significant. Our experience has shown that local purchases are more culturally appropriate and effective.

Ready to make a difference? Donate now.

Why do you ask for donations on the street, door to door, and over the phone?

We have been conducting face-to-face and telemarketing campaigns since 2004. These campaigns are a great way to talk about the impact of our work. 

Face-to-face fundraising campaigns encourage people across Canada to make us their charity of choice by becoming a monthly donor. 

Telefundraising campaigns engage donors in giving another gift to our cause. Our agents talk to these donors about why they should consider a monthly gift. 

Both of these types of fundraising raise valuable funds that sustain our operations. Curious to learn more? Visit the Canadian Red Cross fundraising programs information page.

Why is it important that I have a Will? 

A Will ensures that the people and causes you care about are provided for and that your wishes for how your assets are distributed are properly documented. Having an up-to-date Will also provides you with peace of mind, and an opportunity to share your intentions with those you care about.

I’m interested in including a gift in my Will for the Canadian Red Cross. What information do I need? 

It’s easier than you may think, and all gifts are very much appreciated. Here is the information you and/or your lawyer will need:

Legal name: The Canadian Red Cross Society

Charitable Registration #: 11921 9814 RR0001

Address: 8000-400 Cooper St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H8

Please visit redcross.ca/legacy to download our Will Wording information page which includes two simple ways to leave your gift, along with suggested bequest language. You may also find our Legacy Brochure and Will Planning Guide to be helpful. 

We have team members across Canada who can help. Please visit Contact Details - Legacy Donations - Canadian Red Cross to find the contact information for a staff member in your region. We will be pleased to answer any questions. We can also provide options that align with your values and philanthropic interests. 

What are the benefits of leaving a gift in my Will? 

Here are a few benefits of leaving a gift in your Will:

• A gift in your Will doesn’t cost you anything now. 
• Your gift doesn’t have to take away from what you plan for loved ones.
• You can make a larger gift than you thought possible. 
• You can reduce the tax burden on your estate. 
• You can choose to make changes to your Will at any time.

I already have a Will, how can I change it?

You can easily include a gift in your Will for the Canadian Red Cross by means of a codicil. This document allows you to modify your Will without rewriting it. Please contact your lawyer/notary for more information on this topic.

What wording should I use to leave a gift to the Canadian Red Cross?

Your lawyer or other professional adviser will help you with the wording of your legacy gift. Below are examples.

A Specific Gift Amount

This is the wording to use when you are leaving a bequest of a specific cash amount. It is simple and straightforward:

Sample wording: “I give $________ to The Canadian Red Cross Society.

A Residuary Gift

The “residue” of your Estate is that which remains after the taxes, administrative and legal expenses are paid, and your heirs have received their specific gifts. The residue can be given in whole or divided among beneficiaries.

Sample wording: “I bequeath the residue of my Estate (or xx% of the residue of my estate) to The Canadian Red Cross Society.”

A Contingent Gift

This is a provision which allows you to determine the recipient of your estate if none of your named beneficiaries are alive at the time of your death.

Sample wording: “If none of the individuals I intend to benefit by this Will are alive or otherwise capable of benefitting, I leave the residue of my Estate to The Canadian Red Cross Society.”

If you wish to designate to a specific Red Cross branch or program, we recommend the following wording to keep flexibility should that program or location no longer be in existence at the time the bequest is realized:

“If through the passage of time, a designated Red Cross program or branch is no longer in place, I give permission to alter the terms of my will to adhere as closely as possible to my original wishes; or in the event that this is not possible, please direct my gift to the area of greatest need.”

I’m the Executor of an Estate and the Canadian Red Cross is listed as a beneficiary. Who should I direct information to? 

We have team members across Canada who can help. Please visit Contact Details - Legacy Donations - Canadian Red Cross to find the team member in your region.

What other legacy gift options are available? 

There are many ways that you can extend your support for the Canadian Red Cross, in addition to a gift in your Will. You can: 

• Name Canadian Red Cross Society as a beneficiary and/or owner of a new or existing life insurance policy
• Name Canadian Red Cross Society as a beneficiary on a registered asset like your RRSP, RRIF or TFSA

We have team members across Canada who can help. Please visit Contact Details - Legacy Donations - Canadian Red Cross to find the contact information for a staff member in your region. We will be pleased to answer any questions and provide some options that align with your values and philanthropic interests.

I’d like to make a gift of stocks or securities? What do I need to do that?

We have team members across Canada who can help. 

Please visit Gift of Stock and Securities - Canadian Red Cross to find a donation form and an illustration of how this tax-smart way to give will benefit you. Our Contact Details will help you find the team member in your region. 

The Canadian Red Cross Funding and Spending

Where does the Canadian Red Cross get its funding? 

The Canadian Red Cross relies on many funding sources. This is a best practice in the charity sector. Our sources of funding include public donations, corporate partnerships, public grants, and program revenue. In times of disaster or conflict, we may also launch an appeal. There, we ask the public to donate and support a specific emergency. We also receive donations for our national and international programs. Want to learn more about our impact, revenues and expenses? Check out our latest Annual Report.

Is the Canadian Red Cross affiliated with the Canadian government?

The Canadian Red Cross is an independent charity. We are not a part of the Canadian government. We support federal, provincial, and municipal governments by providing services to the public. For example, the Canadian Red Cross responds to and prepares for disasters. We also provide health services, injury prevention, and violence and abuse prevention.

The Red Cross also serves as an advisor and partner to the federal government by addressing current and emerging issues in global affairs that have an impact on humanitarian work—for example, International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Why support the Canadian Red Cross?

The Red Cross has over a century of experience around the world. Our focus is on disaster management and conflict response. Our global network of staff and volunteers is present in over 191 countries. Anywhere an emergency strikes, the Red Cross has personnel who know the area. Our teams can be on site quickly and know local languages, cultures, and challenges. All Red Cross personnel seek to help those who need it most. They do it regardless of location, race, political beliefs, religion, social status, or culture. This essential work is what your charity giving makes possible. 

 Our global network of volunteers is at the heart of our impact. Volunteers are united by our seven fundamental principles, which include neutrality. This means we can access areas where other organizations may be denied.

Where can I give blood?

The Canadian Red Cross no longer conducts operations for blood donations. For information about giving blood, contact Canadian Blood Services. In Quebec, please contact Hema Quebec. 

Does the Canadian Red Cross accept donations of medical equipment and other gifts in kind like clothing or children’s toys?

In some areas of the country, the Canadian Red Cross operates a Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP). Looking for information about donations of equipment or services in your area? Visit our health equipment donations page.

While appreciated, the Canadian Red Cross does not accept other gifts in kind like clothing or children’s toys.