Government Protecting What Matters Most by Eliminating Unnecessary Fundraising Fee

The Voice of Canada News:

Attorney General Doug Downey was joined by representatives from the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children to announce new changes that will make life easier and more affordable for charities and the people who support them with their hard-earned money.

Downey announced the elimination of a burdensome provincial fee applied to the sale of break open tickets that has been tying up dollars that should be dedicated to charitable work. The change cuts red tape and will allow charities to contribute an additional $4 million to our communities.

As part of their fundraising, many charities rely on revenue from the sale of break open tickets. Removing the fee will help charities do more for people by ensuring more of the money they raise is used to support those most in need.

When people choose to support a charity with their hard-earned money they want to know that investment is making the maximum impact on a cause they care about,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “To make life easier for charities and the people who hold them close to their hearts, Ontario’s government is no longer charging charities an administrative fee on break open tickets so more revenues can support important causes and local communities.”

Break open ticket lottery events conducted by eligible charitable and religious organizations are regulated and licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) in partnership with municipalities. The AGCO will continue to ensure that these, like all charitable gaming and licensed lottery events, are conducted safely, securely and with integrity.