Frequently asked questions
How do I change my mailing address?
To change your mailing address, please call 416-929-9614 or email us at info@ysm.ca with your updated information, including your first and last name, complete old mailing address and new address information, along with your telephone number.
What happens when I make an online donation?
Once you make an online donation, you will receive an email confirmation message with an attached electronic tax receipt.
If you do not receive an email confirmation shortly after completing your donation, please check your junk / spam mail folders or contact us at 416-929-9614 or email info@ysm.ca. Your receipt will be e-mailed to the email address you provide, or mailed to the mailing address you stipulate.
What does my donation accomplish?
See our Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for more information on how your kind support has made an impact on our community.
When can I expect to receive a tax receipt?
One-time donors will get a receipt by mail shortly after they make their donation. Monthly donors receive a consolidated receipt for all the gifts they have made in a year, which will be either mailed or emailed before the end of February of the following year, as mandated by Canada Revenue Agency regulations.
If you make more than one donation in a year, you have a choice of receiving a receipt after each gift or one consolidated receipt for all gifts in a given year. Please contact Donor Services at 416-929-9614 or info@ysm.ca to change your receipt arrangement.
How can I update my credit card information?
To make any changes to your credit card information or to change your monthly donation payments, please contact us at 416-929-9614.
Who can I contact to alter the frequency of the communications I receive?
We strive to be accountable and efficient with our mailings. Mail is a significant source of gifts from our generous donors; without such gifts, we would be unable to continue to serve the rising numbers of neighbours in need.
If you would like to increase or change the amount of mail you receive, please contact us at 416-929-9614. Please note changes may require 8-10 weeks to take effect, and you may still receive an additional mailing or two after decreasing or halting the mailings you are to receive, due to the production timelines for our letters.
Are my gifts tax-deductible?
YSM issues tax receipts for financial gifts, and donated products valued at $20 or more. For donated goods, proof of value – such as a sales receipt or, in the case of goods valued at $1,000 or more, a certified appraisal, must be provided. Gift cards are receipted at face value.
Does YSM keep my personal information secure?
Yes — we neither rent nor trade the names of our supporters. Donors’ contact information is always held in the strictest of confidence and while we share select information with our trusted partners in select circumstances, to assist us with fundraising, every precaution is taken to comply with all governing privacy laws, as well as the Canadian Marketing Association’s direct marketing guidelines. For further information, review our Privacy and Fundraising Policies.
Who can I contact to discuss my gift or a recurring donation commitment?
Please contact our Donor Services Department at 416-929-9614 or email us at info@ysm.ca.
Does YSM pick-up donations?
We are grateful for the many gifts and products our supporters generously provide to YSM, and ask, if possible, you deliver your donation(s) to YSM at 306 Gerrard St. E. (just east of Parliament), to help us manage our transportation costs.
In the event pick-up is necessary for large donations – i.e. 8 bags or more – contact us at 416-929-9614, and we will be in touch to arrange a convenient pick-up time. Please note that during busy periods, it may take up to 6 business days to arrange for a pick-up.
What are restricted cash gifts?
Restricted gifts are donations tied to a specific use and not available for the general purposes of the organization
YSM encourages donors to give unrestricted gifts so that funds may be used where the need is greatest. From time to time, YSM may receive donations upon which the donor has placed a restriction to its use. In accepting a restricted donation, YSM agrees to honour the restriction, representing to the donor that the donation will be used for the agreed-upon purpose. Restricted donations can be either solicited or unsolicited.
No employee or representative of YSM shall make an appeal for, actively solicit, or accept a directed or restricted gift for a specific purpose, program or activity, unless the special purpose and gift are first approved by the VP, Philanthropy.