Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

Press Release: Volunteers Drive $3.27M in Support for Grey Bruce Residents

Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of Community Volunteer Income Programs in Grey Bruce

The Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Network continues to make a significant impact by providing free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families across the region. In collaboration, local CVITP organizations, social service agencies, 211 Community Connections and the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, support the program to connect residents with vital government benefits, credits, and refunds to alleviate financial challenges.

A new report, Reducing Poverty Through Volunteers: The Impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce, highlights the program’s success. “The CVITP is more than just a tax preparation service,” said Jill Umbach, Coordinator of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force. “It’s about empowering individuals and families by connecting them with the financial resources they’re entitled to.”

Counting the Dollar Impact

During the Grey Bruce CVITP Network Annual Gathering, three organizations—the Bruce County Public Library, South East Grey Community Health Centre, and The Meeting Place Tobermory—reported a combined $3,275,673 in benefits and refunds returned to households in 2023 Tax Season (Filed in March to June 2024).

“These numbers clearly show the positive impact of the CVITP program. Over $1.6 million in Bruce County alone is helping people cover essentials like housing, food, and utilities,” said Brooke McLean, Director of the Bruce County Public Library. “This program is one of the most impactful we offer, and collecting data helps us to tell our story better.” Read the full report here: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce

Growing Need and Call for Volunteers

In 2024, the CVITP saw a rise in demand, filing thousands of returns and helping individuals access critical benefits like the Canada Child Benefit and GST/HST credits. “Without filing taxes, many people wouldn’t receive these essential supports,” said Cameron Bruce, Constituency Assistant to MP Alex Ruff. “Thank you to all the volunteers making this possible.”

The program’s dedicated volunteers work tirelessly to ensure residents can access critical government benefits, credits, and tax refunds, helping to alleviate financial challenges and promote economic stability.

As the program grows, new volunteers are needed. No experience is required, and training is provided. Volunteers can make a significant community impact while gaining valuable skills.

About the CVITP and Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force

The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) is a Canada Revenue Agency initiative that supports community organizations in offering free tax clinics. Volunteer to do taxes for people in your community – Canada.ca

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force brings together community partners to address poverty-related issues through advocacy, education, and action. Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force – Our voice is power.

Together, they are making a measurable difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Grey Bruce region, ensuring equitable access to financial resources and support.

To find free tax filing assistance or volunteer in Grey and Bruce Counties, visit www.freetaxclinics.ca or Volunteer4BGTaxes.ca, or call 211.

Media Contact:

Brooke McLean, Director, Bruce County Public Library BMcLean@brucecounty.on.ca |519-832-6935

Jill Umbach, Coordinator, Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force povertytaskforce@unitedwaybg.com | 519-377-9406

Learn More: Reducing Poverty through volunteers: the impact of CVITP in Grey Bruce

Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Poverty Task Force

News Release: Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Case Study released

October 17th is the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. This is a day devoted to presenting and promoting concrete activities for the eradication of poverty.

Poverty is a violation of human rights. We need to come together to ensure that these rights are respected.

The Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force along with the United Way of Bruce Grey and The Grey Bruce Community Foundation are thrilled to release a Grey Bruce Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) Case Study. The study focused on the free income tax programs offered at The Meeting Place/Tobermory and the South East Grey Community Health Centre in Grey Bruce.

Together, The Meeting Place CVITP and South East Grey Community Health Centre CVITP helped 332 residents access over $1 million ($1,165,528) in income benefits, tax credits and refunds across 5 municipalities. On average, each beneficiary received $3,100 ($3,099.81).

The Meeting Place helped 62 individuals in North Bruce Peninsula access $281,932 in income benefits, tax credits and refunds after filing 76 returns. On average, each beneficiary received $3,710 ($3,709.63) with some individuals filing more than 1 year.

South East Grey Community Health Centre helped 270 individuals in 4 municipalities (Southgate, Grey Highlands, West Grey and Chatsworth) access $883,596 in income benefits, tax credits and refunds after filing 300 returns. On average, each beneficiary received $2,945 ($2,945.32).

There are 14 organizations throughout Bruce and Grey Counties that are registered with the CRA, to provide free income tax services. In 2022, 3,550 returns were filed by 3,050 individuals in Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties. Based on the findings of this Case Study, the overall CVITP contributed to a potential return of $11 million to households in 3 Counties.

“There are too many people across Grey Bruce facing poverty and in need of support. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program has been instrumental in assisting many constituents file their taxes to ensure they have access to important government benefits and entitlements. This latest study shows just how impactful this program along with our dedicated community volunteers are in helping those in need. My thanks to all those involved for #makingadifference.”- MP Alex Ruff.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty’s 2023 theme is Decent Work and Social Protection. Being able to file your income tax and receive additional financial benefits has a significant impact on local people enduring poverty.

For local people, filing their taxes is a significant opportunity to gain further income and supports for their household.

The Poverty Task Force is encouraging people who are interested in volunteering with the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program to connect with local Grey Bruce organizations listed at: www.freetaxclinics.ca

Learn more:

• Free Income Tax Clinic Information page of 211
• Poverty 101
• Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force Support to Community Income Tax Services
• UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty