NEWMARKET - A York Region non-profit organization is raising the alarm after people falsely posed as their representatives to collect donations.
Shine Through the Rain Foundation said it was made aware of collection boxes in at least four retail locations in Keswick, where their name and logo was used without permission, likely for fraudulent purposes.
“It’s terrible, actually terrible,” said Laurie Docimo, co-ordinator for sponsorships and grants. “In a way, no words can describe how deceitful it is. Not only is it fraudulent, it’s deceitful.
“The deception is off the charts... It takes deception to a whole dark, ugly level.”
Docimo said the scam has been going on for several months. Friends, donors and supporters have called the foundation questioning the legitimacy of the collections.
York Regional Police said the incidents have not been reported. They, however, always encourage people to take time to verify the identity of a person they are speaking with before giving money or, in the case of door-to-door scams, access to their homes.
“You can always contact charities to confirm where they are doing collection, for both door-to-door canvassing or tables at public locations,” said Const. James Dickson. “Legitimate charities will have paperwork for tax receipts and will be more than happy to provide you with online donation information or to allow you the time to verify their credentials.”
The foundation helps individuals and families affected by life-threatening illness by working to improve and enrich them in their time of need. They support adults, children and families from all walks of life, providing advice, guidance and financial support as they try to navigate emotional, physical, and financial challenges that arise from a health crisis.
Docimo finds the work they do rewarding and satisfying. Unfortunately, however, they rarely have enough money to help everyone out. Docimo finds it difficult to decline and turn people away when there isn’t enough funds to help them. She finds it frustrating that someone would falsely act as a representative when the organization is already struggling.
“We’re doing everything we can to let people know somebody else is out there with intentions that are not genuine,” said Docimo. “That makes it more difficult. It makes it more challenging because if we had those funds, we could help people. It makes it even more heartbreaking.”
Staff thought it was an isolated incident at first but started raising eyebrows when they were made aware of a second incident.
“As far as a donor goes, they think they are making a donation to our charity, Shine Through the Rain, but their donation is not getting to us,” said Docimo. “We’re not hearing about that. It is also concerning for clients and families we help, that they’re being shortchanged because donors think they are helping them, but they are not.”
The foundation wants donors and potential donors to know they do not set up collection boxes in front of stores. If people want to host a fundraiser on behalf of the organization, Docimo encourages them to contact the foundation ahead of time so they are aware and can confirm the legitimacy of it to people.
“Right now in Newmarket, Market Brewing Company is hosting bingo for us,” said Docimo. “They do bingo every Thursday night but we’re selected for the month of August.”
Police state that while the incident is not unique, these types of incidents do not not occur often.
“Our respective criminal investigations bureaus would be interested in speaking with anyone that may have fallen victim to this or any other scam,” said Dickson. “Anyone who is aware of a charity scam, or any other kind of fraud, is asked to reach out to police to ensure that the incident is reported. The only level of recourse to try to recover money is through the legal process.”
People are encouraged to call or email the organization with questions before donating, check their social media accounts with information, or donate directly on their website if interested.