Monday, April 14, 2008

Two weeks left for Working Poor to cash in on free tax help
April 30th tax deadline fast approaching

Edmonton – “There is just over two weeks left in the Make Tax Time Pay (MTTP) free tax service for Edmonton’s working poor,” said Harvey Voogd, Executive Director for Vibrant Communities Edmonton (VCE). “MTTP will run through to April 30th at 28 sites citywide and brings an accessible free tax service to people who are working and earning low wages in our city. People should phone 211, the community information line, to find a site near you.”

“MTTP is important because getting your taxes done at a commercial outlet can cost quite a bit for a family with limited income,” said Don Junk, the volunteer coordinator for the site at Southminister-Steinhauer United church. “Our church got involved because we felt it is important to help people on low income that we discovered are living right in our area. MTTP is a great service to our community because people are not only assisted with taxes. We also help them apply for existing benefits and subsidies like free access to the City of Edmonton’s leisure facilities.”

In its 3rd year, MTTP uses over 150 volunteers to provide a confidential service. The volunteers assist low income working families and individuals complete their tax returns and help them apply for benefits, subsidies and tax credits that will put cash back in their pockets. On average, a family can potentially boost their income by $500.

VCE is a non-profit corporation that collaborates with a wide range of business, community and government partners to build economic success for low income working families.

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For more information, please contact:

• Harvey Voogd, w. 428-1866
• Don Junk, h. 434-7340

Click here for PDF version

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Get Your Taxes Prepared for Free
Give Your Pay Cheque a Boost!

Edmonton – “Vibrant Communities Edmonton (VCE) is pleased to announce that Make Tax Time Pay (MTTP) is now underway again in Edmonton,” said Harvey Voogd, VCE Executive Director. “MTTP will run from now to April 30th at 28 sites citywide and brings an accessible free tax service to people who are working and earning low wages in our city. People should phone 211, the community information line, to find a site near you.”

“In its 3rd year, MTTP will use over 150 volunteers to provide a confidential service. The volunteers assist low income working families and individuals complete their tax returns and help them apply for benefits, subsidies and tax credits that will put cash back in their pockets. On average, a family can potentially boost their income by $500.”

“Many families and individuals are unaware of existing government and subsidies such as the federal Canada Child Tax Benefit,” said Voogd. “One particular provincial benefit, the Alberta Child Health Benefit, can help a family cover the costs of their children’s health care expenses such as eye glasses, medication and dental visits. Other benefits can help with child care and out-of-school care as well as free access to City of Edmonton leisure facilities.”

VCE is a non-profit corporation that collaborates with a wide range of business, community and government partners to build economic success for low income working families.

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For more information, please contact:

• Harvey Voogd, w.428-1866

Click here for PDF version

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

     Harvey Voogd appointed ED of Vibrant Communities Edmonton
                Seeks to assist low income working families achieve economic success

Edmonton – “Vibrant Communities Edmonton (VCE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Harvey Voogd as Executive Director,” said Dr. Wayne Shillington, Co-Chair of VCE. “Mr. Voogd is a dynamic leader who has a demonstrated history of working with a wide spectrum of individuals, organizations and government to achieve success.”

“As President and CEO of NorQuest College, I know economic success hinges on many factors, such as career opportunities that generate sustainable incomes or assets such as home ownership and reliable transportation” said Dr. Shillington. “I am involved with VCE because I believe it can play an important role in helping families living with low incomes to build economic success.”

“I am excited to work with a non-profit corporation that wants to assist low income working families achieve economic success,” said Voogd. “In its short history, VCE already has a rich history of collaborating with business, government and the community to achieve win-win solutions through initiatives like the Job Bus and Make Tax Time Pay.”

“The Job Bus helps employers build a committed work force by addressing the problem of timely transportation for low-income employees to the job site. Working families have increased their income through Make Tax Time Pay. This initiative uses volunteers to assist families complete their tax returns and help them apply for benefits, subsidies and tax credits that will put cash back in their pockets.”

VCE is a non-profit corporation that collaborates with a wide range of business, community and government partners to build economic success for low income working families.

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For more information, please contact:

• Dr. Wayne Shillington, w.644-5901
• Harvey Voogd, w.428-1866
 

Click here for PDF version