According to the Canadian Men’s Health Foundation, approximately one million men in Canada suffer from major depression each year. So, what can you do to support men’s mental health in Canada? From volunteering to fundraising, we explore the best ways to get involved and make a difference.

Why should we support men’s mental health in Canada?

Despite increased awareness around mental health, many men continue to face challenges when it comes to seeking help. In Canada, men disproportionately experience poor mental health outcomes compared to women. But why is this the case?

Some of the reasons men are less likely to seek help can include:

• Stigma: Discouraged from seeking help for fear of stereotyping and discrimination. 
• Toxic masculinity: Concerned about expressing emotions and not adhering to the traditional views of how men should be.
• Denial: Not willing to identify the symptoms they’re experiencing and take them seriously. 
• Loneliness: Not having access to a supportive network in which they can confide.
• Lack of knowledge: Don’t fully understand the seriousness of mental health issues or how to reach out for support.

What are the main signs of poor mental health in men?

Whether it’s a member of your family, friend, loved one, or colleague, there are some common indicators of depression and/or poor mental health. While everyone is different and there is a wide variety of symptoms, some signs to look for include:

• Irritable mood or anger
• Withdrawn and wanting to be alone
• Less interest in things
• Sleep problems 
• Weight change or loss of appetite
• Lack of energy or fatigue
• Mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating and memory loss
• Guilt and feelings of worthlessness
• Physical pain, such as headaches and stomach problems
• Increased use of alcohol and drugs or gambling.

Poor mental health can affect anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender, so it’s important to monitor symptoms when they appear and offer support before they worsen. Early signs of mental health problems can even sometimes be seen in childhood.

The Government of Canada is an excellent resource for mental health services.

How to support men’s mental health

A reliable support system is crucial for everyone, especially during difficult periods. However, not everyone may have a reliable support network to turn to.

Fortunately, there are various ways you can help people in need and tackle men’s mental health in Canada.

Donate to men’s mental health charities

For those who want to make a difference but are short on time, donating to a charity is a great way of contributing to the fight against mental health issues. 

Whether you wish to support a charity on a local, national, or international scale, there are plenty of excellent charities in Canada that you can help.

Here are some of the country’s leading men’s mental health charities:

• Buddy Up
• Canadian Centre for Men and Families
• Canadian Men’s Health Foundation
• Dudes Club
• HeadsUpGuys
• Hi Dad Foundation

Volunteer 

Volunteering is a great way of supporting men with poor mental health, especially if you’ve personally struggled in the past and can use your first-hand experience to help them on their road to recovery. 

Generously donating your energy and time means you can make a genuine difference to Canadian men and the charitable organizations that support them.

Voluntary roles with mental health organizations could include:

• Providing a listening ear and emotional support.
• Acting as a role model or mentor.
• Attending or leading support groups and peer discussions.
• Helping to organize workshops, events, and campaigns.
• Spreading awareness online and by word of mouth.
• Organizing fundraising events.
• Engaging with donors.
• Helping to create educational content on men’s mental health.

Here are some of the organizations in Canada that welcome volunteers:

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Canadian Centre for Men and Families
• Canadian Mental Health Association
• HeadsUpGuys
• Health Initiative for Men

Volunteering isn’t just a good way of instilling confidence and improving wellbeing for those in need, it also rewards you with a sense of purpose and achievement.

Reach out for a chat

It’s important to pay attention to those around you to see if there is a noticeable change in their behaviour that’s linked to poor mental health. If you suspect that someone is struggling, have a chat with them and check everything is ok. 

Sometimes simply initiating a conversation is all that’s required to help someone open up and confide in you. Men can find tackling their mental health a very isolating and alienating experience, so a supportive chat could have a massive impact.

Make sure you continue to check in on them every so often.Start a fundraiser

An increasingly popular way of supporting worthy causes is to start an online fundraiser. Mental health fundraising empowers people to come together and financially support a charity, campaign, or cause they care about. By using an online platform, you can use the internet and social media to reach a massive pool of potential donors.

All you need to do to get started is to follow these steps:

1. Pick a cause associated with men’s mental health in Canada. 
2. Start your mental health fundraising journey and tell your story. The right crowdfunding platform should champion trust and safety, offer advanced tools, and share proven fundraising tips and ideas.
3. Spread the word and share your fundraiser via social media, emails, at work/school, and with family and friends. Try to target as many different networks as possible.
4. Start accepting donations and monitor how your fundraiser is performing.
5. Update everyone with regular updates and reminders to donate.
6. Send donations directly to your beneficiary.

We also recommend sending thank you messages to all of your donors. Not only does this make them feel appreciated, but it can also help you in the long run if you choose to do an annual fundraiser to support men’s mental health.

Men’s mental health fundraising using GoFundMe

Creating a fundraiser can be slightly daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. With GoFundMe, you can start making a difference in the lives of Canadian men living with poor mental health in just a few clicks. 

Our easy-to-use online platform simplifies the whole fundraising process and ensures you can raise as many vital funds as possible. 

All of the donations you receive will go straight to those who need it most, so you can make a valuable contribution to improving men’s mental health in Canada and around the rest of the world.

Join thousands of Canadians by using the world’s #1 crowdfunding platform today.

The post Breaking the Silence: Supporting Men’s Mental Health in Canada appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Like many medical procedures, this is an intensely personal decision, and it can represent a big step for many nonbinary and transgender people. Transitioning can also improve one’s mental health. However, gender-affirming surgery and other transition-related costs can present a barrier to those who need it. In this article, we’ll dive into the many options you or a loved one have to pay for gender confirmation surgery. To start, let’s better understand gender-affirming surgery costs.

Gender-affirming surgery options and costs

Gender confirmation surgery is a type of reconstructive surgery that helps a patient’s body conform to their experienced gender. For gender non-conforming and transgender patients, these surgeries can include:

• Facial feminization surgery: A variety of procedures that make facial features appear more feminine, including cheek augmentation, brow lift, lip augmentation, genioplasty, or tracheal shave.
• Facial masculinization surgery: A variety of procedures that make facial features appear more masculine, including cheek augmentation, thyroid cartilage enhancement, jaw or chin augmentation, nose reshaping, and forehead lengthening.
• Top surgery: A variety of procedures that augment a person’s breast tissue to reflect a more traditionally masculine or feminine appearance. These can include breast augmentation, mastectomy, and areola or nipple resizing or repositioning.
• Bottom surgery: A variety of procedures that reconstruct the genitalia to better represent the person’s gender identity. These procedures can include genital surgeries such as vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, orchiectomy, or hysterectomy.

Costs for these surgeries can vary. According to The Journal of law, medicine & ethics, the average costs for an orchiectomy are around CAD $9,400, CAD $76,500 for vaginoplasty, and CAD $187,700 for a phalloplasty. These costs have a wide range based on the procedures performed and additional factors. Besides the costs of these surgical procedures, additional costs could include:

• Consultation fees (if not covered by insurance)
• Follow-up appointments
• Surgeon’s fees
• Operating room fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Postoperative garments and medical supplies
• Travel and accommodation for out-of-town surgeries
• Home care assistance during recovery

These costs can represent a significant outlay for the patient. Working with their medical provider, each person should decide what medical transition care options are best for them. Now that you’ve seen the cost of gender-confirmation surgery, let’s look at the ways you can pay for this care.

1. Health insurance

Insurance coverage is one of the main ways many Canadians pay for healthcare. The Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on gender identity in federally regulated services, including healthcare, and each province has similar protections. While public health plans vary, coverage for gender-affirming care is increasingly available, though not all provinces offer the same levels of support.

However, private healthcare coverage (like you might get through an employer) for gender-affirming surgery can vary greatly from one province to another. This is because some insurance policy providers view certain gender-affirming procedures as cosmetic instead of medical necessity, even if your province has protections for gender-affirming care. In these cases, an insurance company may not cover gender-affirming surgery. 

To check if your Canadian health insurance plan includes coverage for transgender health care, review your plan’s explanation of benefits. This will outline if the policy covers gender-affirming care and what the plan will pay for. Take note that you may still have to pay co-pays or deductibles to get this treatment.

In some cases, in order to get gender-affirming care, you must have medical documentation from your medical providers before requesting surgery pre-authorization. To learn what documents you need to submit to your insurance provider and for additional information on coverage, contact them directly.

2. Crowdfunding for gender-affirming care

As you’ve seen, gender confirmation surgery can be costly, even if you utilize insurance or have help from other sources. So to bridge the gap to get the care you need, consider crowdfunding. Utilizing a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe can help you take the stress out of starting a fundraising campaign, and it’s easy to start one for yourself, a loved one, or a friend. Starting a fundraiser on GoFundMe is free, so you can get the help you or someone you care for needs. Crowdfunding for gender-affirming care is also a great way for you to share your story and discuss how this fundraising can help make a significant difference in your transition journey or your loved one’s transition journey.

3. Personal loans

You can also look to personal loans to fund your medical transition care. You can secure a personal loan from a variety of sources including banks or credit unions, online lenders, and even family members or friends. The premise of all of these loans is the same: you borrow a specific amount of money and then repay the lender that amount plus interest. These loan amounts could be up to $100,000. However, lenders will take into account your credit score, credit trustworthiness, and other factors to determine a loan amount and APR. Keep in mind that online lenders can have higher interest rates than local credit unions. 

If you decide to approach a family member or friend for a loan, it’s important to consider the implications of the debt on your relationship with them before deciding to finalize a loan. The stress of having to pay back a family member or close friend may steer you away from this type of loan.

4. Credit cards

Credit cards are another way to cover the costs associated with gender-affirming care. However, credit card interest rates can be very high. To combat these high interest rates, you may be eligible to open a credit card that has an introductory 0% APR. Often, these promotional interest rates last for 14-21 months. It’s important to pay off the balance of your credit card during this period, or you’ll be subject to paying interest on the balance of the card.

If you’re using a credit card to pay for medical expenses, keep in mind that utilizing a high percentage of your credit limit can negatively impact your credit score. Therefore, credit cards may be best for those who are seeking minor surgeries for gender-affirming care.

5. Medical credit cards

Medical credit cards can also help you cover gender-confirmation surgery costs. These credit cards are specifically intended to help you cover medical costs, and work like a regular credit card. While cards like CareCredit offer attractive initial financing options, they defer interest. That means that if you don’t pay off the entire balance of your credit card during the promotional period, you could get hit with steep interest charges on the entire purchase amount, not just your balance.

6. Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs) can be a funding source for gender-affirming surgery. These accounts allow Canadians to save and invest money tax-free. While TFSAs are not specifically designed for healthcare expenses, individuals can withdraw funds for medical costs, including gender-affirming procedures, without tax penalties. It’s important to manage contributions and withdrawals according to TFSA rules to maximize benefits.

7. Home equity line of credit (HELOC)

A HELOC can also be a source of funding for homeowners. This type of credit line allows you to borrow against the value of your home, often up to 85% of the value minus what you owe on the mortgage. Because HELOC interest rates are variable, monthly payments can vary. You’ll also want to consider that HELOCs have closing costs, appraisal fees, and other fees.

8. Payment plans

Depending on your healthcare provider, you may be eligible for a payment plan. These payment plans help you break up large medical bills into more manageable monthly payments. You’ll need to work with your provider to agree to the terms of the repayment plan, including what your monthly costs will be. Be sure to understand the billing charges and any additional fees you incur when agreeing to a payment plan.

9. Grants and scholarships

Many organizations offer financial assistance to pay for gender-affirming surgeries and care. Each organization will have its own application and selection processes for this financial aid. Here are a few of the many organizations that offer support:

• The 519
• Rainbow Health Ontario
• Trans Care BC
• Black Coalition for Aids Prevention
• Trans Lifeline

Gender-affirming surgery is a crucial part of transitioning for many transgender and non-gender-conforming people. While not all will go through surgery, those who choose to face high costs. However, as we’ve discussed, there are many options to pay for gender-affirming surgery costs. From utilizing insurance to applying for grants to utilizing crowdfunding, you can get the financial support you need. 

Ready to start crowdfunding? GoFundMe is ready to help. Create a fundraiser in just a few minutes and start reaching a broader audience to support your fundraising efforts. With GoFundMe, you’re one step closer to getting the financial help you need for gender-affirming surgery.

The post How to Pay for Gender Confirmation Surgery appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

From government support to personal fundraising campaigns, there are lots of options available to you. 

Here, we run through some of the support for carers available in Canada, so you can find the best route for you.

The financial challenges of caregiving

From transport to higher bills and general costs – the price of being a carer can be high. It’s been reported that more than eight million Canadians are currently serving as unpaid family caregivers, many of whom are struggling with the associated financial challenges.  

Amid a challenging economic environment, almost half of unpaid family caregivers under the age of 55 are spending more money on monthly care-related costs than basic household items. In fact, 60% of survey respondents said they spend up to $500 on care-related costs each month.

This is why, for many, financial carers’ support provides a lifeline, helping them to look after the people they cherish the most.

Financial support offered by the government

In Canada, there are plenty of avenues available to get financial assistance and support from the government. 

As well as this, there’s also a range of other options available to support people through the ongoing cost of living crisis.

EI caregiving

EI caregiving benefits provide financial assistance while you’re away from work to care for or support someone in need of help. This includes:

• A critically ill or injured person 
• Someone needing end-of-life care

In total, you could receive 55% of your earnings, up to a maximum of $668 a week.

You don’t have to be related to or live with the person you care for or support, but they must consider you to be like a family member.

Benefits are received during the 52 weeks following the date the person is certified to be critically ill or injured and can be taken all at once or in separate periods.

Canada caregiver credit

The Canada caregiver credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit given to support carers with a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependant with a physical or mental impairment. You may also be able to claim the CCC for:

• Your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) child or grandchild
• Your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece or nephew

The amount you can claim depends on your relationship with the person you are claiming the CCC for, your circumstances, the person’s net income and whether other credits are being claimed for that person. For example, for a spouse or common-law partner, you could claim up to $7,999, or $2,499 for children under 18 years of age.

Caregiver Recognition Benefit

The Caregiver Recognition Benefit helps people who deliver care on a day-to-day basis by providing them with a tax-free, monthly benefit. To apply for this caregiving benefit, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

• You have a VAC Disability Award or Pain and Suffering Compensation
• You need ongoing care as a result of the physical, mental or cognitive health condition(s) for which your Disability Award or Pain and Suffering Compensation was approved
• A level of care and supervision consistent with admission to an institution, daily physical assistance or ongoing supervision for at least four of your activities of daily living, or daily supervision
• Your caregiver is over the age of 18, plays an essential role in providing or coordinating your ongoing care, and is unpaid
• You are not a permanent resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility, and, you are a former Canadian Armed Forces member

Provincial benefits

There are also provincial government caregiving benefits. What’s available to you will depend on the Canadian province or territory you live in and the personal situations of the caregiver and the individual needing care. 

To get a customized list of benefits for which you may be eligible, you can use the Government of Canada’s benefits finder to search for caregiving benefits from federal, provincial or territorial governments.

Other ways to get financial support as a carer

As well as government support, there are also other ways you can get the help you need. 

There are charities, grants and local services available to you if you don’t qualify for financial support from the government.

Carers Trust grants and discounts

Carers Trust also offer support through their grant scheme. 

The charity works with local partners near you to help distribute funding. It’s easy to find out what services are available to you by visiting the charity’s website and entering your postcode. 

Through its CarerSmart initiative, carers can receive discounts on various goods and services they may use. 

Discounts can range from high street shops to insurance and other needs.

Support from charities

You can also receive financial support, advice and resources from charities. 

Prosper Canada is a charity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for Canadians living in poverty through program and policy innovation. Their aim is that all financially vulnerable Canadians have access to the financial policies, programs, products and advice they need to build their financial wellbeing.

So, if you need financial help as a carer, you should be able to qualify for support from Prosper Canada.

Crowdfunding

Finally, crowdfunding is an excellent way of gaining financial support. 

Raising money online can be an effective source of financial support and you can start a fundraising campaign for almost any reason. 

This can be personal, for yourself or for someone you know. 

It needn’t be a daunting thing either, as there is lots of advice and information available to get you started.

How fundraising can help cover the cost of being a carer

Fundraising is a very popular way of accessing financial support. 

These days, it’s not uncommon for carers who are in need of financial support to crowdfund, which is why Canadians use GoFundMe every day to help cover the high costs of being a carer.

Help Peter’s Wonderful Caregiver

Olive, a dedicated caregiver who tirelessly cared for Peter, now faces her own health issues. Therefore, a fundraiser was created to provide financial support for Olive during a challenging time and give back to someone who has given so much. 

All donations go directly towards Olive and her family, who have recently joined Olive from the Philippines. Every dollar raised helps to alleviate the financial burden, but also serves as a heartfelt gesture to show Olive that her dedication has not gone unnoticed.

Respite Care for Kyra

Kyra is a single mum of four children, all with special needs. She has been working as a caregiver nonstop for the past two and a half years, as a primary caregiver for her children while also looking after both her parents as they died. 

A fundraiser was started by Kyra’s friends to give her respite care, so she can protect her own mental health and prevent caregiver burnout. All donations go towards supporting Kyra’s health, helping her to attend necessary appointments and ensuring she has the space to mourn her parents.

Feeling inspired? You can fundraise for anyone or lead a campaign for yourself, explaining why you need support. GoFundMe is on hand to support carers financially, so they get the help they deserve.

The post How to get financial support as a carer appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Financial aid

Financial aid is available to anyone whose family doesn’t have the means to financially support them through school. The Government of Canada’s Canada Student Loans Program allows the student to apply for aid by filling out details about his or her family’s background; this includes total household income, savings, and any assets they happen to own. Depending on these factors, the student may qualify for a full or partial grant.

Tip: If your parents have divorced or separated, only list the parent who claims you as a dependent. This way, the total household income stated on your application will be lower, and your chances of receiving a greater subsidy will be higher.

Bursaries

A bursary is a monetary award made by an institution to a student to assist in the development of their education if the student and their family are unable to pay for their education. Bursaries may be awarded in addition to a scholarship. The amount awarded for a bursary depends on how much income that household has—the higher the income, the lower the amount the bursary will be. Not to be confused with loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid by students. The best way to find out if you qualify for a bursary is to check the website of the university you want to study at and see whether they offer some sort of bursary program.

Scholarships

If you don’t qualify for financial aid, don’t get discouraged. You can turn to scholarships that are largely merit-based; awarded on criteria, usually reflecting the values and purposes of the donor of the award. Lots of scholarships are centered on need, location, talent, and even heritage. Most high school seniors qualify for roughly 50-100 scholarships, which they may not even know about. For example, the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, are worth $75,000 over 4 years). However, the most commonly awarded scholarships have values of $1000-$5000 per year.

Tip: Chances are you’ll qualify for more provincial scholarships than national ones. Look at local organizations and institutions or check with your guidance counselor about what’s available in your area.

National and provincial grants

The federal, provincial, and territorial governments offer grants to students, including grants for full-time and part-time students, students with dependents, and students with disabilities. Even though the amount of relief you qualify for is generally need-based, other factors like the cost of tuition, your status as a student, and your course work will also be taken into account. Grants don’t necessarily need to come out of federal money either; nonprofit organizations, religious institutions, and charities can also provide monetary grants to students.

Provincial and territorial grants are also worth applying to, especially if you want to maximize your chance of receiving a full aid package. While grants on the state level can be more competitive (they usually require that you have a minimum GPA), there tends to be a greater pool of aid available to those who apply on a local scale.

Federal loans

Federal loans are often used in combination with grants and are a great way to make up for any extra costs if your aid package doesn’t cover everything. There’s a limit as to how much you can borrow (to ensure you’re not saddled with debt) plus federal loans have extremely low-interest rates compared to private loans.

Official benefactors

Official benefactors can include the Military, Coast Guard, Air Force, AmeriCorps, Peace Corp, National Health Services Corps, and ROTC programs.

ROTP (Regular Officer Training Program)

Their programs prepare university students for the military once they’ve graduated. This allows students to pursue a university education without having to worry about tuition or room and board. You will be expected to complete military training and to commit to 12 years of service after graduation, however.

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

CAF offers a number of paid education programs. The CAF will cover all tuition and fees for your education, including all the textbooks and supplies you need, and guarantee employment after graduation.

Get help paying for tuition

Everyone is entitled to an education. Now that you’re armed with this information, you’ll be able to make the choice that’s best suited to you and your situation. Every day we see people successfully use tuition fundraising to fund their educational dreams. Don’t forget that you can always lessen some of the financial strain by starting a fundraiser.

Thinking about grad school? Learn How to Pay for Graduate School Without Loans.

Start a college fundraiser

The post How to Pay for College appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

Routine checkups can now cost between $100 and $150, a dramatic rise in comparison to recent years. However, not all hope is lost, as there is help out there for low-income pet owners needing financial support with vet bills.

In this article, we share the top 10 ways Canadian pet owners can get financial help, while also exploring the benefits of crowdfunding.

The rising cost of owning a pet

Sure, owning a pet can be hugely rewarding and enhance your life, but for many the associated costs have meant it’s no longer feasible. Here, we take a look at the average annual cost of owning a dog in Canada:

• Food – $1,200
• Insurance – $1,160
• Dental cleaning – $743
• Parasite prevention – $247
• Exams with vaccines – $183
• Wellness profile – $151
• Annual heartworm/Lyme test – $108
• Toys – $75
• Fecal exams – $57
• Collar – $50
• Annual license – $25

Source: Statista

For many pet owners, the costs we’ve listed above can be eye-watering. Also, these figures don’t account for any additional vet bills you may need to pay across the year, let alone if you own multiple pets.

10 ways to get financial help as a pet owner

If you’re a low-income owner but don’t want to be priced out of owning a pet, there are some options available to you. A lot of the initiatives we’ve listed here are only available to low-income families, which is determined by the size of your family and where you live.

For example, in 2021, the low-income cut-off after tax for a family of four living in a rural area was $28,200, while the cut-off for a family of the same size living somewhere with a population between 100,000 and 499,999 people was $36,459.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the different options available to low-income families who need financial support to own a pet.

1. Vet Subsidy Programs

Many veterinary services offer subsidy programs for low-income pet owners. When a crisis strikes and your pet needs emergency care, subsidy programs are in place to assist pet owners experiencing temporary financial difficulties. There are countless programs across Canada, so make sure you check with your local vet to see if they offer one or alternatively see which vets in your local area do.

For example, the Animal Hospital of Manitoba offers a Veterinary Service Subsidy Program, where they’ll subsidize 50% of the veterinary services your pet requires (up to a $250 discount). The owner is then responsible for paying the full examination fee and the remaining 50% of the fees. 

2. Pet Help Finder

Pet Help Finder supports organizations that offer “financially friendly” services, including veterinary care, spay and neuter clinics, vaccines, pet supplies, pet food assistance, and more. The following all qualify as financially friendly if they meet their criteria:

• Private veterinary practices.
• Non-profit organizations.
• Social service agencies.
• Specialty funds.
• Corporate veterinary providers qualify.

This is hugely beneficial to low-income pet owners, as it means they have access to organizations that offer discounted or specialty price offerings. Users of Pet Help Finder are advised to recognize that conditions may apply and they should always discuss individual entity offerings directly with the service provider.

3. Petcard

Petcard by iFinance has been offering quick and hassle-free loans for over 25 years. The program allows you to benefit from reliable, comprehensive, and affordable financing for veterinary services across Canada, so everyone has the opportunity to access affordable vet care. 

They offer personal loans ranging from $500 to $25,000 that cover the following:

• Veterinary surgery.
• Spaying/neutering.
• Dental cleaning.
• Radiography.
• Laboratory tests.
• Euthanasia.

Their service ensures you get instant approval, that your credit score won’t be affected by applying, and that you enjoy flexible payment terms which allow you to manage your monthly payments.

4. GoFundMe

Are you a low-income earner who needs help covering vet bills? GoFundMe is here to help. You can quickly raise money for your pet’s surgery with pet fundraising, so your beloved pet can receive the veterinary care it needs. 

Our network is more than 50 million strong, meaning members of our huge community and your friends and family have an opportunity to give back to a good cause.

There is even a category of fundraisers dedicated to pet care and animal welfare, including fundraisers for nonprofit organizations serving pets and other animals.

5. Progressive Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)

PAWS is a registered charity helping pets who would otherwise not get vet care. Their programs support urgent treatment and preventive care, such as vaccinations, blood tests, treatment for infections, minor surgery, and so much more. 

They aim to help families keep pets healthy and reduce the number of unwanted pets on the street. Programs include:

• Subsidies for vet care.
• Education focused on prevention.
• Guidance for pet-friendly community agencies.

Pet owners are eligible if they’re struggling with low income, are unhoused or displaced, or fleeing violence. They currently only operate in Southwest Ontario, serving the counties of Middlesex, Brant, Hamilton, and Waterloo.

6. Paws for Hope Animal Foundation

Paws for Hope supports pet owners with inadequate access to veterinary care in British Columbia. Its Better Together veterinary funding program is a one health system that aligns the resources of social service agencies, veterinary service providers, and community funding. 

Paws for Hope aims to improve access to affordable vet care for under-served families and enable social service and animal care professionals to better meet their goals.

The support they offer includes:

• Veterinary care.
• Help with pet food and supplies.
• Pet licensing support.
• Support through end-of-life decisions.
• Connections to social services and public health services.

7. McVitie Veterinary Assistance Program

The McVitie Veterinary Assistance Program aims to assist low-income individuals with essential health care issues. This is defined as treatment without which the ill or injured animal will die or require humane euthanasia. To qualify for vet bill assistance, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be able to provide evidence of low-income status.
• Be a resident of British Columbia.
• Submit an application before treatment.
• Provide a history and photos of the pet.
• Only request financial assistance once in a year for up to two pets per household, and twice in the lifetime of each pet.
• Agree to follow the directions of the veterinarian regarding aftercare.

8. The Farley Foundation

Since opening in 2002, the Farley Foundation has assisted more than 13,765 pets with owners who struggle to pay for veterinary care. To apply for funding, you must fall into one of the below categories:

• Seniors receiving the Federal Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
• Disabled individuals receiving the Ontario Disability Support Payment (ODSP) or the Canada Pension Plan Disability Payment (CPP Disability).
• Individuals receiving assistance through the Ontario Works Program.
• Persons with an annual household income of less than $25,000.
• Supportive housing for seniors, retirement homes, or long-term care facilities with live-in pets.

So far they have raised more than $6 million to help low-income pet owners with their vet bills.

9. BC SPCA Low Income Assistance

The BC SPCA Animal Hospital offers low-income pet owners discounts on in-house services including surgeries, x-rays, and hospitalization. By qualifying for financial aid, you’ll receive cover for up to 33% of the cost of services provided at the clinic (it does not provide financial aid for procedures done at other vet clinics).

Financial assistance does not apply to examinations, medication, lab work, vaccinations, or food/product purchases.

10. Alberta Helping Animals Society (AHAS)

The Alberta Helping Animals Society is a non-profit society, incorporated in Alberta and registered as a charity with the Canadian Revenue Agency. Their mission is to create opportunities for vulnerable people to access no-cost veterinary care and other services for their companion animals. This includes: 

• Wellness exams. 
• Spay and neuter surgery.
• Diagnosis and care for chronic illness. 
• Dentistry.
• Palliative care.
• End-of-life support.

To qualify, you need to be a low-income earner in Edmonton and submit a Notice of Assessment for every adult family member living in your household. Whether you’re determined to be a low-income earner depends on how many people live in your house. For example, if you live alone the cut-off is $27,514, but for a family of four, it’s $51,128.

How crowdfunding can help with the cost of pet ownership

For thousands of low-income families across Canada, crowdfunding helps dreams come true by ensuring they can afford a pet if an emergency were to occur and vet bill assistance was required. 

While you might be daunted by the prospect of money being raised on your behalf, the benefits of crowdfunding make it all worthwhile, as you realise just how accepting and generous people can be. Crowdfunding advantages include:

• Simple to set up.
• Easy to share your story with the wider community.
• Not purely reliant on large donations.
• Crowdfund for any cause.
• Safe and secure.

Here are some examples of where crowdfunding through GoFundMe has helped low-income families pay for vet bills, making a huge difference to their lives and their adoring pets.  

Help Rufus get a better chance at life!

Rufus was neglected in a cage amidst filth and neglect, enduring unimaginable suffering. He also faced relentless attacks from other canines, further worsening his condition. Bruised and battered, the dog bore the scars of physical abuse, with skin and blood-borne infections, dental issues, and severe malnourishment.

Kathy started a fundraiser to help Rufus on his long journey to recovery, with donations going towards medicine, tests, and more.

Esteban’s Life-Saving Oral Surgery

Karly started a fundraiser for her dog Esteban’s life-saving oral tumour surgery. The cost estimate for the surgery was between $8,300 and $11,000. With the surgery set to go ahead on February 2nd 2024, Karly needed to raise funds quickly. Without the surgery, they would have to say goodbye to Esteban.

Fortunately, the fundraiser ensured Esteban was able to have the surgery. An update was shared on his fundraising page to say he was doing well in recovery.

Eevee’s Liver Shunt Surgery

Sydney started a fundraiser for her seven-month-old corgi puppy, Eevee. Eevee was a rescue and had a rough start in life, having been discarded from a puppy mill after being attacked by another dog. Just after she was adopted, Eevee’s health worsened and it was later discovered she had pneumonia which turned into sepsis. The vet also found she had a liver shunt.

The ICU bill was $10,000 and the pet insurance company refused to cover it, plus, the surgery would cost another $10,000. Therefore, Sydney created a fundraiser to help cover the costs.

The post Financial help for low-income pet owners appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).

The cost of a funeral can be substantial. On average, a funeral in Canada costs $8,500, ranging from $1,500 to $25,000 depending on the location and individual preferences. This includes the viewing, burial, service fees, transport, casket, embalming, and other costs.

Today, many families turn to crowdfunding to get help with funeral costs and create a new way for friends and family to support each other emotionally through this difficult time.

Cost of funeral services

Families often contact a funeral home to begin preparations when a loved one passes away. It’s important not to go alone and take an impartial party to help deal with sensitive decisions. The general price list covers tasks, including basic service fees, embalming, and funeral home costs. 

If you’re wondering how much a funeral home service is in Canada, here’s an overview of some current prices:

• The average funeral costs between $8,000 and $9,000.
• In Canada, how much a funeral costs will depend on the province. For example, the average funeral cost in Ontario is anywhere between $1,500 to $20,000, while in British Columbia it ranges from $1,000 to $12,000.

Cemetery and burial costs

For burials, there is usually a procession to the cemetery for the burial of the body after the service at the funeral home. The associated funeral costs of a typical burial are listed on the general price list. These costs can add up quickly, including transportation, a burial plot, and a casket.

• Transfers to a burial home usually cost around $100. However, this will depend on the location, distance travelled, and whether the transfer is out-of-province.
• Church ceremonies can cost between $500 and $2,000. This includes fees for the priest, church attendant, musicians, and so on.
• The average cost of a burial in Canada is between $5,000 and $10,000.
• Burying someone in a cemetery can cost upwards of $10,000 for a new plot, headstone, and inscription. If you already own a plot in the cemetery, you only need to pay around $1,500 to open and close the plot and add an inscription to an existing headstone.

Cremation and memorial service costs

A cremation or memorial service offers flexibility and is usually less expensive for families looking to avoid both the process and cost of funeral services. A memorial involves a celebration of life but may vary from a funeral according to the family’s traditions, beliefs, and wishes. 

Here’s an overview of the average cost of a funeral typically associated with memorials and cremation:

• Funeral homes can cost between $2,000 to $6,000 for a basic cremation. That includes the fee for cremation, a cremation certificate, and registration of the death.
• Additional services, such as visitation and embalming, or interring ashes at a columbarium, can see that figure climb to $10,000 or more.
• Caskets and urns can cost between $0 and $3,500.
• Professional funeral fees, such as guidance, planning, logistics, and paperwork can cost in the region of $200 and $1,000+.

Financial assistance for funeral costs

There are a number of ways you can get financial help with funeral costs if you find yourself in a difficult situation. 

Provincial support 

For those in need, provincial programs help to provide financial assistance for funerals. What support you receive will depend on your local province. Here, we list a few of the key provinces and what they offer, but we advise you to check out the government website for your local authority for a full breakdown of financial support.

• Ontario: Ontario Works can help to cover funeral costs such as transfers, cremations, the burial plot, and the urn or casket.
• Quebec: The Special Funeral Expense Benefit is granted if the deceased didn’t have the financial resources to pay for their funeral expenses. The maximum amount of the benefit is $2,500.
• British Columbia: A supplement is available for residents to cover funeral costs if the deceased person or associated responsible persons can’t afford it.
• Alberta: The Alberta government also has a fund to help pay for basic funeral expenses for those who cannot afford them. It can be used to cover the costs of a funeral ceremony, transportation, a cemetery plot, and more.

Death Benefit 

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Death Benefit is a one-time payment that’s payable to the estate or other eligible individuals. To qualify, the deceased must have made contributions to the CPP for at least:

• One-third of the calendar years in their contributory period for the base CPP, but no less than three calendar years, or
• 10 calendar years.

The amount of the death benefit is a single payment of $2,500 and can be used to cover any costs associated with a funeral.

Charity grants

You may also be able to apply for charity grants to cover the cost of a funeral. In most cases, what support is available will be determined by the province the deceased lived in and their personal circumstances. 

For example, if the deceased was a veteran, then the Last Post Fund’s program provides funeral, burial, and grave marking benefits for eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans.

Other charities include Childhood Cancer Canada‘s Benevolent Fund, which helps families by assisting with the costs of the funeral service for their child, and ICNA Relief Canada’s Funeral Support Program, established to support the burial of loved ones.

Crowdfunding

People crowdfund towards funerals and memorials every day, too. By doing this, it means that anyone who wants to contribute can – and often helps in unexpected circumstances too.

A memorial fundraiser also provides a central place for people to offer condolences and come together to reflect on someone’s life through photos and written memories.

Although asking for donations for funeral expenses may seem daunting, it helps thousands of families who would otherwise struggle to pay for a service to honour the lives of their loved ones and give them the service they deserve.

Get the financial support you need

Now you know how much a funeral costs, you’re aware that services and memorials can be expensive regardless of the option you choose. 

Crowdfunding can help with funeral costs and alleviate some financial burdens, providing support when you need it most.

The post How to get help with funeral costs appeared first on GoFundMe (CA).