For many, tax season brings stress, confusion and even anxiety—especially for those unsure about their eligibility for benefits or struggling to navigate the process alone. But for North Shore residents like Phyllis, it’s also a chance to access essential support that brings peace of mind and financial stability.
As an established non-profit of nearly fifty years, North Shore Community Resources (NSCR) has been providing exactly that through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, one of the many vital services dedicated to empowering individual and community well-being and participation.
NSCR has provided programs and services that support people of all ages, backgrounds and incomes. The Community Volunteer Income Tax Program in particular, has helped nearly 700 lower-income individuals to file their tax returns in 2024, resulting in close to $300,000 in refunds. In turn, this has enabled access to hundreds of thousands of dollars more in eligible income assistance—simply by filing taxes.
As a long-time North Shore resident and retiree, Phyllis says that she sleeps easier knowing she has the support of her community behind her. “NSCR saved my life. It had been a very difficult time for months and at my age, I was just lost. Adrian at NSCR saved me. There was a lot of patience and reassurance.”
A proven poverty reduction initiative
NSCR’s Community Income Tax Clinic empowers eligible lower income individuals to file their income tax return with the support of qualified volunteers registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. This ensures that individuals can access their tax refunds along with much-needed government benefits if eligible. A visible display of what happens when volunteers in the community come together to support their neighbours.
“This program is very volunteer driven,” says Adrian Partridge, Community Tax Program Coordinator. “There are about 30 volunteers who are organizing, taking calls, making appointments and hosting tax clinics. There are also tax preparers who do the taxes. All of this takes time and we're very blessed with fantastic volunteers. It's an exceptional service and a rewarding way to give back to the community.”
More than numbers: Emotional impact of tax support
The NSCR Community Income Tax Program is open to North Shore residents with 65% of those accessing the service identifying as seniors—though there is more to this crucial service than just returns and benefits.
“Taxes can be deeply emotional—many clients come in anxious, even in tears, worried about the process,” says Partridge. “Failing to file can stop essential benefits like GST payments, subsidized housing and even bus passes. But once taxes are done, there’s often a huge sense of relief and even joy. For some, it’s a routine that keeps them financially secure and engaged in their communities.”
You can help: Support the program with a donation
North Shore Community Resources is committed to improving socioeconomic outcomes while keeping communities connected through a network of volunteers. Relying on the generous support of individuals and businesses, donating today will help this vital work to continue—and you can still receive a tax receipt for 2024. The federal government has extended the deadline for tax-deductible donations for the 2024 tax year until Feb. 28, 2025.
“Without Adrian, I don't know what I would have done. I didn't know who to talk to and now, all my worry has been removed. I'm looking forward to my taxes for this year,” says Phyllis. “The world is a better place for the community with people like Adrian and North Shore Community Resources in it.”
North Shore Community Resources would like to give a special thank you to their supporters, Ratcliff and QuadReal.
For more information about the tax clinic, visit community.nscr.ca/community-income-tax-program. To donate, please visit www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/10605.
