Parkminster plays a critical role in the spiritual journeys of its members as a community of faith, while also supporting the wellbeing of the community at large through charitable works on a local and global scale. That work requires both ongoing financial support and the time and talent of our many volunteers. Your support is greatly appreciated in helping the Parkminster community continue living into our faith as a welcoming congregation and a loving influence in the world.
Click the headings below to learn more about donating to Parkminster and the United Church of Canada.
How are donations used?
Donations to Parkminster can be directed to a variety of funds to support the work of the church within our local community and beyond. If not designated elsewhere, donations are directed to the Local Fund.
- Local Fund: supports ongoing operating costs of the church
- Capital Fund: supports future major capital and/or building expenses
- Outreach Fund: contributes to the support of over a dozen local charities and the United Church of Canada Mission & Service work
- Christian Education Fund: supports programs for children, youth, and adults throughout their faith journey
- Benevolent Fund: available to ministers to assist individuals and families in need
- Refugee Fund: supports refugee families the church has sponsored
- Memorial Endowment Fund: where gifts are invested and held in perpetuity, with the earnings used as per the direction of the donor or, if not designated, determined by Church Council and Trustees how to best assist the church in its work
How can I donate?
Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)
This is the recommended method, giving by way of an automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank account. Simply email the office at admin@parkuc.ca and we will contact you about registering your information with the PAR Administrator at the United Church of Canada office.
e-Transfers
Donations via e-transfers can be sent to admin@parkuc.ca and will be automatically deposited to the account of Parkminster United Church at Your Neighbourhood Credit Union. No need to enter a security question. For the recipient name, use Parkminster United Church.
CanadaHelps
Donations can be made by credit card online through CanadaHelps, a Canadian registered charity that exists purely to help other charities receive online gifts. CanadaHelps a not-for-profit organization. CanadaHelps will email you a tax-receipt and deposit the money in the church bank account. They deduct 3-4%, depending on the amount donated, to cover their expenses. To donate through CanadaHelps, click here.
Canada Post
You can mail a cheque to Parkminster United Church, 275 Erb Street East, Waterloo, ON, N2J 1N6.
Gifting Stocks and Mutual Funds
When you make a gift of stocks or mutual funds to the United Church of Canada Foundation, you avoid the capital gains tax normally payable when selling those securities. This is because the government does not collect capital gains tax on securities that have been given to charitable organizations. Once gifted, you can immediately or in the future have the Foundation disburse the proceeds to the charities of your choice, provided one of them is a United Church. A very small fee is payable to the Foundation for this service. For more information, visit the United Church of Canada Foundation website.
United Church of Canada Global Emergency Response
The United Church of Canada has a fund dedicated to supporting emergency responses around the world. When these emergencies occur, we encourage you to make donations directly to this fund by credit card or by cheque. For more information or to donate, click here.
Why I Give
I give to Parkminster because I believe we need more love and compassion in our world. Parkminster does not profess to have all the answers, but inspires members to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with the Divine. I am proud to be part of such a caring community that gives so generously to Outreach programs both within our region and within the global community. Parkminster has helped my family become more globally aware and realize the need to help shape a more just and sustainable future for our world.
I support Parkminster because of its liberal theology and inclusive policies. Parkminster nurtures my soul every week with the uplifting music from numerous talented musicians, the camaraderie of many inspiring people, and the messages that encourage me to look at problems from a more hopeful perspective. Parkminster empowers me to create change both within myself and my community. Parkminster restores balance in my life and gives my life deeper meaning. I am proud to financially support such an engaged, progressive church community.
shared by Kathy Shortt