Volunteering is no taxing task for this group

Volunteers of United Way Sudbury and Nipissing Districts’ Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVIT) were celebrated May 7 for their significant contributions during the 2014 tax season.

GenNext, a program that encourages people in their 20 and 30 to become involved with United Way through giving and volunteering, and United Way staff hosted a volunteer appreciation event to recognize their achievements.

“Our Community Income Tax Program volunteers are truly remarkable,” said Michael Cullen, executive director of United Way. “Total numbers indicate that almost 4,000 tax returns were filed this year by our volunteers.”

To date, United Way volunteers completed 3,720 and Canada Revenue Agency volunteers completed 350 returns, for a grand total of 4,030 returns completed. This amounts to a total value to the community of at least $322,000.

This year, CVIT volunteers were awarded a 2015 Civic Award for Volunteerism by the City of Greater Sudbury for meritorious service, voluntary contributions, personal efforts and exemplary community development within the City of Greater Sudbury.

“We’re thrilled to have our volunteers recognized for their outstanding contributions,” said Linda Dupuis, community initiatives manager. “A big thank you to the City of Greater Sudbury for recognizing their profound impact on our vulnerable communities, as well as for supporting the program through parking passes and used computers.”

United Way has operated the CVIT Program in partnership with CRA since 1997. Over the last nine years, an estimated 34,000 income tax returns have been filed which amounts to an estimated total value of $2 million. The program, offered over the months of March and April each year, provides the community with trained volunteers to prepare income tax returns for low-income families and individuals at no cost.