Fundraising Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics guides the Society and its members’ selection and involvement in fundraising activities (see Section 13, Fundraising Events).

  • All fundraising activities must conform to federal and provincial statutes as well as local bylaws.
  • Fundraising activities must not put the Society at legal risk through potential lawsuit.
  • Fundraising activities must not put the Society’s public image at risk.
  • Fundraising activities must be congruent with the mission and programs of the Society.
  • The Lifesaving Society may solicit and will accept unconditional donations of funds from the tobacco-products industry. The Society will not solicit nor accept, contributions of products, nor will it solicit or accept corporate sponsorships to which specific conditions are attached.
  • The Lifesaving Society will accept funds from the alcohol products industry through the office, but not through its areas. Area Chairs refer offers of such funds or product to the Lifesaving Society Ontario office. The Society will accept funds from the alcohol industry for the promotion of drowning prevention initiatives or responsible use of alcohol. The Society will not accept donations that require it to advertise or promote consumption of alcohol.
  • The Lifesaving Society will not knowingly become involved in fundraising activities with or accept donations from any person or organization that has been convicted of a criminal offense.
  • The Lifesaving Society will not knowingly become involved in fundraising activities with or accept donations from any organization known to be environmentally irresponsible.
  • The Lifesaving Society will not become involved in fundraising activities or accept donations from organizations that have, in the opinion of the Society, an unsatisfactory public reputation.
  • The Lifesaving Society will provide full public disclosure as to how donated funds are intended to be dispersed.
  • The Lifesaving Society will not engage the services of professional fundraising organizations to raise “Personal Giving” or “Event” funds for the Society.
  • The Lifesaving Society will not sell its mailing list or make it available for use by other organizations or agencies.