A group of municipal employees is being recognized after stepping up for their fellow community members during income tax season.
The team of six Chatham-Kent employment and social services employees is being given a “Local Municipal Champion Award” from the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association for helping individuals and families complete their tax returns free of charge.
“We are so proud that our team was able to innovate and provide a much-needed service to our local community during these especially complicated times,” says Kristy Jacobs, an employment and social services supervisor, in a news release. “Our staff are able to guide these individuals through the process, unlocking benefits they may not have accessed if left on their own, easing some of the stresses of lower incomes and helping to prevent homelessness.”
After the volunteer income tax clinics were cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team participated in the Community Volunteer Income Tax training program offered by the Canada Revenue Agency. This program provided the team members with the required training to complete simple income tax returns.
So far this year, the team has completed 281 income tax returns with a total value of $754,854.77.
“This program ensures that our community’s most vulnerable residents have access to all of the funds and programs they are entitled to receive, which is a key factor in life stabilization,” says Program Manager Matthew Keech.
The “Local Municipal Champion Award” recognizes outstanding teams who have advanced excellence in service system management.
Anyone who would like help filing their income tax forms can call 519-355-1380 or email [email protected] to see if they qualify for the program.
