Ontario Police Leaders Ask Vehicle Owners to Donate Val Tag Refunds to Victims of War in Ukraine

Media Advisory 

Ontario Police Leaders Ask Vehicle Owners to Donate Val Tag Refunds to Victims of War in Ukraine

For Immediate Release: April 1, 2022

(Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will launch a fundraising initiative to encourage owners of vehicles in Ontario to donate their provincial licence plate renewal (validation tags) refunds to help victims of the war in Ukraine. The #ValTags4Ukraine fundraising initiative will be formally launched next week in support of the Canadian Red Cross.

Registered owners of vehicles – cars, trucks or motorcycles – in the province are receiving a refund cheque from the Government of Ontario for up to $240 per vehicle. An estimated $1 billion in refunds is being mailed to vehicle owners for the fees they paid over the past two years for their validation tags. These cheques are in the mail right now.

#ValTags4Ukraine will enable the Canadian Red Cross to respond to humanitarian needs in Canada as they arise for people displaced due to the war in Ukraine. Red Cross’ work will help to bridge the gaps in social services and support affected individuals and families as they transition to life in Canada. These services may include immediate and ongoing basic needs, referral services, financial support, psychosocial support, granting to community organizations, services to help people displaced connect with their loved ones, and other critical activities that may evolve and change.

“As we continue to see the horrible events in Ukraine unfold, police leaders in Ontario feel that we can provide Ontarians with a unique way to support the victims of this tragic conflict,” said Jeff McGuire, Executive Director. “If we can get 1% of Ontarians receiving these refunds to re-direct the funds to this program, we will raise $10 million. These funds will make a great Canadian difference to these victims.”

Donations will be administered by the Canadian Red Cross. The OACP is working to have a donation page ready on the Canadian Red Cross website early next week. The #ValTags4Ukraine fundraising initiative will be formally launched next week. Once donations can be accepted, donors will instantly receive an electronic tax receipt. All proceeds raised will go directly to supporting victims of the conflict.

Media Contact:

Jeff McGuire, Executive Director

T. (289) 968-4518  I  E. JeffMcGuire@oacp.ca