History
The idea for The Foundation arose in 2014 when two Foundation Board members had to spend 4 months in Toronto with their critically ill child to receive care at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). It was at this time that they truly understood how receiving specialized medical care for a child could create a major financial strain on a family. Many parents frequently have to take a leave of absence from work or quit their jobs altogether to get their child the medical attention they need to survive. No parent should have to add financial burden to their list of concerns alongside the emotional and physical stress of worrying about your child’s health.
Mission
The Twinkie Foundation is committed to helping relieve some of the financial burden incurred by Sault Ste. Marie families who have to travel for medical purposes for children under the age of 18.
Vision
Having a sick child is emotionally and financially overwhelming. Our intent is to provide financial assistance for food, accommodations, travel, and other incidentals that are incurred on medical trips so that families can focus on their children and not stress over financial obligations.
FAQs
HOW CAN I APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION FOR TRAVEL FOR MEDICAL REASONS?
Please complete our application
Please note that to qualify for financial support, we will need the following information:
– A confirmed medical appointment for a child under the age of 18
– Any other forms of financial assistance being received for the medical trip
– Your referral doctors name and phone number
Please note that emphasis is placed on families having to stay outside of Sault Ste. Marie for extended period of time for medical reasons. We aim to support lower income families. Applicants will be asked to provide information regarding their household income and current financial assistance being received. You will receive a letter saying whether or not you qualify for financial assistance and, if so, how much you will receive. Assistance will be provided based on per diem amount specified by The Foundation. Financial assistance may or may not be provided and will be determined by the amount of funds available in the Foundation.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY MEDICAL APPOINTMENT IS CANCELLED OR RE-BOOKED
We ask that you contact The Foundation as soon as possible to provide alternative arrangements.
Cancellations are often unavoidable; however, making immediate alternative arrangements with The Foundation will help alleviate some of the costs incurred for rescheduling.
HOW DO I MAKE A DONATION TO THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION?
Online:
Use our Donation Form
By Mail:
Send your donation directly to:
The Twinkie Foundation
189 River Road
Sault Ste. Marie
P6A 6C3
IS THERE AN OFFICE LOCATION FOR THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION
No. All members volunteer their time and efforts to administer the Foundation and as such, there is no central office.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?
As all Foundation members volunteer on a part-time basis, there are no set hours of operation; however, care is taken to return phone calls/emails within a 48 hour period.
WILL I RECEIVE A TAX RECEIPT BY DONATING TO THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION?
The Twinkie Foundation was incorporated under the Not-for-profit Corporations Act on January 14, 2017. We became an official Registered Charity on March 9th, 2017. Tax receipts will be issued in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE FUNDING ONCE AN APPLICATION IS RECEIVED
Applications will be reviewed within a 4-6 week timeframe. Once an application is approved, the applicant will be contacted as soon as possible to make funding arrangements. You will also receive a confirmation letter in the mail. If immediate assistance is required, please email karen@thetwinkiefoundation.ca to determine whether or not an application can be reviewed sooner that the average wait time. It is in your best interest to apply for financial assistance as soon as you receive a confirmed medical appointment so we can do our best to assist you in a timely manner. Please refer to our Privacy Policy in regards to the sharing of personal information with The Foundation.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FUNDING MAY NOT ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE AND DEPENDS SOLELY ON THE DONATIONS RECEIVED, AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS BY THE FOUNDATION
HOW IS THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION FUNDED?
The Twinkie Foundation is 100% funded by donations and through fundraising events organized by volunteers of the Foundation.
HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR MONTHLY GIVING?
Monthly donations can be withdrawn from your bank account. To donate, click HERE.
If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation at 705 255 7576 or by email at karen@thetwinkiefoundation.ca
IF I AM WRITING A CHEQUE, WHO DO I MAKE IT OUT TO?
Cheques should be made payable to The Twinkie Foundation.
WHAT DO MY DONATIONS SUPPORT WHEN I MAKE A GIFT/DONATION TO THE TWINKIE FOUNDATION?
All donations received will help support families who have to travel for medical care and expertise. Donations are distributed to families based on an application process that is reviewed by the Board Members to assess need, severity and current financial support systems already in place.
LOOKING FOR A FOUNDATION REPRESENTATIVE TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT?
Looking for a Foundation representative to speak at your event? Please contact Karen by phone at 705-255-7576 or by email at karen@thetwinkiefoundation.ca