person on laptop / Shutterstock
People from all around the world were heartbroken on Monday as Paris' iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral went up in flames. However, the Better Business Bureau is warning Canadians to be wary of where they send donations.
The organization stresses that people should make sure donations are going to the official Notre Dame rebuilding fund and not into the hands of scammers.
“Scammers are opportunists, and they will take advantage of whatever is in the news,” said Art Taylor, president and CEO of BBB Wise Giving Alliance.
“We expect to see Notre Dame fundraising appeals on social media and crowdfunding sites. Some will be from well-intentioned people who are not directly involved with the cathedral, but some may be from scammers. BBB Wise Giving Alliance is urging people to ‘wait to donate’ until an official rebuilding fund is established.”
What's more, Taylor reminded donors that donations are more likely to be tax-deductible if they donate through a charity based in Canada. Also, since no one was hurt in the fire, the donations aren't needed as quickly; the process of rebuilding the structure will take time.
If you want to donate immediately, however, the French Ministry of Culture has identified four existing entities that are accepting funds to help with reconstruction of Notre Dame:
- la Fondation du Patrimoine : https://www.fondation-patrimoine.org/
- la Fondation de France : https://www.fondationdefrance.org/fr
- la Fondation Notre-Dame : https://www.fondationnotredame.fr/
- le Centre des monuments nationaux : https://www.rebatirnotredamedeparis.fr/
The BBB has also noted that French corporations and billionaires have already pledged millions to aid in the effort, and companies in other countries are starting to promise contributions, too.
BBB will update this report as more information becomes available on the official fundraising efforts. Bookmark BBB Notre Dame and check back for updates.
