Community Action: Charitable registration lifted from group

OTTAWA -- Canada Customs Revenue Agency has removed the charitable status of The Parkinson's Support and Research Society. The delisting by the Federal Court was supported temporarily while the agency appeals the decision.

The Bedford, N.S. organization raised more than $1 million in two years. Only $2,000 was spent on plans for day care centres for persons with the disease. No facilities were built and no counselling or other services were provided. Many donors had confused this group with the Parkinson's Society of Canada.

A Toronto Star investigation in 2002 showed that the agency was created by a David Waldron, a former RCMP member, and his family. The society engaged professional fund-raisers in Ontario who retained 66% for their fees and expenses. Over $350,000 was used for personal expenses, salaries and unknown administrative costs. Family members received $150,000 dollars in payments.

The charity had refused to explain the payments, when requested by the CCRA auditor.

The accounts show an unexplained $47,000 worth of withdrawals from the agency's bank account from a bank machine at the Halifax casino.

The Federal Court is expected to bring down a decision on the appeal in September.