FAQs

General Information

  • The Killarney Parent Fundraising Society (KPFS) raises money to enrich Montessori education at Killarney School in Calgary, Alberta.

    Killarney Parent Fundraising Society invests in materials and initiatives that enrich the learning environment for our children at Killarney School. We strive to be a model example of a public Montessori school; where a community of students, parents and teachers work together to create an environment in which each child may explore & discover their world.

    We invest in initiatives that:

    Provide experiential, hands-on, learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom

    Encourage a holistic understanding of the world

    Build a strong sense of community in the school

    Complement Alberta’s K-6 curriculum

    Align with the Montessori philosophy

  • We determined the donation guidelines by looking at our goal amount, the number of Killarney families, and past information on donation numbers. We recognize that some families may be comfortable with larger or smaller donation amounts. ALL contributions are gratefully accepted and help us to reach our goal.

  • Yes. Since October 2012, we have been a registered Canadian charity.

    Registration # 888181013RR0001

  • Donations and form submissions close October 24. Participation is tallied and the $500 draw takes place October 25.

How to Donate - Two Steps

  • GoFundMe processes your donation, but it doesn't tell us your child's class or how to reach you. That's what the participation form is for, so it's a separate step from the donation itself.

  • Yes! This year we're tracking classroom participation, and the form is how we do it. Even if you've already donated through GoFundMe, the form is still required.

  • No! Completing the form is what tracks participation, whether or not you also donate. A donation made without the form won't count toward your child's class.

  • Yes! As this is the only way we fundraise for the school for the entire year, any contribution from yourself, family or friends is greatly appreciated!

  • Yes! Grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends are all welcome to donate. Each person can submit their own form with the student's name and class — this won't add extra participation credit (participation is counted once per student), but it does add another entry to the $500 draw.

  • List each student and their classroom on the form so both classes get credit.

  • Yes! This year we will be accepting online donations through GoFundMe. Click on the link below to be redirected to GoFundMe to donate today!

  • Yes. A number of companies have employee charitable giving programs, where you can automatically have deductions taken from your paycheque and allocated to the charity of your choice. Many companies use the United Way or Benevity, where you can choose from a huge number of charitable organizations, in which to direct your funds. Killarney Parent Fundraising Society (KPFS) is an eligible charity for the United Way and Benevity programs.

  • Yes! Killarney Parent Fundraising Society (KPFS) is a registered Canadian charity and will issue tax receipts for all donations.

Classroom Participation Competition and $500 Draw

  • Each class's participation is measured as the percentage of families who have completed the participation form — not the dollar amount raised. For example, if a class has 20 families and 15 of them submit the form, that class is at 75% participation.

    The form is what counts, whether or not a donation was made alongside it. So the fastest way to help your class is simply to fill out the form, even for a small or symbolic amount.

    The class with the highest percent participation (not the highest total raised) at the October 24 cutoff wins a Pizza Party and Class PJ Day!

  • Participation is counted once per student, so multiple forms for the same child still count as one participation credit for the class.

  • New this year! Every form submitted adds an entry for a $500 "Taste of the Neighbourhood" restaurant gift card bundle (restaurants to be announced). Unlike participation, every form entry counts separately toward the draw, even multiple entries for the same student.

  • Donations and form submissions close October 24. Participation is tallied and the $500 draw takes place October 25.

Where Your Donation Goes

  • KPFS works in close collaboration with the school administration to ensure your money goes where it is needed the most. We support many aspects of the school experience that would otherwise not be funded. Examples include Artists-in-Residence, Science in Schools programs, field trips, and educational program subscriptions (math and literacy based). Books, art supplies, and music and technology equipment. We also endeavor to help create a caring and supportive community at Killarney School.

  • All of it! When you donate though the Annual Fundraising Campaign 100% of your donation goes to the Killarney Parent Fundraising Society (KPFS). The money is then invested in the school according to the principles of the society and our stated funding objectives.

    We pride ourselves on our efficient administrative costs, which are only 3% of our total budget.