A Canadian charity that supported first responders and their families has closed down operations and is taking legal action against its former CEO and treasurer for alleged significant fraud and misuse of donor funds. The Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation (CCISF), established in 2013 to aid police, fire, and paramedic personnel dealing with PTSD and families of those who died in service, shut down last year and is suing former CEO Renee Jarvis and ex-treasurer Kelsey Pitt.
Jarvis, a co-founder and the organization’s initial employee, brought on Pitt in 2018, who is also known as Kelsey Gallant. The lawsuit, filed in Ontario Superior Court, accuses Jarvis and Pitt of neglecting to remit payroll deductions to the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA), leading to a $90,000 tax debt. Allegedly, they used over $150,000 of the charity’s funds for personal expenses under the guise of settling the debt. The lawsuit aims to recover these funds along with additional costs and damages.
The legal claim asserts that Jarvis and Pitt covertly diverted funds from the organization for personal use without authorization, concealing the debt and missing funds from the charity’s board and presenting inaccurate financial statements at annual meetings. Pitt reportedly ceased working in April 2022 when the CRA initiated an audit, yet remained on the payroll until February 2024 when the board terminated her employment. Jarvis was dismissed in November 2024. Both individuals received annual salaries exceeding $90,000 plus benefits.
The charity is conducting a forensic audit to ascertain if other funds have been misappropriated. Legal representatives for Jarvis and Pitt declined requests for interviews or comments. The lawsuit also mentions that Jarvis has a previous criminal conviction for tax fraud in the U.S.
Furthermore, the charity’s annual conferences for PTSD sufferers and Camp FACES, a summer retreat for bereaved families, have been discontinued. Harold Coffin, the current chair of the CCISF board, decided to wind down the charity’s operations due to fundraising challenges. The last Camp FACES was held recently, and efforts are underway to comply with regulatory requirements.
Public financial records reveal that the CCISF disproportionately allocated funds to fundraising as opposed to its programs, relying heavily on third-party services like telemarketers. The charity spent a significant portion of its budget on overhead costs, surpassing the CRA’s recommended fundraising ceiling. Kate Bahen from Charity Intelligence emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency in charitable organizations to safeguard donor interests.
In a letter sent to families affected by the closure, the CCISF explained the situation and decision to cease operations. Efforts are being made by some attendees to carry on the mission through a new group called Frontline Families, with aspirations to provide similar retreats in the future.
The charity’s closure has left a profound impact on families who valued the support and community offered by its programs. Despite the challenges, there are hopes to continue the mission of aiding those affected by the loss of first responders through alternative initiatives.