SCHEDULE A — Detailed description of the programs, services and benefits delivered by your organization

SCHEDULE A

Detailed description of the programs, services and benefits delivered by your organization including groups benefitting from the services provided:

i. Property Use

The primary uses of the property are public worship, as a venue for practical spiritual education and a coordination centre for the volunteer public ministry of the Mount Finlayson Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses (“Congregation”).

Religious services at this Kingdom Hall are open to the public and free of charge. The Kingdom Hall is used for meetings during the week on Wednesday and Thursday and on the weekend on Sunday, with an average attendance of 293. These religious services are open to the community regardless of ethnic or cultural background. Topics discussed during these services include guidance to build strong families, coping with anxiety, overcoming negative habits, and a weekly curriculum to develop reading and public speaking skills. In addition, the Kingdom Hall is a venue for weddings and funerals for congregants. (See the short video entitled "What Happens at a Kingdom Hall?").

ii. Community benefit

All religious services and activities are cared for by volunteers. In addition to our public meetings, our worship includes various forms of public ministry, such as the door-to-door ministry and the use of public witnessing carts. Each cart carries Bible-based literature, namely magazines, tracts, and books. Members of the community have access to articles containing advice on dealing with pandemic fatigue, stress, anxiety, and family life, all free of charge. Free Bible studies are also offered to the public.

iii. Environmental support

The congregation helps the community build resilience to climate change by promoting environmental stewardship and practical preparedness. Through our meetings, literature, and public programs, we encourage respect for the environment, responsible use of resources, creating and maintaining clean and safe facilities for community use, and sustainable practices such as recycling, conserving energy, and disaster preparedness.

The congregation also holds an annual disaster relief talk to educate congregants on emergency preparedness. This includes practical training, encouraging all to maintain an emergency bag, and reviewing steps to take in various disaster scenarios. These efforts help ensure that both congregants and the wider community are better equipped to respond effectively when disasters occur.

In addition, the congregation assists those affected by extreme weather events and other climate-related emergencies. When an emergency need arises in a community, Jehovah's Witnesses use Kingdom Halls as a centre to coordinate local relief efforts, including evacuation support, distribution of food and essential supplies, spiritual comfort, and residential remediation and reconstruction. When disasters strike, Jehovah’s Witnesses are prompt to render physical, emotional, and spiritual relief. Their well-organized efforts are recognized by government authorities and relief organizations. For more information, see Jehovah's Witnesses and Disaster Relief.

iv. Benefits from tax exemption

The tax exemption will allow the Congregation to use voluntary donations more effectively. These funds will support the development, printing, and production of video and audio materials created by Jehovah’s Witnesses, which are distributed to the community free of charge. Additionally, the exemption will help lower operating costs, enabling the Congregation to expand its local charitable work, disaster relief efforts, and ministry activities.

The evidence shows that religion helps people become better citizens who manifest the traits that live up to our best ideals for society. No revenue-generating activities are conducted and there is no third-party use of the property. Programs are entirely supported by voluntary donations from local congregants. All operating expenses, including applicable taxes, are paid for by voluntary donations from congregants. Each congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses is a registered charity.

Number of participants:
293

Hours of work completed by volunteers:
4,420 hours per month