A Canadian charity dedicated to supporting first responders and their families has closed its doors and is taking legal action against its former CEO and treasurer, accusing them of significant fraud and misuse of donor funds.
Established in 2013, the Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation (CCISF) was created to assist police, fire, and paramedic personnel dealing with PTSD and families of those who lost their lives in service. The charity, based in Hamilton, ceased operations late last year and has initiated a lawsuit against its former CEO, Renee Jarvis, and ex-treasurer, Kelsey Pitt.
Jarvis, a founding member and the organization’s initial employee, brought on Pitt (also known as Kelsey Gallant) as treasurer in 2018. According to court documents filed in Ontario Superior Court in September, Jarvis and Pitt allegedly failed to remit payroll deductions to the Canadian Revenue Agency, resulting in a $90,000 tax liability. Subsequently, they purportedly borrowed over $150,000 from the charity’s funds to address the debt.
The lawsuit seeks the recovery of these amounts, along with additional compensation for costs and damages. It alleges that Jarvis and Pitt clandestinely diverted funds from CCISF for personal use without the organization’s knowledge or approval. The legal claim asserts that they concealed the debt and missing funds from the charity’s board by submitting falsified financial statements at annual meetings.
Pitt reportedly stopped working in April 2022 when the CRA initiated an audit, yet she remained on the payroll until February 2024, when the board terminated her employment. Jarvis was dismissed from her position in November 2024. Both individuals were earning annual salaries exceeding $90,000, in addition to benefits, as per the lawsuit.
An investigation is underway to determine if further misappropriations occurred within the organization. Legal representatives for Jarvis and Pitt have declined to comment on the matter, and responses from the defendants have not been submitted to the court.
The CCISF organized annual conferences for individuals affected by PTSD, with a primary focus on Camp FACES, a summer retreat for bereaved families. Following the revelations, Harold Coffin, who assumed the role of board chair, made the challenging decision to wind down the charity’s operations last autumn due to anticipated difficulties in sustaining programs and fundraising efforts.
The final Camp FACES took place this past summer, and Coffin is currently overseeing the organization’s closure in compliance with CRA regulations. He expressed regret over the charity’s dissolution, citing the positive impact it had on families coping with loss.
The article also highlights concerns about the CCISF’s financial management practices, particularly the disproportionate allocation of funds towards fundraising expenses instead of program delivery. Observers point out the charity’s heavy reliance on external fundraising services, with expenditures surpassing guidelines established by the CRA.
Charity watchdogs emphasize the need for greater transparency and accountability in the nonprofit sector to ensure that donated funds are effectively utilized for their intended purposes. Efforts are being made to establish new initiatives, such as Frontline Families, to continue supporting individuals previously served by the CCISF.
The closure of the CCISF has left many families and supporters deeply disappointed, with plans underway to carry forward the organization’s mission through alternative avenues.