Home / FAQ

FAQ

Why are you called HART?
HART is an acronym for Humanitarian Aid Response Team.
What does HART do?
HART is dedicated to alleviating poverty and injustice in Eastern Europe by working in partnership with local Christian churches – giving them the tools (resources) to build a better world for themselves and their communities. Through our network of 200+ National (Indigenous) partnerships, we’re impacting thousands of people each year. Beneficiaries include impoverished families, refugees, orphans, street kids, children with disabilities, young girls who’ve been trafficked, those in prisons, the elderly… and more.
What makes HART unique?
OUR APPROACH TO MISSIONS
In many parts of the world including Eastern Europe the age of conventional missionary work that one time flourished – is gone forever. A new and powerful strategy for missions has emerged as God is raising up an army of National leaders all over the world. HART has been a pioneer and leader of this movement in Eastern Europe for almost 25 years. We identify and partner with the most inspiring National pastors, missionaries, and ministries giving them the tools to build a better world for themselves and their communities. Sustainability is the ultimate goal for these churches and ministries, making this approach the most effective, economical, and fruitful Missions strategy in the world today!

OUR PARTNERSHIPS
The primary problem facing the church in Eastern Europe is not lack of passion, dedication, or vision…but lack of resources to do the job. HART partners with and pours its resources into effective indigenous ministries, NGOs, and pastors who are already involved in relief aid or mission projects in their own countries.

GOOD STEWARDSHIP
The most cost-effective and fruitful way to do missions in the 21st Century is through Indigenous pastors, churches, and ministries. Coupled with our 90% policy, your ‘giving’ dollar is stretched and used wisely.

Why do you work with National pastors, churches & ministries?
COMMON SENSE & ECONOMICS
The main issues for us are effectiveness and stewardship. The cost to support a missionary from North America can be up to $90,000-100,000 per year. We can support 10-20 dynamic, fruitful National pastors/missionaries for the same price as one North American!
PRACTICAL & EFFECTIVE
Supporting National pastors and missionaries not only cost less, but they also know the language and understand the culture, character, and mentality of their own people. Those best equipped to change their world are indigenous leaders and ministries.
How do you choose your partners in Eastern Europe?
We incorporate a very rigorous vetting process as we choose partners. We’re looking for successful ministries/leaders/projects that have a track record, great leadership, vision, and the willingness to be held accountable for the material or financial support they receive.
Can I become a missionary with HART?
NO. HART’s model is to work only through local churches and ministries in Eastern Europe.
Do you have any short-term mission opportunities?
YES! Each summer HART facilitates a number of teams to serve in Eastern Europe. These teams may be teaching ESL at a camp, doing construction, serving at an orphanage, and more. Our teams typically are formed from partner churches of HART. All teams are based out of Calgary and team members are required to attend training and orientation prior to leaving on a mission trip.
Can I choose a specific project or ministry to support?
Yes, you may choose to direct your donation to a specific appeal, project, church, pastor, or ministry.
How can I get my CHURCH or SMALL GROUP involved with HART?
Our goal is to inspire and provide opportunities for people in North America to get involved and truly make a difference in this world. We want to see your church’s international footprint grow in a way that is practical, effective, compassionate, and sustainable. We have a myriad of programs that could qualify as a small group project. It depends upon what your small is interested in doing. Pick any one and begin the process of casting vision for your life group. A life group truly can make a difference in this world.
How can I get my FAMILY involved with HART?
We believe the family is an important teaching component in helping children become internationally aware and socially responsible. We have a myriad of programs that could qualify as a family project. One of the best ideas is to Sponsor a Child as a family. As a family you can be praying for your child and have your kids write letters to their sponsored child. It is a great way to open their eyes to the needs of children in another part of the world.
Can I get my SCHOOL involved with HART?
The school has an important role to play in helping children become internationally aware and socially responsible. We have several projects for schools. Raising funds to provide back-packs for underprivileged children in Ukraine has been great one over the years. We also have an interesting Christmas Box of Hope project that is a great one for kids to participate in. Each child who builds a Box of Hope, is encouraged to put their names (in large print) on one side of the box. When they are distributed to orphans, gypsy children or kids in our Child Sponsor Project – our team on the ground in Ukraine will take a picture of each recipient of the boxes and upload these to our website, so the children who constructed the box will see the child in Ukraine that received their gift box! They will see their name on a box held up by a child in Ukraine.
How can I volunteer?
Please visit our Ways to Help page for ideas. We will make sure to contact you to talk about volunteer opportunities.
How can I donate?
The easiest option is to donate online. All major credit cards are accepted and our system is secure.

By PHONE
You can call our office any time from Monday – Friday between 8:00 am to 4:00 pm MST and we will process your credit card information.
403-230-8263 or toll-free at 1-888-788-3880

By MAIL
Canada: 106, 90 Freeport Blvd NE, Calgary, AB, T3J 5J9
USA: 2633 E. Indian School Road, Suite 410, Phoenix, AZ 85016-6763

By RECURRING DONATION
One of the best ways to support HART is to set up a monthly donation.
This can be for any amount and go to HART’s “Where Best Needed” fund or a project of your choice.
Simply contact the office by phone: 403-230-8263 or toll-free at 1-888-788-3880, or email office@hart.ca to set up your donation.
Monthly donations are processed on the 1st and 16th (or the closest business day following).

Is there a charge for pre-authorized donations?
No, there is no charge to you. In fact, it saves you time, stamps, cheques, and envelopes.
Are my gifts tax receiptable?
Yes. HART is a registered charity in Canada and a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization in the USA. We are qualified to receive tax-deductible donations under the guidelines listed by each respective country.
When and how do I get a tax receipt for my donation?
HART sends out annual tax receipts for all donations received over $10.00. Receipts will be emailed or mailed depending upon your preference.
January 31st for all USA donors I February 28th for Canadian donors
I can’t afford to give more, are there other ways to help?
We welcome volunteers in our office or at our events. Please consider volunteering.
Does HART rely on government funding to run its programs?
No. HART receives no government funding. We are blessed to have some support through Foundations.
How much of my donation will actually go to the project I’ve designated?
90% of your donations will reach their designated project/program. Read about our 90% policy here.
Do you have a privacy policy?
YES. HART believes in protecting the privacy of our donors, sponsors and sponsored children. Please read our privacy policy.
How does HART raise money?
We are primarily funded through the generous donations of thousands of individual Canadians and Americans who share our mission to help National churches, ministries & leaders fight poverty and injustice in their own countries. They donate in support of our programs through direct mail campaigns, child sponsorship, and other monthly giving programs, online donations, project support, and by conducting or attending public events. We also receive some corporate and foundation support.
How can I change my contact information or banking/credit card information?
Any changes to your banking information can be done by calling the office: 403-230-8263 or toll-free at 1-888-788-3880.
To update your contact information, feel free to call us or email us at office@hart.ca.
How can I contact HART if I have more questions?
You can contact our office, Monday through Friday, 8 am – 4 pm (MST) by calling 403-230-8263 or toll-free at 1-888-788-3880 or you can email us at office@hart.ca for any questions you may have about our organization and the many ministries we are partnered with in Eastern Europe.