Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:20/06/2023

  Type:Customer Service Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Dear Office,I'd like to officially report a non-legit, non-licensed organization continues collecting money and personal information as part of their "business".A few days ago, I saw a fundraising booth set up in *************** by a non-profit called ************** FOUNDATION. The lady at the booth told me this is a non-profit helping kids with free laptops. She gave me the business card and I went to their website **************************************************** seems all legit and I completed the application form with all my detailed family and private information as required by the application process. I can only get an intake appointment after completing this. And then when I completed all the steps and submitted it, it pops up the page saying "no appointment is available". I first feel it violates my privacy and poses a potential data breach. Then I tried to call their number, and it doesn't exist! I searched online as well as in the ** gov't database. It shows this organization's status is Struck (*******************************************************************) and its business accreditation was also revoked by the Better Business Bureau even last year.Apparently, this is an illegal organization that still conducts its trick/****s after being struck and revoked. They continue collecting money under the name of "donation" and collecting personal information under the name of "application". Please advise the best way to protect my and all citizens that could've been impacted. Is there anything BBB can do? I've re-submitted this with all my info filled out. Please kindly process accordingly. Thanks!

  Business Response

  Date: 04/07/2023

  Good afternoon, I first wanted to say thank you for opening communication in this matter and having the intention of doing the right thing. We would like to clarify a few things and hopefully answer the outstanding inquiries you have:
  The first thing to note is that as of the third/fourth quarter of 2022, our *************** was being changed. Due to the organization not being managed in the best way, it was decided that the management core needed to be replaced. This has been a major transition for us and been an ongoing process.
  We are not exactly sure why,but some online reports have created a public concern regarding the Foundation not being legitimate. We first need to make it clear that we pride ourselves in helping others. This organization has been built and run to service as much of the ******** population that needs technological support as possible. In the last year or two alone, the foundation has given away over a hundred thousand dollars in technology, as well as tens of thousands of its funding directly to the ********* ********s through sponsorships. 
  The organization has had a hard time getting public credibility due to a couple of negative articles at the very beginning of its inception.
  We have done tremendously well behind the scenes, with funding allocated the best way possible, keeping the salary incredibly low for the management team, and using the funding to really support those families that need it.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 28/09/2023

  Step up 4 Kidz reached out to me and we clarified all the misunderstandings. It was the transition that made the process unclear with certain questions. However, it was all sorted out. My kids received free laptop from this program and we really appreciate the heartful support from them. Amanda from Step up 4 Kidz is very helpful. She and her team are really helping kids and families. I'd like to provide my updated and very positive feedback to them, and would encourage people to support organizations that truly help communities like this.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/08/2022

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Aug 4th 2022 literally this morning there were teens/young adults in front of a grocery story near my workplace in a busy urban area selling these cookie bars. They approached me and asked if was interested in supporting community charity and would by a bar for 40$ with added value through the voucher attached to the wrapper. I bought one as charity is a ***** of my faith and the booth had all the trappings of a non-profit similar to other candy bar selling outfits to raise money for kids camps, education, etc. However, once I got back to the office and was googling around for more info on the charity (they advertise providing laptops for kids and as I work in tech I thought maybe there were other ways I could contribute) only to find out that they are actually owned by a marketing company. **** ****** ********* ** * *** ***** *** *** *********** ******* **** **** *** As much as I'm sure they do -some- good, it seems like they make sales by misrepresenting their outfit as a real charity/non-profit and there is NO info around the booth that clarifies their true status. For many people like myself, I only want to donate to REGISTERED charities who do the work to get registered and keep their paperwork in order for accountability and in that split moment when you are making a purchase there is no time to ******* Shame on the advertising company for this tax break scheme and I will be calling up my credit card provider to get a charge back. The fact that they are not registered is a huge red flag as by 2022 if they started by 2019 getting registered should be top priority! It's not that hard if you have the right paperwork and structure and TRANSPARENCY and the reason they don't have it yet likely has to do with the fact that they are owned by a marketing agency that provides the "vouchers" aka coupons for their own vendors. There are much better orgs out there for getting kids the tech they need for school and this is NOT one of them you should be supporting.

  Business Response

  Date: 16/08/2022

  August 16th 11 am A phone call was made to try and resolve the issue and no response was received. 
  

  A few incorrect informational things you have mentioned we wanted to clear up. 
  

  1. We have been in the process of becoming a registered charity with the *** since 2019, unfortunately due to Covid and the requirements needed for the application we were told we were on a ***** month wait list. We are currently working hard with our lawyers to make this come to fruition by the end of the next year.

  As well there are thousands of other organizations who do not choose to go the registered way due to company views and they are still all legal and help the community. but we are currently in the process so please stay tuned. 
  

  2. Step up 4 kidz is its own legal Non- profit charitable organization, and has all the documentation available at ALL locations with reps. at ALL times. The non profit has partnered with an advertising firm to help our mission grow. Without the support of paid workers our cause with only volunteers could not help the thousands of families it does. 
  

  3. We do have scripts etc that all our representatives are legally obligated to follow to ensure the public is fully aware of the program and what it entails, we take claims like this very seriously and will work with the teams to make sure ******** are re briefed on the policies. 
  

  4. A refund will be issued to resolve this issue, please reply to the email responses. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 22/08/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Please explain what a "licensed charity" is in ****** (because it doesn't exist). On the StepUp4Kids website,the link to "Where can I find the registration and licenses held by the Foundation?" is not actually linked to anything. Across all of these complaints, you have not once addressed what characteristics qualify your org as a "licensed ************************** licensed where? with what regulatory body? where is your proof? your receipt for the paperwork fees? You can't even maintain a link to the proof that I would think would be easy to show all these folks here on the internet who are upset they fell for a scam.Documentation is a hallmark of a good non-profit, and a requirement to maintain non-profit status. Where are your financials? Insurance? Contracts with schools and such? Even a contract with the marketing company on the legal nature of your relationship? Your "privacy &legal" link also does not work, how convenient! *** *** ******** ** ******* *** ********* **** ****** ********* ** *** ******* ******
  
  ***************** ***** ** *** ** *** **** **** **** ************ ***** ******* *** *** ****** **** **** ****** ******* ************** ***** *** **** ****** ******* ****** **** ******** ** ** * ******** *********** ***** *********** *** **** **** ** **** ** ***** * highly encourage you to simply ****** the experiences everyone is having with your org. I highly doubt you will ever qualify for non-profit status given its been 2 years and you still cannot clearly communicate your relationship with the government at a provincial and federal level, with the marketing company that runs your "local business coupons".

   

  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************