Dubbed the season of giving, it’s the time of year where many shoppers generously reach into their pockets to dispose of left over change while trying to find that perfect gift.

Unfortunately, the Toronto Police have had to launch an investigation into an illegal coin collection campaigned disguised as supporting SickKids Foundation. Counterfeit coin canisters have appeared in food courts and shopping malls throughout the Greater Toronto Area including Vaughan Mills and Yorkdale Mall.

The holiday season is when SickKids Foundation generally sees an increase in donations but there is a fear that this incident will affect genuine fundraising efforts. Donations are a critical source of funding for The Hospital for Sick Children and the Foundation is still strongly encouraging you to donate.

Here’s how you can tell the real from the fake. In the images below, the photo on the left displays the counterfeit coin collection can. The two on the right are SickKids Foundation approved coin collection boxes.

The fake canisters also include the phone number 416 742 3715, which is in no way associated with SickKids Foundation.

If you’d like more information or if you’d like to make a donation directly to the Foundation, visit our website or give us a call at 416 813 6166.

If you have any information that could be of use to the detectives working on this case, please call 416 808 7300 or Crime Stoppers at 416 222 TIPS.