Grocery Card FAQs
WILDFLOWER GROCERY CARD PROGRAM - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Order Forms: Printable or Online
What are the order, payment and and pickup dates for 2019/2020?
Payment Deadline Card Pick-up Payment Deadline Card Pick-up
Thurs Sept 19 Thurs Sept 26 Thurs Feb 20 Thurs Feb 27
Thurs Oct 24 Thurs Oct 31 Thurs Mar 19 Thurs Mar 26
Thurs Nov 21 Thurs Nov 28 Thurs Apr 23 Thurs Apr 30
Thurs Dec 12 Thurs Dec 19 Thurs May 21 Thurs May 28
Thurs Jan 23 Thurs Jan 30 Thurs Jun 11 Thurs June 18
Orders can be placed up to the payment deadline date.
How will the money raised be used?
The money raised from the grocery cards via Wildflower PAC helps fund a variety of requests made by students, staff and parent lead initiatives that are all centered around the enrichment of our school within the classroom, the extended learning spaces, outdoor equipment & spaces and field trips. Some examples of what PAC has funded is the recent addition and make-over of our front entrance and round learning space. PAC supports the middle school in their yearly trip to Shakesfest, supporting classroom materials and equipment for the betterment of student learning, providing funding for outdoor experiences and saving for playground expansion.
Requests are considered on an individual basis by a sub-financial committee that meets quarterly during the school year. The recommendations from this committee are then brought to the larger group of parent volunteers and PAC execute who hear the request and suggestions brought forth and then all present vote. This then provides an outcome of whether the request will be funded.
What Does PAC Do?
The PAC is comprised of Wildflower parents whom have volunteered their time in support of the whole school community. The following list defines PACs role from their constitution, but PAC is really so much more and of vital importance to our school! This fundraiser helps PAC raise money for the school that would not otherwise be supplied by the school district.
- To foster a good working relationship and open communication between teachers, staff, administration and parents of all pupils both during and after school.
- To organize and coordinate extra-curricular activities for the students/families as mutually agreed upon by PAC and the staff.
- To earn money for the purpose of items deemed to be a desirable asset to the school, staff and/or children that are not otherwise supplied by the school district.
- To help parents understand various programs and policies of the school and to provide input and advice to the staff and administration where beneficial.
- To act as a liaison between the community and the school.
PAC meets once a month and all parents are welcome to join.
How can I pay?
You can pay by cash, cheque, e-transfer or credit card.
Cash and post dated cheques can be submitted at the Wildflower office. Post-dated cheques payable to “Wildflower PAC”.
For e-transfer payment, we will send you an Interac e-transfer request via email each month, which you will need to accept to make payment each month.
If paying by credit card, an invoice will be sent by PAC to your email with link to secure payment form; you can choose to allow the secure payment processor (SquareTM) to save your card on file so you don’t have to enter your card information each month. Payment by credit card is least preferred as we lose 3.4 % in processing fees; this means your order raises less money than the same order paid by other methods. However a credit card order is better than no order, the larger the order, the more money is raised.
Do Credit Card payments get charged automatically?
This depends on if you click the "Save Card on File" option when you pay the first invoice. If you do, then Square will save your card information take an automatic payment each month on the due date. If you don't, then you will receive an emailed invoice each time and you can pay the invoice manually when you are ready. So in other words, you get to choose :-)
Can payment be made by direct debit (aka CAFT)
At this time we are not setup to take direct debit, also known as customer automated funds transfer (CAFT). We are investigating moving to a direct debit system in the future.
Do the grocery cards expire?
None of the grocery cards have expiration dates. BC has specific laws prohibiting expiration dates on grocery cards.
Can the grocery cards be used online?
At this time neither the Kootenay Co-op nor Nelson Save-on offer online shopping. In the future it may be possible to make on-line orders at Save-on.
Can I use a partial amount of the grocery card?
Yes, you can purchase any amount the remaining balance will remain on the card. Typically the cashier will write the remaining amount on the card so you know how much is left. It is also printed on your receipt.
What happens if I lose my grocery cards?
Grocery Story policy is that cards are equivalent to cash and cannot be tracked. Wildflower and PAC are not responsible after the cards are in you or your child’s possession.
Can I return my grocery cards if I find I’m not using them?
We want this program to work well for everyone involved. If you purchased some grocery cards and find that you are no longer shopping at that store and not using the cards, contact groceries4wildflower@gmail.com to discuss options. We may be able to exchange the grocery cards for a different store.
What happens if my grocery card doesn't work?
This has not happened to date, but if it does please contact groceries4wildflower@gmail.com and we will assist you.
Will I receive my store reward points (e.g. Air Miles, More Rewards, etc.) if paying by grocery card?
Yes, store reward points are given when making your purchase with the grocery cards (not when the school buys the grocery cards).
What stores can I buy cards from - and are you adding more?
We are currently selling cards from the Kootenay Co-Op and Save-On Foods. If there are requests we could approach other stores but it is not planned at this time.
When do I get charged?
Regardless of your method of payment, you will be charged on the Payment Deadline date listed under the first question of this FAQ. If there is a problem with your payment, we will contact you.
How and When do I get my cards?
Cards can be picked up at the Wildflower School office or sent home with your child. We will email notification when the cards are ready (they are often ready a few days before the official pick up date).
Can someone else pick up my cards for me?
Yep. Just let us know by emailing groceries4wildflower@gmail.com
When do I order?
Orders can be received anytime up to the payment deadline (see question 1). If you select the boxes for each month, then you only need to put in one order for the entire year.
How do I change or cancel my order?
Yes, if received prior to the order/payment deadline. Just let us know by emailing groceries4wildflower@gmail.com
Do I have to make an order – can’t I just buy cards when I need them?
Because we receive such a small amount for each card sold, the best way to raise money is to have recurring orders. However, the wildflower office has extra cards available for purchases anytime.
I can’t make a regular order – how can I participate?
You can make a one-time order at anytime for any month. Or the wildflower office has extra cards available for purchases anytime.
Will I get a tax receipt?
The Wildflower PAC is not a registered charity so we cannot provide a tax receipt for the money raised with this fundraiser. In addition, all the money you spend gets you the same value in cards, so they wouldn't be eligible for a tax receipt anyways.