Photo credit: globalnews.ca

Salvation Army Faces Significant Drop in Holiday Donations Amid Postal Strike

The Salvation Army has reported a staggering 50 percent decline in holiday donations since the onset of the Canada Post strike, equating to a loss of approximately $9.3 million in seasonal contributions compared to the previous year.

According to Lt.-Col. John Murray, spokesperson for the organization, donations sent through the mail are considered “the bedrock” of their fundraising efforts. However, the ongoing labor dispute has severely hindered their postal campaign during what is typically the charity’s peak giving season.

Murray noted that around 65 percent of the Army’s annual fundraising occurs between November 1 and December 31, with a significant portion—about two-thirds—coming through the mail. He expressed concern over the ongoing situation, stating, “This inability of our donors and supporters to make donations is going to potentially affect us in our delivery of service, not only during the holiday season, but in this coming year.” The Salvation Army provides essential services, including support for food banks, shelter programs, and emergency relief across Canada.

Despite the decline in mail donations, Murray shared that online contributions have seen an increase of $100,000 over the past week compared to the same period last year. However, he emphasized that this boost does little to offset the substantial drop in traditional mail donations.

Additionally, donations made in-person at the Army’s iconic red Christmas kettles have decreased by a third, representing a loss of around $2 million since last year. Murray attributed this decline to the later timing of U.S. Thanksgiving this year and the overall economic challenges faced by many families.

Challenges in Charitable Giving

“People are having to make tough choices, and there’s probably less money to go around to donate,” Murray commented. He added that the situation is critical for the Salvation Army, especially given the current high demand for their services in Canada. “This is a crisis for the Salvation Army because it could possibly impact our delivery of service to Canadians who at a time in our history in Canada probably need us more than at any time, and that is deeply concerning.”

In response to the challenges posed by the ongoing postal strike, Murray has urged the federal government to consider extending the deadline for charity-related tax deductions from the end of the year to late January or February. This move would allow donors to send their contributions a bit later while still receiving credit for the 2024 tax year. Although Murray believes tax incentives are not the primary motivation for donors, he fears that some individuals might end up forgoing their donations entirely if the strike persists and they cannot give until the following year.

“People get caught up in the generous season, and if this postal strike drags on, I think there’s a risk that people will just simply move on,” Murray said. He argued that adjusting the charitable giving deadline would be beneficial for both donors and the charity in light of the current challenges.

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers, representing over 55,000 workers, initiated their job action on November 15. The key issues at stake include details regarding staffing allocations for proposed weekend delivery shifts.

Murray highlighted that mail-in appeals are particularly effective due to the age demographic of the Army’s core donors—many over 55—who are more dependent on postal services. Moreover, these letters not only request financial support but also share impactful stories and insights about how donations can transform lives.

While other donation methods exist, Murray maintained that the traditional act of mailing a cheque carries significant emotional weight. “There’s nothing like people still putting a pen to paper, putting a cheque in the mail, putting that stamp on the envelope and mailing it,” he said.

The Salvation Army continues to encourage donations via online platforms at SalvationArmy.ca, by telephone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or in-person at one of their 2,000 Christmas kettle locations across the country.

Source
globalnews.ca