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The Salvation Army has expressed concern over the ongoing strike by Canada Post, now in its fourth week, citing its detrimental impact on the organization and the crucial donations it relies on.
Capt. Jennifer Henson from the Westside Salvation Army reported to Global News that while some community members are still making the effort to deliver cheques directly, the overall contributions are decreasing as the strike drags on. “Many people are likely holding off on mailing their donations, hoping the strike will end soon, but it seems unlikely to resolve quickly,” she stated, noting a significant drop in their donation numbers.
The organization typically receives around $300,000 in mail-in donations during its winter fundraising campaign, which constitutes nearly a third of their total fundraising efforts. This funding is vital to sustain their programs and support community needs in the upcoming year.
Lt.-Col. John Murray, who serves as the territorial secretary for communications for The Salvation Army, emphasized the importance of the period from November 1 to December 31 for fundraising initiatives. “This timeframe is essential for us as we rely on direct mail to reach donors and attract new support. With 2.5 million pieces of mail currently delayed due to the strike, our holiday fundraising efforts have dropped by 50 percent,” he noted.
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For those interested in making a contribution, the Salvation Army encourages donations to be made online at SalvationArmy.ca, via their toll-free donation line, or in person at any Christmas kettle locations.
Murray further highlighted the pressing needs of the community, stating that over three million visits were recorded last year for assistance with food security, housing, and emergency relief. “The current disruption in mail services complicates our ability to gather support during a critical time,” he added in a statement.
He expressed concern over the tough choices families are facing, as many are forced to decide between essentials like food and rent, or forgoing Christmas meals for necessary medications. The demand for support from The Salvation Army continues to rise, particularly during the holidays when many individuals and families are in need.
Source
globalnews.ca