Charities in B.C. taking hit as Canada Post strike continues
This year’s Giving Tuesday will be a challenging one for B.C. charities due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. With more than 55,000 postal workers off the job since November 15, charities are experiencing a significant decrease in donations.
The strike has caused delays in the delivery of packages and letters, preventing B.C. charities from sending out their end-of-year brochures and receiving cash or cheque donations by mail. Angela Chapman, the CEO of the Vancouver General Hospital and University of B.C. Hospital Foundation, reported a 15% drop in donations compared to previous years, resulting in an estimated $1 million impact on the foundation.
Typically, the foundation holds fundraising drives that include raffling luxury homes, but due to the strike, they are exploring other means of fundraising to make up for the shortfall. Chapman is urging residents to donate online instead of through traditional mail.
Nicole Danesi, a spokesperson for CanadaHelps, noted that other charities, like the Canadian Cancer Society, have also seen a significant decrease in offline donations. She emphasized the importance of online donations, especially during Giving Tuesday, a day when charitable giving is encouraged.
However, Danesi highlighted a concerning trend of declining donations to registered charities in Canada, from 25% in 2010 to 17% in 2021. She urged Canadians to support charities providing critical services to those in need.
Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has intervened in the postal strike, emphasizing the importance of resolving the dispute swiftly to minimize the impact on Canadians. Charities are urging Canadians to donate online and support their crucial work during this challenging time.
