Canada Post strike severely impacting Salvation Army’s largest annual fundraiser

The Salvation Army is taking a big hit due to the Canada Post strike.

Their largest annual holiday fundraiser runs from November 1 until December 31 and Territorial Secretary for Communications Lieut.-Colonel John Murray says it accounts for 65 per cent of their yearly fundraising.

“During this time, we depend on direct mail campaigns to engage donors and acquire new support,” said Lieut.-Colonel Murray. “With 2.5 million pieces of direct mail currently stopped due to the strike, our holiday fundraising has already fallen by 50 per cent.”

They are recognizing it’s a difficult year for people. A recent survey by the organization found more than half of people using food banks are needing help for the first time. It also revealed parents are eating less so their kids or family members can have a meal.

“Given that, last year, more than three million visits were made to The Salvation Army for assistance such as food security, shelter and emergency disaster relief, the disruption in mail services is a big worry,” said Lieut.-Colonel Murray. “People are forced into impossible choices, having to decide between paying for food or rent, Christmas dinner or medication. The need for Salvation Army services continues to grow, particularly during the holiday season when so many individuals and families depend on us for support.”

The Salvation Army is still putting an urgent plea for donations. You can donate online by clicking here, call their toll-free line at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or donate in person at any of their 2,000 Christmas kettle locations across the country. Many now offer tap-and-go options.

Photo courtesy of Salvation Army