‘Perfect storm’: Canadian charities feeling inflation pinch ahead of holiday season
Global News
Aid organizations across the country are struggling to raise funds as people cut back on donations and more turn for help this year.
As the festive holiday season approaches, decades-high inflation is dampening the spirit for many Canadian charities struggling with rising costs, increased demand and shrinking donations this year.
Charities across the country are feeling the pinch as Canadians struggle to make ends meet and rein back on charitable contributions. This coupled with more people turning for help has created a “perfect storm,” said Jane Ricciardelli, chief operating officer and acting CEO at CanadaHelps.
“This has been a very challenging year for Canadian charities as many are facing similar economic strains that individual Canadians are facing when it comes to economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living,” she told Global News.
The Salvation Army, a Christian organization that supports 400 communities across Canada, said that last year it distributed Christmas hampers and toys to almost 350,000 families.
Overall, the group provided 3.7 million meals, helping 2.6 million Canadians in 2021, said Lt.-Col. John Murray, national spokesperson for the Salvation Army in Canada.
“This year, we’re down about 20 per cent on our fundraising so far,” he told Global News.
There are also concerns about fewer volunteers helping with the annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaign, Murray said.
“When we don’t have as many people manning or standing hosting a kettle (it) means that people can’t make a donation, thus … we have less donations coming in.”