'So disappointing': B.C. charities struggling as gas prices soar
CTV
The soaring cost of gas is hitting charities in Metro Vancouver hard and organizations are worried they will soon have to make tough decisions and cuts to services if they don’t get some relief.
The soaring cost of gas is hitting charities in Metro Vancouver hard and organizations are worried they will soon have to make tough decisions and cuts to services if they don’t get some relief.
"It's just shocking every day because we drive by a gas station every day to work and go, 'No! That can't be what it is now!'” Said Vikki Stevenson, the executive director of Homestart, which provides free furniture and household items to people in need, including those moving out of shelters.
The charity didn't anticipate the sky-high gas prices a year ago when putting together its budget.
“It's so disappointing because we run on a pretty tight budget and that's never something that we factor in - having to go that high on gas. So, it's kind of a shock,” Stevenson said.
"For $100 at the end of April -- when we thought gas was high – we got 50 litres. And today, for the same $100, we got slightly over 40 litres. So, it makes a big difference,” she added.
The organization charges donors a feee for picking up and taking away their used furniture. It's already increased the cost for pickups from $50 to $75 to offset the cost of fuel. It's now looking at increasing that cost to $100 very soon, which might discourage prospective donors.
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is also feeling the pinch as it actively seeks more funding. Their volunteers are reimbursed for gas so they don't have to pay out-of-pocket.
