Alberta charities seeing greater need, fewer donations
It's a sign of tough times when you can hear most of the donations hit the bucket, says Salvation Army volunteer Carl Golanowski.
He's been volunteering with the Christmas Kettle Campaign for four years.
"They are putting monies in the pot, but not bills likes 20s and 50s and that," says Golanowski. "You see lots of fives, lots of change, loonies and toonies, whatever."
The Salvation Army is just one of several charities in Alberta this year struggling to meet a growing demand, while seeing fewer donations.
Growing demand
Spokesperson Capt. Pam Goodyear says demand is up 20 to 30 per cent across the board, whether it's for warm coats, or toys and gifts for kids.
"It's a challenge for us because you don't want to turn anybody away, and it's kind of what all the agencies are seeing and it seems to be right across the province, " says Goodyear.
The United Way says it's also seeing a spike in calls for help. One of its women's shelters has seen a 300 per cent jump in need, and one of its crisis lines is dealing with a 91 per cent rise in demand.
Layoffs
Meanwhile, with so many people laid off, Miller says some of their campaigns aren't doing as well as last year.
"Our Workplace campaigns, some of them, the size of the company is half of what it was last year, so that's going to be a different kind of campaign"
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That's why Miller and other charities are urging those who can give this year, to do so.
"The big thing we are saying to people this year is, if you are in a position to help, if there was ever a year we needed you, this is a year we really need you to step up."
And many are heeding the call, says Goodyear.
"Those who can give are trying to give a little bit more and we're encouraging people to do that. Drop a toonie in for yourself and drop another one in for your neighbour who maybe can't give this year."
If you can't afford to give financially, Goodyear says charities are always looking for volunteers this time of year.
