Community Organizations at Risk as Canada Post Dispute Threatens Service Continuation
Canada Post Strike Raises Concerns Among Aid Organizations Over Funding Delays
Impact of the Canada Post Strike on Charitable Donations
The ongoing strike at Canada Post is causing significant concern among various aid organizations, threatening their funding streams as financial campaigns face delays. Marina Boulos, Director General of Sun Youth, emphasizes the pressing nature of the situation, stating, “If services don’t resume quickly, it will be disastrous. A staggering 90% of our donations come from private donors, with half of our annual revenue expected in November and December.”
Sun Youth Faces Distribution Challenges
Two weeks into the strike, Sun Youth, which provides emergency food aid to numerous families in Greater Montreal, is increasingly worried about the prolonged impact of the postal disruption. The organization has had to postpone sending out fundraising letters, and there are unavoidable delays in receiving mailed donations. Jorgen Ulloa-Aguilar, the head of emergency services at Sun Youth, notes, “Many people are not yet accustomed to using technology for donations; we mainly receive contributions through the mail. We need to adapt our strategies and assure our clients, as many are waiting for much-needed funds.”
Foundation de la Tablée Populaire Adapts to New Realities
At the Foundation de la Tablée Populaire in Drummondville, the stress from the strike is palpable across various levels. “People visiting us are understandably worried, which results in increased anxiety among some individuals. Regarding funds, our program ‘Les P’tites boîtes à lunch’ typically garners robust public support, but we’ve seen a decline over the past two weeks, necessitating alternative funding approaches,” explains Rachel Bissonnette, the organization’s director.
Moisson Mauricie/Centre-du-Québec Sees Slower Donation Growth
Moisson Mauricie/Centre-du-Québec, having sent out promotional campaigns in early September, is also experiencing the ripple effects of the postal strike. “The decline in donation growth is evident. It’s not uncommon for us to spend time on the phone guiding people through the process of making online donations step by step. It’s crucial, as a holiday season marked by reduced contributions would be critical,” states Gaël Chantrel, the organization’s director general.
Online Support for Old Brewery Mission
Following the Canada Post conflict in December 2024, the Old Brewery Mission in Montreal managed to continue receiving donations via mail while simultaneously boosting online contributions. President and CEO James Hughes comments, “More people are shifting to online donations, easing some of the stress. We hope the strike ends soon, as we are awaiting several mail-based donations.”
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