The recent Canada Post strike has severely
impacted charitable donations and an extension to the 2024 tax
credit would encourage Canadians to still give
TORONTO, Dec. 21,
2024 /CNW/ - The recent strike by Canada Post has had
a profound impact on The Salvation Army and the charitable sector
across Canada. The Salvation Army
depends on the last eight weeks of the calendar year to bring in up
to 65% of its annual Red Shield Appeal donations. The strike left
many donors unable to make their donations.
"Our holiday fundraising has already fallen by 50%, and donors
need more time to give," says Lieut.-Colonel John Murray, territorial secretary for
communications.
Funds raised during this period help to provide shelter, food,
emergency disaster relief, and other vital services. A dramatic
shortfall in donations jeopardizes The Salvation Army's ability to
provide these essential programs and services in the 400 Canadian
communities where they serve.
The Salvation Army is urgently calling on the Government of
Canada to take immediate action
and extend the period in which Canadians can claim 2024 charitable
donations to the end of February
2025.
"We request that Canadians be given additional time to support
their favourite causes and assist charities in recovering from
donation shortfalls," says Lieut.-Colonel Murray
It's a difficult time for many Canadians. In a recent survey by
The Salvation Army, more than half of people accessing food banks
are requiring assistance for the first time and parents with
children are eating less so their children or family members 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," says 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."
About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an
international Christian organization that began its work in
Canada in 1882 and has grown to
become one of the largest direct providers of social services in
the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to
vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around
the world. Its community and social service activities include:
hunger relief for individuals and families through food banks and
feeding programs; shelter for people experiencing homelessness and
support for those needing housing; rehabilitation for those
struggling with substance-use recovery; long-term care and
palliative care; Christmas assistance, such as food hampers and
toys; after-school programs, camps and school nutrition programs
for children and youth; and life-skills classes, such as budgeting,
cooking for a family, and anger management. When you give to The
Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and
overlooked people in your community.
News releases, articles and updated information can be found
at www.SalvationArmy.ca.
A list of regional media representatives can be found at:
https://salvationarmy.ca/news-and-media/media-contacts/
SOURCE The Salvation Army
