Salvation Army donations significantly down amid Canada Post strike

The Salvation Army said the ongoing Canada Post strike has had an impact on the number of donations it has received during its busiest season.

The organization revealed Monday that it is down 50 per cent in holiday fundraising due to the strike.

“This is by far the most challenging year we've ever seen, from my perspective, for fundraising,” said Major Al Hoeft, divisional secretary for public relations with the Salvation Army’s prairie division.

Hoeft said the organization relies on direct mail campaigns to reach donors, but said 2.4 million pieces of mail have not been delivered to donors because of the strike.

“That, as you can imagine, is a significant shortfall in our ability to connect with our donors,” he said.

Without enough donations, programming will be impacted, Hoeft said.

“We can't operate in a deficit,” he said. “We have to operate responsibly with the funds that we have. And so for us, that makes a huge impact. We have to make sure that we are raising the funds to be able to continue to deliver the programs that the community has come to depend upon.”

For those who are still looking to donate to the Salvation Army, there are several ways to do so to bypass the mail.

You can donate at a Christmas kettle, with many now offering debit and credit card options to give money. Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or online at SalvationArmy.ca.

Hoeft said he is hoping the strike will come to an end and the two sides will reach a deal.

“We respect the process, but at the same time, we recognize the impact it’s making on ourselves as an organization, on those that we serve, and on Canadians in general that are being impacted this Christmas season,” he said.