Regina charities falling behind in Christmas campaigns
The mild December weather has been both a blessing and a curse for Regina charities.
With only 10 days left for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign, the organization is nowhere near this year’s target. So far $95,000 has been raised, but the goal is $225,000.
Kristiana MacKenzie, corps officer for the Salvation Army, still has hope things will turn around.
“We are getting to that point where we are hoping it picks up a little bit,” she said.
“We rely totally on volunteers to man our kettles and right now we are still looking at about 300 hours to be filled.”
MacKenzie said that if there is no one to man the kettles, that means donations cannot be collected.
Those interested in volunteering can call the kettle volunteer co-ordinator at 306-527-7950 or go online to www.havenofhope.ca.
Although she cannot pinpoint an exact reason for the lack of volunteers and the lack of donations this year, MacKenzie believes the mild weather may be playing a role.
“Usually when there is not much snow in the beginning of December, we tend to find that things are a little bit slower,” said MacKenzie. “Hopefully now with the snow, things will pick up a little bit and it will feel a bit more like Christmas.”
The Regina Food Bank’s annual 12 Days of Christmas wrapped up on Saturday and it came up $15,000 short this year compared to last year.
Steve Compton, CEO of the Regina Food Bank, said the mall donations usually bring in about $45,000.
“In fairness we did have the Golden Mile included in there last year, which we didn’t this year, but we were hopeful we would be able to redirect some of that traffic,” he said. “We track every year over year and we are down basically across the board this year.”
Compton remains cautiously optimistic the food bank will reach its $135,000 target for its holiday hampers.
“Sometimes you need snow to remind people of the holidays,” he said. “I think also with the many places to give support, and with a cautious economy, people may be watching their dollars.”
People can still donate by calling the food bank at 306-791-6533 or by email at info@reginafoodbank. ca or by going to www.reginafoodbank.ca.
Until Jan. 15, all donations will be met dollar for dollar by Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.
“So whatever you give will double up,” said Compton. “If you give a dollar, that will turn into $2 ... everything is tight, every little bit helps.”
The Salvation Army’s Santa Shuffle did very well this year.
“We had 300 participants, which was up 100 from last year and we surpassed our fundraising goals,” said Andrew Doan, community and donor relations adviser for the Salvation Army in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
The target was $15,000 and is going to Kate’s Place to help purchase a van for the program.
Katrine Robinson, director of development at Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, remains confident that it will meet its holiday targets.
An updated list of what is needed for its annual Christmas meal is available online at www.shrmsk. com.
Robinson said children’s toy donations are a little slower this year than in previous years, but remains confident that everything will work out in the final week.