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If you’re feeling the frustration of not getting your letter off to Santa this year, you are not alone! The Canada Post strike is impacting Canadians in many ways — not least of all are our thousands of hard-working, compassionate charities. Why does this matter? Read on…
Canada Post strike taking the tinsel out of typical seasonal support
There’s something about the magic of the Christmas season. It opens us up to giving just a stitch more generously than we do at other times of year. This season is of great significance to charities from Coast to Coast. Holiday donations account for a substantial percentage of their yearly budgets. The Canada Post strike is rippling out to cause a slow down in this critical stream of funding.
Would you like to be sure that your helping funds get into the hands of the causes you care about? Consider getting creative!
How to give when Christmas mail is on pause
The Canada Post strike brings the value of this service right to the forefront. During the Christmas season, many folks choose to mail in their annual donation. This ensures their beloved charity is well supported, and it also allows for a last-minute tax receipt, year end.
The mail being on pause does not mean that the needs being met by charities across Canada are on pause. Food and housing security are at risk for so many of our neighbours. These are tough times, and food banks, shelters, and community resources are being uniquely taxed.
If you’re unsure of how to support relief organizations, animal rescues, wildlife shelters, or your faith community, reach out. Contact the charity directly through their email contact. Call them to ask how to best build their resources base.
Some folks are uncomfortable using electronic funds transfers. While that is a simple and immediate means of getting monies to needy charities, it doesn’t work well for everyone. If that’s you, perhaps giving to a local charity that you can access in person is for you! Visit your local charity office and put your monetary gift right in their hands!
Gifts in Kind during the Canada Post strike
Many charities are in a position to receive Gifts in Kind. These are goods that can be repurposed and re-used. Some charities will accept household items and clothing. Animal shelters often have a wish list of items necessary for the care and comfort of the critters they’re housing. The limits of this kind of giving are as boundless as your imagination. It may just mean making a few phone calls to see who needs what, and how it can be put in their ready-to-serve hands!
And, of course, there’s always vehicle donation!
Donating a vehicle is an option in most of Canada! The process is simple and quick. The tow is always free, and you will always be served in a personable, cheerful, grateful manner.
The first step to vehicle donation? First, fill in an online donation form. This will take you less than ten minutes. Then, wait for your phone to ring! The tow crew will be calling to arrange your free tow at a time that suits you best. Lastly, watch your inbox for your charitable tax receipt. Even while regular mail is on pause, your receipt will be delivered right to your inbox within days of your charity of choice receiving your gift. Oh! And I neglected to mention: You can choose any charity in Canada to receive the net proceeds from your vehicle donation!
Kindness always finds a way, doesn’t it? However you choose to give in the weeks ahead, it’s exciting to think that it will serve the charity you most care about. There’s something satisfying and positive about that even when times are tough for so many.
