The Canadian Foodgrains Bank receives a large portion of their annual donations in the months of November and December, certainly because of the generous nature of their supporters during the Christmas season, but also as it is the end of the year and a good time to give to favorite charitable organizations for income tax purposes.
However, the Canada Postal strike has created some challenges for donors and so the CFB team encourages folks to give through alternate means.
"For charities, December is really a critical time because we receive a lot of our donations during the month of December," shares Foodgrains Director of Resources and Public Engagement, Christina Philips.
"In fact, for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank for the past few years, roughly 40% of our donations come in the month of December, and just over half of that comes in by mail," she says. "It is how many of our long-term supporters like to engage with us. It's how a lot of people feel comfortable in giving their donations. So, mail is critically important for us."
Philips says a large portion of their donors give through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank website, but folks are also welcome to call their donation office directly. However, they also welcome all e-transfer donations where the money is sent through an electronic transfer via their bank.
"We're really seeing people in crisis be to access food which means literally saving lives," she says, "and other times we're able to make life more fulfilling for people when financial restraints are such a burden when they're not allowed to educate their children because they can't pay school fees, or even just improve their standard of living."
"And so, donations have an incredible impact and so we would really appreciate it if people can find these alternative ways to donate, such as online, by phone or even by an email transfer," adds Phillips.
From their website:
'We are grateful to our supporters who are planning to make a year-end donation and encourage everyone to give online here, by phone at 1-800-665-0377, or through an email transfer (EFT) at resfin@foodgrainsbank.ca. Donations sent through the mail may face significant delays and may not be received until the new year, depending on how long the strike continues for.'
Please visit their website HERE or phone their office at their phone number Toll Free: 1.800.665.0377