With Canada Post workers on strike, non-profit organizations in Parksville Qualicum Beach are encouraging residents to donate online, over the phone or in person.
Society of Organized Services relies on financial donations that arrive in the mail to help fund its Caring for Community at Christmas program, according to Lissa Alexander, SOS communications manager.
“The program provides special gifts for local children and youth and then also provide grocery store gift cards so families and individuals can choose food that’s important to them over the holidays,” Alexander said.
The goal this year is to raise $285,000, she added, and SOS expects the number of people who who register for the program will increase.
“The more money we can raise, the better we can support residents this Christmas and into the winter months,” Alexander said. “Our Christmas mail appeal was set to arrive in people’s mailboxes this week and we figured that people will often kind of wait for those. Once they arrive it sort of encourages them and reminds them to make their donations. Unfortunately we don’t think that many people received those.”
Last year's Christmas campaign saw SOS assist 1,144 local adults and seniors, and provide gifts for 1,107 children and youth.
SOS is encouraging people to consider donating through its website at sosd69.com/how-to-donate/ or by calling the community services centre at 250-248-2093. Donations can also be made in person at the SOS community services centre, located at 245 Hirst Ave. West in Parksville.
The Caring for Community at Christmas program is open to residents that need help putting food on the table and getting gifts for children and grandchildren.
Registration can be done in person at SOS community services centre from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Monday to Friday. Please remember to bring photo ID for each adult over 19 years old, proof of residence, birth certificates, passports or care cards for children and proof on income from the previous month, such as a bank statement or government-issued document.
