The United Way of Bruce Grey and  Community Foundation Grey Bruce are calling on the community to rally behind local charities as they face unprecedented challenges due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. The disruption in postal services has created significant delays in donations, leaving many vital community programs underfunded at a time when they are most needed.

The Canada Post strike has caused a ripple effect for charities that rely heavily on mail campaigns for fundraising. With fewer donations coming in, organizations are struggling to maintain critical services that support vulnerable individuals and families in Grey and Bruce Counties.

“Local charities are feeling the pressure,” said Francesca Dobbyn, Executive Director of the United Way of Bruce Grey. “With the holiday season approaching—a time when community generosity is traditionally at its peak—delays in donations are creating financial uncertainty for programs addressing poverty, food insecurity, and housing instability and much more.”

Community Foundation Grey Bruce echoes this sentiment. “Many charities depend on year-end donations to sustain their operations for the coming year,” said Stuart Reid, Executive Director. “We are urging people to find alternative ways to support their favourite charities, whether that’s donating online, dropping off contributions in person, or even making a call to find out how best to help.”

How You Can Help

• Donate Online: Most charities, including the United Way of Bruce Grey and  Community Foundation Grey Bruce, have secure online donation platforms.
• Drop Off Donations: Contact your charity of choice to see if they accept in-person donations at their office or through local banks.
• Spread the Word: Share this message on social media to encourage friends and family to support local charities.
• Give the Gift of Time: Volunteering can be just as impactful as a financial donation. Reach out to your favorite charity to ask how you can help.

This is a crucial time to show solidarity and support for the organizations that work tirelessly to improve the lives of those in our community. Even small contributions can make a significant impact.

If people are not sure how to reach their favourite charity, they can search the online 211 database at www.informationbrucegrey.ca

“We are all in this together,” added Dobbyn. “Let’s ensure that our local charities can continue to serve those who need it most, despite the challenges posed by the postal strike.”

For more information or to donate, visit www.donatetoday.ca  or www.communityfoundationgreybruce.com