Calgary charities struggle to meet donation goals

Some local charities say they're 40 to 50 per cent below theirdonation goals this year, jeopardizing programs for seniors and vulnerable families this holiday season and next year.

The Calgary Seniors' Resource Society says they're only about half way to their fundraising goalof $70,000 to $80,000.

The group provides assisted shopping, caregiver support and friendly visiting to more than 2,000 at-riskseniors in the Calgary area.

This time of year, they organize a program called Adopt a Grandparent,in which volunteers spend time with seniors who need some company around Christmas.

Demand rises while donations fall 40% at the Magic of Christmas

8 years ago

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Calgary charities are struggling to meet donation goals, including the Magic of Christmas and Adopt a Grandparent.

Executive director Lori Paine says it's been a tough year for donations because of the economy.

"People are just saying we've only got so much money, and we're just not able to do it this year, maybe next year. We're hearing that from individual donors and certainly the corporate sector," she said.

If moremoney is not raised, some of the organization's services may have to be cut, Paine said.

"We're hoping that Calgarians, as generous as they are, that they will step up to the plate and help, so that we can actually provide all the services that we need to into 2017," she said.

Over at TheMagic of Christmas, donations are down 40 per cent over previous years, while demand is up, officials said.

The charity relies on 750 volunteers and 18 donated Calgary Transit buses to bring gifts to 600families on Christmas Eve. Visits are also made to people in hospitals, nursing homes and shelters.

Charles Russell, treasurer for The Magic of Christmas, said gifts for teenage boys, mothers and fathers are neededmost.

"But in our case the visit is the important thing," he said.

"We'll gather the family together, tell Christmas stories, sing a couple of Christmas carols."

The organization hopes to visit 5,500 to 6,000 people this Christmas.

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