Fort McMurray non-profits adapt fundraisers amid pandemic, but prepare for revenues to plummet

Fort McMurray non-profits are adjusting summer fundraisers as COVID-19 limits the ability to host large gatherings that would typically bring in thousands of dollars for the organizations.

Waypoints, which operates Fort McMurray's only emergency shelter forvictims of domestic and sexual abuse, hosts the annual YMM Food Festival, the charity's biggest fundraiser.

The festivities typically include a summer barbecue,patio party and a10-day food-tasting festival, which last year brought in$105,000.

This year, the patio party will now bevirtualwith a DJ and party packages delivered to attendees' homes, saidMichele Taylor, Waypoints' executive director.

"This year we're hopingand prayingto clear $40,000," Taylor said. "That's considerably less."

Waypoints is looking for ways to cut down on expenses, but that's proving difficult, Taylor said.

"They were already very tight. There's not much fat to cut."

Waypoints hasa small emergency fund, but it won't go far,Taylor said.

She's expecting to see an increase in demand for the shelter because the community is seeinga rise domestic and sexual violenceduring the pandemic.

Taylor is hoping forhelp from the provincial andfederal governments and corporate donors.

• Alberta sexual violence helpline saw 57% rise in calls during 1st month of pandemic
• Non-profits worried by loss of revenue from charitable gaming

FuseSocial, a non-profit that helps other non-profits with mentorship andleadership programs and shared services, has seen anincrease in demand for its services, said executive directorChantal Beaver.

She said that while the food bank saw tremendous success this year with a virtual food drive, not every event will be able to survive in the era of physical distancing.

"I don't think long term we're going to be able to maintain a virtual presence for all our events and fund development,"Beaver said.

Beaverbelieves Wood Buffalo will see a dropin the number of non-profits, but she emphasized that doesn't necessarily mean fewerservices.

Sheanticipatessome non-profits will have to merge tominimize operation costs without affecting service to clients.

Other non-profits in the region are adapting their fundraising plans for the summer.

The Girls Inc. of Northern AlbertaZombie Runhas now been reformatted, said Jenna Hamilton, communications and fund development lead.

Typically participants runthroughBirchwood Trails in Fort McMurrayas actors dressed as zombies attempt to steal theirflags.

But this year, people can sign up to run, walk, bike or swim 41 kilometres over the month of August.

"We're optimistic it will be successful, but obviously a little concerned as well," Hamilton said.