Charlottetown's caring meter program exceeds expectations

The bright green caringmeters set upin downtown Charlottetown last May are making a significant difference for the charities who benefit from them.

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Downtown Charlottetown Inc. paid for the installation of the six donation boxes in May 2016 as as a different option to helping panhandlers.Money from the meters is split between the Upper Room Food Bank and the Salvation Army in Charlottetown.

You're putting thattooniein the meter means you're putting a cup of coffee, you're putting a sandwich or you're putting a pillow in front of someone. Major DanielRoode, Salvation Army

"The meters were actually overflowing we thought they wouldn't fill up as quickly as they did," said Upper Room general manager Mike MacDonald, recalling the first time they opened up the boxes.

"We certainly learned that we really have to stay on top of this and do our collection on a very regular basis," he added.

Donations feelthe chill

During peak tourist timesthe meters can collect $1,000 a month, he said, notingdonations have not been pouring in as much during thecolder months.

No matter what the totals are, the new revenuemeans more money for programs, thecharities said.

"You're putting that tooniein the meter means you're putting a cup of coffee, you're putting a sandwich or you're putting a pillow in front of someone that really truly does need it," said Major DanielRoodeof the Salvation Army in Charlottetown.

"It's not about how big the donation maybe was in the caring meter, it'sthe fact that people are being conscientious," Roode added.

He believes the meters are a better option than giving people money on the street.

"When a person is going down the street andsomeone says 'Hey give me some change' you don't know what the intent will be for that change," said Roode.

'More cash flow'

"It certainly been a win-win for us,it just gives us a little more cash flow to provide services to our clients," said Mike MacDonald.

The meters are in high traffic areasand are carefully monitored.

Organizers aren't worried about vandals the meters are sturdy, they point out,and none contains much cash at any one time.

"It's been a pretty substantial amount of money coming in to both the Upper Room and the Salvation Army," said MacDonald, adding the charitieshope donations will increase even morein the months and years to come.

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