Demand Surges as Donations Plummet for Newfoundland Non-Profits

Non-profit organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador are grappling with a significant increase in demand for assistance as the holiday season approaches, while simultaneously facing a decline in donations. These organizations, which are vital in providing support to families during this time, report that many past donors are now in need of help themselves due to escalating living costs.

Tina Bishop, the manager of the Community Food Sharing Association, highlighted the changing landscape of their clientele. “People are really struggling now. Those who used to contribute a monthly donation of around $20 can no longer afford to do so due to rising expenses,” Bishop told CBC News. She noted a shift in the demographics of clients accessing food hampers, with a noticeable increase in working families seeking assistance.

As families strive to manage the financial pressures associated with the holidays, demand for food bank services has surged. Bishop explained that many families are reallocating funds typically used for groceries to cover unexpected holiday expenses. “When people are struggling, their grocery budgets become the first thing to be adjusted,” she remarked. The classic holiday food hamper, which includes a turkey and various side dishes, now costs between $150 and $200, marking an increase of approximately 50 percent compared to previous years.

To address the heightened need, the Community Food Sharing Association relies heavily on the annual food drive that takes place during the downtown St. John’s Christmas parade. “That’s the food drive that we depend on to help us through the holiday and winter months,” Bishop said.

Several other non-profits are also experiencing a similar rise in demand. The Salvation Army and the Single Parent Association are providing both food and toy hampers to families. Pam Goodyear, a spokesperson for the Salvation Army, stated that last year they distributed toys to 2,200 children and food hampers to 2,300 families. “We anticipate as much need or more this year,” Goodyear noted.

Registration for the Salvation Army’s Christmas program remains open, and while they do not yet have concrete numbers indicating the increase in applicants, Goodyear mentioned that more community agencies are reaching out for help. “We partner together,” she explained, indicating that these agencies bring lists of families needing assistance.

The Single Parent Association is also seeing unprecedented demand for its Christmas Magic program. According to Danielle Seward, the executive director, over 1,700 children have applied for support this year, more than double the usual number. “We will have to close off registration soon, even just based on logistics,” Seward said, as they work to manage the overwhelming requests.

To cope with the increased demand, the Single Parent Association has adjusted the budget for gifts per child from $200 to $150. “Our priority is to spread the Christmas magic as far as possible, even if it means each child receives a little less,” Seward remarked. So far, 437 people have signed up to sponsor families through the organization.

Currently, the Community Food Sharing Association, the Salvation Army, and the Single Parent Association are actively seeking donations from the community. They request non-perishable food items, such as Kraft Dinner and Carnation milk, while the Salvation Army and the Single Parent Association are looking for gifts, particularly for teenagers.

As the holiday season draws closer, the efforts of these organizations are critical to supporting families in need throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The community’s response will play a vital role in ensuring that those facing financial hardships can still celebrate the festive season with dignity.