Dip in donations to many local charities; high cost of living among possible reasons

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METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – It may be the giving season but a number of local charities say donations are down so far this year. It appears Black Friday and the high cost of living in Metro Vancouver are some of the reasons why.

“[Among people] in Vancouver, definitely, donations are down this year overall,” says Jennifer Halinda with the Dress for Success Vancouver Society.

“I do believe that a lot of the charities are experiencing a downward turn in individual gifts this year from different people,” she adds.

It’s the same for the Blanket BC Society, says director Gregory Ould. “I think a lot of organizations like Blanket BC Society don’t have advertising dollars. We depend on word of mouth.”

“I think Black Friday had a lot to do with that. But also, cost of living has a lot to do with a lack of volunteers this year, as well,” he adds.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Vancouver is in a similar position.

“What we’re finding is that while we’ve had significant social media support, that hasn’t translated into financial donations. So, we’re well-short of our target,” says operations director Stephani Baker.

She thinks people are simply very busy and find it hard to stop to make an online donation.

Baker adds the high cost of living in our region may also be a factor. “I think it certainly has a role to play.”

“I don’t know that necessarily expenses is a reason. I know that people have a lot of bills at this time of year, and that certainly has an impact on their ability to provide extra funding to others,” she adds.

Baker says if half of everyone in Metro Vancouver gave $20 to charity, then organizations would have plenty to work with. “That would be $20 million that local charities — who have a significant impact in our community — would have to do their great work.”

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