The Salvation Army says it is falling significantly short of its fundraising goal for the 2025 Canadian Red Kettle Campaign, with only days left before the campaign ends on Christmas Eve. The organisation is currently about $2.5 million short of its $22 million target.
Officials say donations have levelled off as the rising cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets. At the same time, demand for the charity’s services has not slowed. The Salvation Army helped 3.1 million Canadians in 2024, and that number is expected to increase by the end of 2025.
Similar challenges are being seen in Winnipeg, where the Christmas Cheer Board says it will hand out 22,000 food hampers this holiday season, up from 21,000 last year. While donations are slightly higher than in previous years, the cost of food has risen by about 30 per cent, making it harder to meet growing demand.
Charity leaders say many families are facing tough choices between basic expenses like rent, food, and utilities, leaving less room to donate, even as more Canadians turn to charitable support during the holidays.
(Source: Global News)
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