The Salvation Army is asking Greater Victoria residents to help bridge the gap in its fundraising efforts.
The organization’s current fundraising goal is $295,000 and the local community has already contributed $190,000.
According to the Salvation Army, the demand for its assistance has increased in Greater Victoria and they have seen a decline in donations.
There are multiple donation options including the Christmas kettles at various local shopping centres and grocery stores, online at SalvationArmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
“When you donate to a kettle in your local community, the funds stay there helping those struggling in your community,” Salvation Army marketing and communications specialist Sipili Molia said in a news release. “The Salvation Army uses the funds to provide the basic necessities of life such as Christmas assistance, toys, food, clothing, housing supports, children’s breakfast and lunch programs, substance-use recovery, and so much more.”
Other services the Salvation Army offers include long-term care and palliative care, camps and school nutrition programs, life skills classes and after-school programs.
“No matter the size, every contribution will make a significant impact and help the Salvation Army continue its mission of serving those who are most vulnerable in the Greater Victoria community,” the Salvation Army said in a statement.
Almost seven out of 10 British Columbians say they faced food security challenges in the past year, according to a new Salvation Army survey.
The 2023 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis defines food security challenges as making trade-offs to food choices and eating less because of financial strain.
B.C.’s rate of 68 per cent puts the province five per cent below the national rate of 73 per cent, but the survey confirms growing food insecurity among British Columbians in the face of rising costs and other pressures.
Two out of three British Columbians (65 per cent) also told the survey they faced challenges managing limited resources, while 16 per cent faced challenges around housing security.
Fifty-five per cent of British Columbians told the survey they are extremely concerned about the current cost of living and inflation, two per cent fewer than Canadians as a whole.
The survey took place between Oct. 12-19 and asked a representative sample of 1,515 Canadians living in all provinces but none of the three territories.
-With files from the Canadian Press and Wolf Depner
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