Calgary’s Salvation Army hoping for spirit of giving this holiday season

Once more, the holidays are upon us.

And not only ’tis the season for exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, and sharing meals with family and friends, but it’s also the giving season and a time for Calgarians to showcase generosity.

For many, the giving season includes donating their time, money, and effort to charities or non-profit organizations in their community or a cause they care about.

But this year everyone’s purse may be tighter given the soaring inflation and rising cost of living.

“Everyone is talking about the additional challenges about this current year with the economy and job uncertainty and there’s even been some surveys done across Canada where people are extremely concerned about the future and being able to make ends meet and being able to pay the bills,” said Brian Venables, the divisional secretary for public relations for Salvation Army Alberta & Northern Territories Division.

“And unfortunately what it’s doing is causing people to have to make choices. Families are having to decide if they are able to buy Christmas gifts, are they able to buy extra things they like to have at Christmas time?”

Read More: Calgary celebrates 27th annual Toy Angels campaign

Venables adds they are seeing anywhere from 18 to 50 per cent increase in demand for their services this season which continued through fall but has reached its peak and intensified because of Christmas.

He adds that new and more people are requiring a social safety net.

“And tragically there’s new people, new families that come to us for assistance that normally would be people who put money in our kettles or donate toys or coats to us; they’re not able to do that this year,” said Venables.

He says these are challenging times but he has faith that people will step out and lend a helping hand.

“We are blessed to live in a compassionate, caring, generous community that looks out for their neighbors.”

Some programs their organization runs include the Centre of Hope, which is an emergency shelter for women, and the Wagner House.

In particular, the Wagner House is a residential facility that enables people to get off the street, gain stability and eventually transition to permanent housing as part of addiction and recovery care.

“We also through our family services operation make sure that people have school supplies, have an opportunity for children to go to summer camp, (and) help new Canadians settle in. And a lot of them come to us with very little and we’re able to source some resources for them through our thrift store and other partners,” said Venables.

For example, they help out with various product and service donations including school backpacks and supplies, tax returns, emergency food hampers, and more.

Read More: More than half of Canadians facing food budget constraints: Salvation Army poll

He says they have an overall goal for their Christmas Kettle Campaign this year, as currently, they are sitting at 15 per cent.

“I’m not worried about not reaching our goal but you know you tend to think ‘well we’re a little behind and it’s gotta have something to do with inflation,'” said Venables.

He mentions we’re just starting to come out of the pandemic and now there is uncertainty about everyone’s personal financial situations making people less likely to contribute.

Venables adds about 30 per cent of people who have used their services are first timers, which indicates there are newcomers that require extra assistance this year.

He mentions if you are hoping to participate this holiday season you can give back by donating to their toy drive at certain locations including Calgary Police Service offices, Westbrook Mall, and CIR Realty.

“You can never have too many toys because every toy you give out represents a smile. A smile on the child’s face on Christmas morning but also a smile on mom and dad’s face when they know they were able to get something for their children,” said Venables.

He says they are not only looking for donations but volunteers to sign up as well.

–With files from Tiffany Goodwein