Warm weather puts damper on donations to Winnipeg charity groups

Some charities in Winnipeg are wondering if the warmer-than-normal temperatures are keeping donors and the spirit of giving away.

The Christmas Cheer Board isn't as busy as it usually is this time of year, and executive director Kai Madsen said "people just aren't thinking Christmas yet."

"I think a number of factors played into this. One was we had the Grey Cup Festival, the weather was wonderful, we don't have very much snow, it's still very nice, I mean we are going above zero," he said.

The Cheer Board need volunteers and donations, but they're not panicking yet, Madsen said, adding it's also surprising that fewer people have applied for hampers, which contain food and gifts.

"The people who are applying for hampers are kind of lulled into thinking Christmas is off a ways," he said. "If you haven't applied you should start now," Madsen said.

Last year, they sent out more than 18,000 hampers. They could also use donations of sweets, cake mixes and candies along with toys for older children.

Agape Table is in need of donations

9 years ago

Duration 1:06

Dave Cunnin, executive director of Agape Table welcomes cash donations and warm winter clothes for people in need

Over at Agape Table, they could use cash donations and winter clothing. So far, warm weather hasn't made people think about how the homeless are coping with cold.

"We have been blessed so far with a mild fall, but the subzero temperatures that Winnipeg is famous for will be upon us at some point and that becomes an issue of life or death for many of the people we serve," Dave Cunnin, executive director of Agape Table.

After 35 years in operation offering free food to more than 300 people daily, Cunnin believes Manitobans will be generous again this year.

"So many people in the broader community and beyond care about this community," Cunnin said, "To do what we do, to offer the services everyday, we are totally dependent on on the generosity of people throughout Manitoba."

"What Agape Table offers is a community spirit...And it's a place for people who may be having some challenges in their life to come around and meet with friends, and know that they are understood and laugh a little."