Holiday fundraising hamstrung by Canada Post strike, P.E.I. hospital foundations say
Alex MacIsaac | CBC News | Posted: December 5, 2024 10:00 AM | Last Updated: December 5
'It’s impacted the charitable industry in a huge way,' says PCH Foundation official
The charities that raise money for the two largest hospitals on Prince Edward Island say the ongoing Canada Post strike is putting a kink in fundraising efforts leading up to Christmas.
"We do rely quite a bit on mailed-in donations," said Tracey Comeau, CEO of the Charlottetown-based Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation.
Money raised by the charity helps buy medical equipment for the hospital.
On this year's wish list: a surgical table designed for cystoscopies, procedures done to treat kidney stones, bladder cancer and prostate disease.
"More than 700 Islanders per year rely on this equipment," Comeau said. "We want to ensure that that equipment is not delayed because of delayed donations."
Thousands of Canada Post workers walked off the job on Nov. 15, halting deliveries of letters and packages across the country at the start of the holiday season.
Before that happened, the foundation managed to mail out its first call for seasonal donations. But a second appeal letter is on hold, and Comeau thinks some donors are waiting with their chequebooks until the strike is over.
"We're not in a panic yet," she added. "It's still early in December, but we certainly look forward to donors reaching out to us."
Donations to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation can be made online, over the phone or in person at the foundation's office, Comeau said.
The Canada Post job action came smack in the middle of an annual fundraising campaign by the Prince County Hospital Foundation in Summerside as well.
Each November, the foundation raises upwards of $300,000 through its Lights for Life campaign, said Bevan Woodacre, director of development with the PCH Foundation.
"It's a huge impact on what we do," Woodacre said of the strike.
With the postal service on pause, some donors are giving online or in person at the foundation office, he said.
"It's been difficult but it's been moving forward."
The month-long campaign wrapped up earlier this week, he said. Donations can still be made on the foundation's website, or in person at its office.
"We truly appreciate the support of the community. Our hospital doesn't stay equipped without their support," said Woodacre.