The Salvation Army says it is well short of its fundraising goal for the 2025 Canadian Red Kettle Campaign. With only a few days left before the campaign ends on Christmas Eve, the charity is $2.5 million below its $22-million target.
“We’ve seen donations level off, but the need for help has not,” said Kim Findlay, the Salvation Army’s B.C. divisional director.
Last year, donations in December were 15 per cent higher, even though there was a Canada Post strike before Christmas. That difference added up to more than $3 million. Findlay says higher living costs mean many people can’t afford to give as much, while more people are turning to the charity for help.
The Salvation Army helped 3.1 million Canadians in 2024, and expects that number to be even higher by the end of 2025.
Rising demand is also being seen in Winnipeg. The Christmas Cheer Board Winnipeg provides food hampers to people in need during the holidays. This year, the organization expects to give out about 22,000 hampers, up from 21,000 last year.
“Many people are having to make tough choices about how they spend their money,” said executive director Shawna Bell. “We don’t want anyone choosing between food and rent.”
Along with food, the organization also gives toys to children. A hamper costs about $100 for one person and $250 for a family of six.
While donations are higher this year than in the past, the Christmas Cheer Board says rising food prices are still a challenge. The cost of food items has increased by about 30 per cent.
