Halifax charities seek community support as need increases, donations drop

Charities have started their season campaigns – in an effort to give everyone a merry Christmas.

Charities in the Halifax area have started their holiday giving programs to help those in need this season.

Some are offering holiday hampers while others are holding clothing drives, but they all have the same goal – to brighten this season for families struggling to get by.

“You find that more people are generous at this time of year and it’s the spirit of giving,” says Romaine Rhoden, director of donor relations for the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank.

For the last two decades, the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank has organized its holiday hamper program, which offers people in need a box full of holiday goodies.

“It’s a big turkey or whatever protein that family may need. We have a big Muslim population here, so we try to have vegetarian and Halal options as well,” says Rhoden.

The team is connecting donations, both food-wise and financially. Families will receive their boxes on Dec. 17 and 18.

“You get a box filled with stuffings for the turkey or whatever meal you prefer and also you get some candies and if you have kids at home, you get some toys for them as well,” adds Rhoden.

‘Steady decline in donations’

Rhoden adds that over the last two years times have been tough for everyone, and he’s seen donations slow down even around this time of year, when people tend to give more.

“I’ve seen a steady decline in donations and that’s because many families are now facing strong economic issues and they are not as able as before to support families as they once did,” says Rhoden.

The team’s goal is to fill 1,000 hampers this year. The value of each box ranges; for smaller families a box is about $150, while larger families receive a box worth roughly $300. Donations can be made in person or online.

“We are grateful for those who continue to support at this time of year,” adds Rhoden.

Record numbers using breakfast program

Brunswick Street Mission in Halifax says it too is seeing a greater need this year. It hit a record number of people attending its breakfast program Monday morning.

“On a daily basis we have around 100 people at our breakfast program, and then another 50 people coming through our food bank. Plus, whoever wants to drop in and spend a day here is around 150 to 200 people,” says Matt Kok, fund development director for the Brunswick Street Mission.

This is the first year the Brunswick Street Mission team has mailed out a wish list with items they need. They hand delivered them to community members a few weeks ago.

“The items that we need to top up are our essentials, like milk, eggs, cereal, tuna, pasta, rice, oatmeal. And then in terms of clothing, we are always looking for good winter outerwear, anything that can make sure someone is dry and comfortable,” says Kok.

People can donate new or gently-used clothing at the mission on Brunswick Street. Monetary donations can be made in person or online.

And for those seeking support from places like Brunswick Street Mission, its food bank is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

“We are planning on staying open over the Christmas holidays as well, as usual, and then our breakfast program is offered Monday through Friday,” says Kok.

“Every morning a hot meal downstairs here and then our cafe is open during the week, the same hours as our food bank. We have free food, free coffee, a place to sit, relax and chill out and stay warm.”

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