The Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal faces potential challenges in securing donations due to an ongoing postal strike that commenced on September 25. This organization plays a crucial role in providing meals and groceries to hundreds of individuals daily. Although their annual Thanksgiving meal for the homeless proceeded as planned, leadership expresses concern about the long-term effects of the strike.
Samuel Watts, president and CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, voiced his apprehension regarding the postal disruptions. He emphasized that the Thanksgiving dinner offers a brief moment of joy for individuals facing hardship. “It’s a brief moment of joy for those whose lives have been shattered,” Watts stated, reflecting on the importance of the turkey dinner hosted by the Mission.
Challenges posed by the postal strike
In response to the ongoing postal strike, the Welcome Hall Mission is encouraging supporters to make donations online or via telephone. The organization significantly relies on monetary contributions received through the mail, which are vital for organizing events such as their Thanksgiving dinner and the Christmas gathering that assists families in need.
Watts predicts a notable decline in donations this year compared to the previous year, attributing this decrease to the unforeseen circumstances surrounding the postal strike. “I’m certain we will have fewer donations this year than last year, simply because of the unexpected postal strike,” he remarked.
The impact of the strike on donors
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) initiated the strike in response to proposed changes to Canada Post’s business framework, which they contend could lead to job losses. Initially, mail delivery was completely halted, but as of Saturday, the union has shifted to rotating strikes, allowing for limited mail and parcel delivery.
Despite an increase in online donations in recent years, Watts estimates that a substantial portion—between 40 to 50 percent—of their financial support still relies on traditional mail. This equates to approximately 12 to 15 million dollars in donations annually, underscoring the essential role of postal services in their funding.
Watts recalled a similar postal strike just before Christmas last year, which resulted in an estimated loss of around $1 million in donations. Such financial setbacks present serious challenges to the Mission’s ability to provide essential services to the community.
Communicating with traditional donors
The ongoing postal strike complicates communication with donors who prefer to contribute through the mail. Watts noted that most of their donors are individuals over the age of 60. While many are comfortable with the internet and social media, a significant number remain hesitant to engage with online donation platforms due to security concerns.
“The vast majority of donors are people over the age of 60, and while a good number are very familiar with the internet and social media, there is also a large percentage of people who avoid anything related to social media and online donations because they tend to think it’s not secure,” Watts explained. This demographic shift adds another layer of complexity for the Welcome Hall Mission as they adjust their fundraising strategies during the postal strike.
Future outlook and solutions
In light of these challenges, the Welcome Hall Mission actively explores alternative methods to reach potential donors. They urge the community to support their initiatives through their website and over the phone until the postal situation is resolved. This proactive approach seeks to mitigate the loss of crucial funding during this critical time.
Samuel Watts, president and CEO of the Welcome Hall Mission, voiced his apprehension regarding the postal disruptions. He emphasized that the Thanksgiving dinner offers a brief moment of joy for individuals facing hardship. “It’s a brief moment of joy for those whose lives have been shattered,” Watts stated, reflecting on the importance of the turkey dinner hosted by the Mission.0
