Charities suffer through pandemic
By Jensen, Randy on June 1, 2020.
LETHBRIDGE HERALD
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and focusing on the safety and well-being of the community, the annual Golf for Kids Sake has been cancelled for 2020.
Since 1997, the annual fundraiser has contributed to many programs offered by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District in building developmental relationships between a Big and a Little. The organization said in a news release it truly values the partnerships that have been formed, which has enabled it to raise over $940,000 for the children in local communities. This was to be a milestone year with contributions surpassing $1 million.
“This golf event is such a highlight every year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District. We love connecting with all of you and appreciate the overwhelming support we continuously receive for this fundraiser,” said BBBS in the release.
“Through this pandemic Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District continues to find innovative ways to provide mentoring programs and serves over 686 children. There is going to be a bigger need for your support throughout the upcoming months with the overwhelming need to build developmental relationships between a Big and a Little.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters, like all businesses, has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and have all experienced significant financial and psychological impacts. Community support is still appreciated and donations can be accepted online at http://www.BeBig.ca.
Meanwhile, today CanadaHelps will be launching the Great Canadian Giving Challenge. During the month of June, every dollar donated through CanadaHelps is a chance for local charity like Big Brothers Big Sisters to win $20,000 from CanadaHelps.
Charities are struggling and many have already had to suspend their operations and many more are in danger of closing their doors forever. The cancellation of local fundraising -due to social distancing measures – is having a devastating effect on many charities, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District who may have minimal financial reserves to fall back on.
“Twenty thousand dollars would ensure our ability to continue to serve the children in our community and surrounding area with our various mentoring programs,” says Jen Visser, executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lethbridge and District. “There is a great need for mentors for children who need extra support in their life.”
In recent weeks, COVID-19 has reminded Canadians how critical charities are to supporting communities, and how the charitable sector plays an indispensable role in our society. Food Banks, homeless shelters, mental health crisis lines, children’s programs, and many more charities have been pivotal to helping some of the most vulnerable remain fed, safe, and healthy.
“The summer has always been a tough time for charities because donations are typically lower and it is much harder to attract the public’s attention for their cause; in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, charities now face an even greater challenge,” says Marina Glogovac, President and CEO of CanadaHelps. “As provinces and cities across the country begin to reopen, we cannot forget about the critical role charities play in the recovery of communities. Helping charities remain viable is essential to maintaining Canada’s social safety net during this unprecedented crisis and in the future.”
Last year, the Great Canadian Giving Challenge helped raise $14 million for more than 12,000 charities across Canada. This June, Canadians again have a chance to support their favourite charity and give them a chance to win an additional $20,000 to help support their vital work. To donate to support local charities visit CanadaHelps.org.
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