(File photo/paNOW)

By Dawson Thompson

Charitable dilemma

Charities challenged by COVID related restrictions during holiday season

Nov 23, 2020 | 5:33 PM

The gathering restrictions enforced by the Government of Saskatchewan have created challenges which make it almost impossible for charitable organizations to host their regular food and clothing Christmas drives, forcing them to adapt by going online, or cancelling all together.

According to Kim Scruby, executive director for the Prince Albert Food Bank, they will not be hosting their annual Christmas food drive due to gathering limit restrictions, and concerns for overall safety.

However, demand for resources at the food bank is increasing and they will still be looking for as many donations as possible.

“It is an issue with public safety. We just can not take the risk,” Scruby said. “It’s challenging, but we are doing our best to meet the demand.”

He also added there has been an increase in first time clients at the food bank this year. He would like to remind the public, with so many different businesses having to shut down, and people losing their jobs unexpectedly, their may be more people than expected who need to use the service this season.

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Scruby told paNOW the food bank is a low risk environment for dropping off donations. All COVID-19 protocols are in place for people to donate.

Grocery hampers are available at the food bank and the demand has been high this year, so any donation will be greatly appreciated.

Operations will be looking different for the Salvation Army this year as well.

Registration for the annual Christmas hamper will be accepted through online application, and phone conversations only, from Monday, Nov. 23, to Friday, Nov. 27.

The Christmas hamper is a toy drive run by the Salvation Army. The information you need to provide when applying for a hamper can be found on The Salvation Army Prince Albert Facebook page.

They will also not be able to set up their annual kettle drive at all their regular locations this year.

There will still be five locations in action in Prince Albert. Walmart, Safeway, Superstore, Sask. liquor, and the Co-op grocery store in Cornerstone will all have kettles this year. The Co-op location will not have anyone stationed at the drop-off.

Pamela Stranger, major for the Prince Albert Salvation Army said they are struggling to find volunteers for their kettle drive this year, which starts on Thursday, Nov. 26.

“Some of the folk who have helped in the past feel like they’re in a vulnerable group and have declined doing kettles for us,” Stranger said.

She also added it is a privilege for the Salvation Army to be able to put their kettles in storefronts and she is thankful they are still able to do so.

The Salvation Army are looking for support from the community to volunteer some time to help with the kettle bells and are also looking for as many donations as possible that can be made. Information for volunteering, and how you can donate to the Salvation Army can be found on their Facebook page.

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Dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8