The Outreach Centre sounds urgent call for donations

The Outreach Centre is urgently calling on central Albertans for support after facing a challenging holiday season marked by a decline in donations and unexpected expenses.

Over the holidays, officials say the Canada Post strike impacted the organization’s ability to both solicit and accept donations; direct mail campaigns had to be cancelled and individuals who preferred to mail in donations were unable to do so.

This was coupled with an increased demand for services, including an almost 15 per cent increase in the number of families served through its Adopt-a-Family program. That program provides essential support to families in need and the increased demand highlights the struggles faced by many in the community.

Adding to the pressures, a boiler at The Outreach Centre’s second-stage women’s shelter, Julietta’s Place, broke down and required prompt action to keep residents warm. An inspection revealed that both boilers needed to be replaced, a cost totalling $35,000.