EDMONTON - Two Edmonton charities that help make the holidays a little brighter for families in need are falling short of their goals, with just a week left until Christmas.
Meals on Wheels, which helps fund meal subsidy programs and grocery costs for low income Edmontonians, is still one-third away from its $75,000 campaign goal. The agency says it's struggled to reach its goal the last two holiday seasons due to the poor economy, but continues to hold out hope that it can raise the remaining $25,000 by December 31st.
The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton is in worse shape, though, as it's met only less than half of its $1.8 million dollar goal. The charity still needs $1 million dollars to pay for the festive food hampers already being delivering to the less fortunate, so organizers are now putting out a call to action.
"This next week we need our community to come together. We recognize ourselves as the City of Champions, and we are that because we're always there when we're needed...and right now, we have people that are going to go without Christmas celebrations unless we step up, says Wendy Fiske of the Bureau.
"I know people are going to the malls to shop, but it would be really nice if you make your last stop at our donation box," she adds.
In addition to accepting donations at every mall, you can also make a $10 donation to the Christmas Bureau by texting 'Christmas' to '45678' (you can text up to three times). The charity is also accepting donations online, at Servus Credit Union and ATB banks, and local fire halls. The donations will continue to be accepted after the holidays as well.
As for Meals on Wheels, you can donate online, as well as in person (at 11111 103 Ave), or by telephone (780-429-2020).
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