Headwaters’ ability to generate holiday donations impacted by nationwide postal strike

November 28, 2024 · 0 Comments

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

The ongoing nationwide postal strike is bringing chaos to end-of-year fundraising campaigns at charitable organizations across the country, and Headwaters Health Care Foundation (HHCF) is no different.

HHCF is sharing the different options available for residents to donate to the local hospital, which doesn’t include mailing services, as they attempt to stem the fundraising impacts from the ongoing nationwide postal strike.

In previous years, the HHCF holiday appeal has been sent out in the mail to residents, with stories of the care received at Headwaters Hospital and a request for charitable donations.

Due to the nationwide postal strike, the holiday appeal will not be reaching the mailboxes of thousands of potential donors this year and the Hospital Foundation says the delay could have significant impacts on their ability to fund essential medical equipment.

“Despite the challenges posed by the postal strike, the need for support for Headwaters Health Care Foundation has never been greater,” said K.C. Carruthers, CEO of Headwaters Health Care Foundation. “Medical services are in high demand, and every donation makes a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Your support helps to ensure that vital medical equipment is funded, even in the face of unforeseen obstacles like a postal strike.”

According to Headwaters Health Care Foundation, nearly 100 per cent of the equipment in Headwaters Hospital is funded by charitable donations from local residents, rather than the government.

“Headwaters Health Care Centre relies on donations to fund the vital medical equipment our doctors and nurses need to be able to provide exceptional care, close to home for the community,” reads a press release from HHCF.

“The postal strike is expected to disrupt the delivery of mail and packages, ultimately causing delays in receiving donations that are mailed in. This delay could have a significant impact on the Foundation’s ability to fund essential medical equipment.”

Headwaters Health Care Foundation is not the only hospital charity in the area expressing concerns for donations.

Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, located in Alliston, spoke with the New Tecumseth Times about the impact of the nationwide postal strike on their charitable efforts.

“It’s common knowledge that many charities across Canada still have donors that rely on the mail,” Frank Cerisano, CEO of SMHF, told the Times. “It won’t affect just the Hospital Foundation, but charities across the country. In December, the average charity will receive between 40 and 60 per cent of their donations. For the Hospital Foundation, this will represent around 15 per cent. We will start to contact donors offering online options and see if they can get some online assistance. They are always welcome to drop off donations right at the hospital.”

Headwaters Health Care Foundation is asking those interested in contributing to consider making a donation online or in-person.

Online donations reach the hospital foundation quickly and securely while being a convenient and efficient way for donors to provide support to Headwaters. Charitable donation receipts are sent to donors immediately by email.

Donations can also be made in-person at the Foundation’s office, located inside the main lobby of Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Individuals who are interested in donating but are unable to stop by during the Foundation’s office hours, which are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., can leave their donation in the securely locked mailbox outside the office to be processed the next business day.

“Community support is crucial to the success of the hospital, and every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. Thank you for your continued support,” concluded the press release.

To learn more about Headwaters Health Care Foundation and their fundraising efforts for the local hospital, visit www.hhcfoundation.com.