Canada Post Strike’s Impact on Charities and How You Can Support Crossroads’ Mission

As we enter the year-end giving season, Canadian charities, including Crossroads, face a significant challenge due to the ongoing Canada Post strike. Year-end donations are crucial for many organizations, but with postal disruptions, charities are at risk of facing delays, reduced contributions, and increased operational costs. Here’s how the strike could impact charities and how you can help Crossroads continue its mission.

How the Canada Post Strike Puts Charities at Risk

1. Delayed Donations: Many charities, including Crossroads, depend on mail-based donations, especially cheques, during the holiday season. Postal delays mean these donations may not arrive on time, creating potential funding gaps just when they’re most needed.
2. Reduced Donations: With mail delivery uncertain, some donors may hesitate to send cheques or other mail-based donations, resulting in a decrease in overall contributions.
3. Timing Issues: The strike is happening during a critical period. The holiday season is often the peak for charitable giving, and delayed contributions could affect charities’ ability to support seasonal programs and services.
4. Cash Flow Problems: Delays in receiving year-end donations can create cash flow issues, making it difficult for charities to fund ongoing or urgent programs.
5. Increased Costs: Many charities may need to find alternative ways to solicit donations, such as private couriers, which could increase costs and affect available funds for charitable programs.

How You Can Support Crossroads Through This Challenge

Despite these challenges, there are several ways to ensure your support reaches Crossroads in time:

• Online Donations: The simplest and most effective way to support Crossroads is to donate through our secure online donation page.
• Direct Bank Transfers: Set up an electronic fund transfer (EFT) directly to Crossroads’ account using [email protected]. Please include your name and address in the memo section. 
• Phone Donations: Call Crossroads directly at 1-800-265-3100 to make a donation by credit card over the phone. This ensures your support is received immediately.
• Text to Give: You can also text the word “GIVE” to 1-844-915-3267, followed by your gift amount. Example: GIVE 100. If you’re an existing donor, we’ll automatically charge the credit card we have on file, as long as it’s valid. If your card has expired, please make a new donation using any other payment method requiring credit card input to regain access to text-to-give services.
• In-Person Donations: If feasible, consider delivering your donation in person:

In Ontario:

    Crossroads
    320-1295 North Service Road
    Burlington, ON L7P 0V5

In Alberta:

    YES TV
    839 – 5 Avenue SW, Suite 100B
    Calgary, AB T2P 3C8

• Consider Private Couriers: Private courier services can be an alternative to mailing a cheque or correspondence. (See addresses above.)
• Spread Awareness: Share these alternative donation methods with your network or on social media to help inform others about how they can help during the postal disruption.
• Set Up Recurring Donations: Recurring monthly donations can provide steady support for Crossroads, ensuring that funds are available regardless of postal disruptions. This can be done by phone, web, or EFT.

Your generosity and support keep Crossroads’ mission moving forward. Thank you for helping us navigate this challenge as we continue bringing hope and inspiration to Canadians in need.