For most Canadians, the current Canada Post strike is about the delivery of parcels and Christmas cards, but for nonprofits, it’s about much more. Many are unaware of how crucial Canada Post is to the charitable sector and the work we do. Charities rely heavily on the delivery of household mail.
In fact, charities are among the largest users of bulk mail through their annual fundraising and direct mail programs. With no end to the strike in sight, this will cause significant financial difficulties for all Canadian charities.
In annual giving, where direct mail plays a significant role, charities raise 30-60% of their annual revenues in the final quarter (Oct, Nov, Dec) and around 20-30% in the first quarter (Jan, Feb, Mar) ensuring they can continue their work into the next year. These funds support housing, social services, food security, and many other vital causes, often directly benefiting the communities and people within their own region.
Why does direct mail matter? Direct mail is a major source of unrestricted revenue, covering the charities annual delivery of services, salaries, rent, IT, and infrastructure. At nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings, we need these unrestricted funds to build affordable homes for hard-working families in our community; we require fuel for our ReStore vehicle in order to pick up and deliver donations, we must pay our staff to accomplish and expand our mission’s work.
Additionally, 60% of donations triggered by mail are made online. Without mail delivery, we expect a decline in online revenue year-over-year.
As one of many charitable partners in your community, Habitat for Humanity PEH wants to shine a light on the facts about how household mail impacts us all, that are not making headlines. Most Canadians are unaware that Canada Post underpins our charitable sector in a very substantial way.
Even while mail is not being delivered, we encourage you to support your charity of choice, including Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings’ “Home for the Holidays” presented by Belleville Nissan. You can donate by visiting www/habitatpeh.org, calling 613-966-4884 ext. 207 or dropping by in person at 365 Bell Blvd, Belleville between 8:30-4:30 Monday – Friday. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of families now and in the future.
Habitat PEH’s mission is to bring communities together to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable home ownership. We believe everyone deserves a safe and decent place to live, and every day we take action to help achieve that goal. Habitat for Humanity Canada was founded in 1985, and Prince Edwards-Hastings Habitat for Humanity was formed in 1994 and began operations 1995.
Submitted by Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings (Habitat PEH)
