Charities say nasty winter weather to blame for drop in donations

It has been a long, cold winter, and organizations that rely on donations are feeling the impact of the nasty winter weather.

The Salvation Army says it has seen a significant drop in donations, prompting the organization to make a public plea for clothing.

“I have to say that this winter is probably the roughest for a slowdown in donations,” says Barbara Warren, district manager of the Nova Scotia Salvation Army Thrift Store.

Clothing bins are almost empty at the thrift stores in Halifax and Dartmouth and the Salvation Army is asking for help in filling them.

“My fear is that we won't be able to keep the shelves filled and in the end, after the process is all done, the person who will suffer, or the people who will suffer will be the public that the Salvation Army helps out,” says Warren.

The Canadian Diabetes Association can relate to their plight; donations to its Clothesline Program are also down.

“People don't tend to think of cleaning and getting out to make donations to our drop boxes or even putting them out on their doorstep when the weather is so bad,” says Joanna Dunn, Clothesline Program manager for the Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island branches of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

“With nine million Canadians living with diabetes, or pre-diabetes, we really need the revenue in order to be able to put the money into research and education and advocacy,” says Dunn.

Those who help others pay for oil and electricity are also feeling the pinch.

“It’s just been a lot of pressure trying to keep up with it,” says Mel Boutilier of the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank.

The Parker Street Food and Furniture bank has spent more than $16,000 from its emergency fund since January to help people pay for heat.

“We'll extend ourselves beyond what we normally have and we'll have to look for ways and means to take money from other sources to make up for it,” says Boutilier.

With more winter weather in the forecast, it’s a challenge many organizations will likely continue to face.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Jacqueline Foster

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  Clothing bins are almost empty at the thrift stores in Halifax and Dartmouth and the Salvation Army is asking for help in filling them. (CTV Atlantic)