'So disappointing': B.C. charities struggling as gas prices soar
The soaring cost of gas is hitting charities in Metro Vancouver hard and organizations are worried they will soon have to make tough decisions and cuts to services if they don’t get some relief.
"It's just shocking every day because we drive by a gas station every day to work and go, 'No! That can't be what it is now!'” Said Vikki Stevenson, the executive director of Homestart, which provides free furniture and household items to people in need, including those moving out of shelters.
The charity didn't anticipate the sky-high gas prices a year ago when putting together its budget.
“It's so disappointing because we run on a pretty tight budget and that's never something that we factor in - having to go that high on gas. So, it's kind of a shock,” Stevenson said.
"For $100 at the end of April -- when we thought gas was high – we got 50 litres. And today, for the same $100, we got slightly over 40 litres. So, it makes a big difference,” she added.
The organization charges donors a feee for picking up and taking away their used furniture. It's already increased the cost for pickups from $50 to $75 to offset the cost of fuel. It's now looking at increasing that cost to $100 very soon, which might discourage prospective donors.
The Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society is also feeling the pinch as it actively seeks more funding. Their volunteers are reimbursed for gas so they don't have to pay out-of-pocket.
“We've already increased our reimbursement rate by 5 cents this year. Just that 5 cents means almost $40,000 for our bottom line,” said Gord Locke, a director with the organization.
He also said he has noticed fewer volunteers willing to drive, which he also thinks is connected to the record-high gas prices.
A shortage of drivers has serious consequences for the people who rely on the service, Locke says. Some patients have missed appointments because no driver was available.
"In some situations it may have occurred, unfortunately. It's just that balance of trying to have enough drivers to meet that demand,” Locke said.
Karen Sidhu of Surrey Crime Prevention Society said she feels frustrated and uneasy about the high cost of fuel and fears if her charity doesn’t secure enough funding, she might have to cut some programs. The organization also uses volunteer drivers.
"The fact this is impacting not only us but impacting other charities. And I don't want to see any changes to our programs,” she said.
She also said she’s grateful for the generous donations from the local community which are helping the organization stay afloat.
Sidhu, like thise at other organizations, says she hopes the government will provide some temporary relief to charities that rely on drivers to deliver their programs and services,
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.