Now more than ever, organizations assisting others in our wider community need support from those of us more fortunate.
Maria Rio, Director of Development at The Stop Community Centre, wrote in the Toronto Star this month: “If your favourite charity does work providing emergency supports like food, housing, or health care, I can guarantee that they are facing significant struggles. Inflation, COVID, drastically increased need, decreased government funding, and burnout have created the perfect storm, leaving charities depleted in its dust.
“Our staff costs have also increased in line with the heightened need for our services. We have experienced a sharp decline in donations under $1000, as our donors were also hit by the pressures of inflation.
“Government supports like CERB and CEWS have subsided, leaving organizations with impossible choices. Should we limit the number of people who can access our services? Should we turn people away? How do we continue to provide for our community when they need us the most? Your favourite charity is exhausted, overspent, and overworked.”
This harsh reality hits home for members of the Danforth Jewish Circle because our community cares. Giving, whether money, time or your effort to influence decision makers to help improve the lives of those around us, is a core Jewish and DJC value. We must each do what we can.
Chazak U’Varuch – be strong and blessed.