The strike by postal workers across the country will likely impact fundraising efforts by the Sarnia-Lambton United Way.
Director of Development and Communications Ryan Doyle said they mailed about 3,000 letters to previous donors and residents ahead of the campaign, and now expect a number of donations will be stuck in the mail until the strike is resolved.
"We have had an increased number of walk-ins though, people who were already concerned about it have been coming into our office bringing the donation there which is great," said Doyle. "If people can't make donations through the mail, you can make them online or you can call our office. The other thing, honestly, we'll drive and pick up your donation. We did that a couple times last year during the strike and it worked pretty well, so we'll be willing to do that again."
Doyle said typically, a second round of letters is mailed out near the middle of the campaign, but if the strike continues, that won't happen.
"One of our like complete fallback plan is we will actually drive around and drop off some of the mailers to our key donors that we know will be looking for that," he said. "That is their way to donate and we're willing to do that absolutely, and some people like that because they want to see their giving history as part of their donation. So, for those people we will be doing that."
To date, the annual campaign has raised $555,000, or 37 per cent of the $1.5 million goal.
"A lot of our campaigns are just starting to kick off. NOVA was last week, Baker Hughes just did their golf tournament on Friday which was super successful, TransAlta just launched their campaign. So we're starting a lot of the campaign periods so we're seeing that money start to come in," said Doyle.
The United Way provides funding for 28 local programs offered through 16 agencies across the community.
The annual campaign runs until the end of the year.
To find out more or to donate visit the United Way's website.
