Canada Post strike could hurt Sudbury Food Bank fundraising effort

Postal strike affects Sudbury Food Bank The Sudbury Food Bank is facing a big hurdle this Holiday season in light of the strike at Canada Post.

The Sudbury Food Bank is facing a big hurdle this Holiday season in light of the strike at Canada Post.

Every year, the food bank does a Christmas Give mailout campaign that raises much-needed funds to buy food and stock the shelves.

Because of the postal strike, however, the campaign is on hold.

"We are looking at some very serious challenges here coming into the fundraising opportunity we have now, plus how we are going to operate from January probably likely June of next year," said foodbank executive director Dan Xilon.

Xilon said thankfully, the stamps, which cost about $10,000, were not yet on the envelopes.

He said it’s a small price for the money the Holiday mailout campaign brings in.

"The impact of not having those dollars at this time of year could be extremely substantial," Xilon said.

"It’s basically half a million dollars when all is said and done that is raised through that campaign. So that is a lot of coin to try and make up but we are going to do the best we can -- and yes, we are very concerned at the moment."

Vern Wilson, who has been volunteering at the food bank for six years, said he sees the need first-hand as he sorts and packs food for distribution.

"We do not receive any government funds and so they rely on volunteers and the community to really support the operation and get the food out to the people who need it,” said Wilson.

He said he knows times are tough. To give back, he not only volunteers his time he also donates money to help the food bank.

“We do the best we can. I know I am going to contribute more money this year than I have in the past," said Wilson.

The Sudbury Food Bank said if the strike ends soon, it will consider a scaled-back version of the mailout.

But if that doesn’t happen, it hopes people will think of the food bank this Christmas and help in a different way.