The ongoing Canada Post strike has disrupted the annual Holiday Turkey Campaign run by the House of Friendship, requiring swift adjustments to ensure its success. Over 70 volunteers have been recruited on short notice to deliver approximately 4,700 letters that would typically have been mailed. Each year, the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club sends out thousands of letters to community members, seeking donations for this vital fundraiser. The funds collected are used to provide food vouchers and turkeys for families in need during the holiday season.

With mail service interruptions posing significant challenges, the House of Friendship is urging community members to support the campaign by making secure online donations at their website, calling 519-742-8327 x 131, or visiting the office at 3A-236 Victoria St. N., Kitchener. The campaign relies on community contributions to ensure that vulnerable families can enjoy a special holiday meal.

The Rotary Club has temporarily converted its boardroom into a makeshift mail room to manage the disruption. The strike has delayed the delivery of thousands of letters, which are a key source of donations for the campaign. Despite the setback, organizers remain committed to providing turkeys and vouchers for Christmas trimmings to approximately 4,600 families in the region.

In recent years, the campaign has raised an average of $150,000 annually, making it essential to get the donation requests into the hands of recipients as quickly as possible. Volunteers have played a crucial role in overcoming this challenge by stepping in to help deliver letters and manage logistics.

The Rotary Club and the House of Friendship deeply value the commitment of volunteers, whose efforts ensure that thousands of families can share a meaningful holiday meal. The campaign not only provides food but also fosters a sense of community and support during the festive season. Additional donations and volunteers are still needed to help meet the campaign’s goals.

Source: CTV News