So far, donations have continued to arrive despite COVID-19, but at a slower pace than past years, said ShareLife executive director Arthur Peters. Parishes in the Archdiocese of Toronto are still receiving envelopes from donors, credit card donations are coming in and more than 1,000 people have made pre-authorized gifts to ShareLife. That鱿鱼视频app good news to the more than 40 agencies serving those in need every day, 鈥渁gencies (that) are doing frontline work right now,鈥� said Peters.
That never stops, and some are seeing more need with the economic impacts of COVID-19 that has the country almost in a virtual lockdown.
But the cancellation of Sunday Masses is expected to impact ShareLife鱿鱼视频app bottom line. The first of three ShareLife Sundays was scheduled for Masses March 29. This special collection typically raises about $3 million, said Peters. The dollars might not be there, yet the need doesn鈥檛 go away.
To counter ShareLife鱿鱼视频app expected donation shortfalls, Peters said the agency is reaching into its reserves to fund agencies and has even resorted to borrowing to fund operations. It鱿鱼视频app not ideal, said Peters, but it鱿鱼视频app the new reality of the charitable fundraising arm of the archdiocese.
In the long run, to reach its $15.65 million goal from its parish, school and corporate campaigns, Peters said some adjustments will have to be made. The ShareLife Sunday schedule will need to be revised and the campaign may end up being extended.
鈥淲e have to look at all our options,鈥� said Peters. 鈥淭hat鱿鱼视频app something that will have to be determined when that time comes.鈥�
St. Michael鱿鱼视频app Homes, one of the agencies ShareLife funds, aids people who have mental health issues or are recovering from addictions and need continued support on the path to recovery. So far, COVID-19 restrictions have led to a few program adjustments, said executive director Robin Griller, but for the most part things are operating normally, or as close to normal as possible.
鈥淪o far, so good,鈥� said Griller. 鈥淏ut it鱿鱼视频app changing fast.鈥�
In the short term, Griller said financing remains stable. Half of its funds come from the Ontario Ministry of Health and he鱿鱼视频app had no indication that is in any way threatened. ShareLife and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto provide almost 25 per cent of its funding, and again, short term that is stable.
But should the crisis linger, he worries that might not remain the case. 鈥淭hat is quite vulnerable,鈥� said Griller. 鈥淓very year funding is based on the campaign, and what just started? The campaign.鈥�
Like all charities, St. Michael鱿鱼视频app Homes has the reserves on hand to carry on for several months.
鈥淎t this point we are going as if all is going to be OK,鈥� Griller said. 鈥淏ut it all depends on what happens. The biggest risk is probably the ShareLife campaign.鈥�
Meantime, Peters is encouraging donors to access the many ways ShareLife continues to accept funds. These options can be found at .