Charities in Canada lost $266 million in donations due to the Canada Post strike, according to estimates by CanadaHelps, a platform for donating and fundraising online.
As a result, CanadaHelps is urging Canadians to use an extended donation deadline of Feb. 28 to give to charities.
Using models developed by CanadaHelps, charities would have expected $396 million in donations via direct mail during the period from Nov. 16-Dec. 31 had there been no strike, however, charities likely raised an estimated $130 million in additional online donations beyond normal expectations, due to the impact of the strike.
“The postal strike had a profoundly negative impact on charities, disrupting mail-based fundraising for organizations across the country, as many Canadians still choose this method of giving to support their favourite charities, even though online giving is a secure and efficient alternative,” said Julie Fiorini, general manager of donor services at CanadaHelps, in a statement.
“Canadian charities are in a precarious position as they try to make up for this significant funding loss due to the Canada Post strike, while fears of an economic recession loom due to threatened tariffs.”
To lessen the impact of the Canada Post strike on Canadian charities, the Government of Canada published draft legislation to extend the 2024 charitable giving deadline, and the Canada Revenue Agency confirmed that they will allow Canadians to apply tax receipts from eligible donations made up until Feb. 28, 2025 on their 2024 tax returns.
Charitable donations may be eligible for tax credits of up to 49% when filing a 2024 income tax return.