Strike puts brakes on volunteer activities

Published: December 11, 2008 5:14 a.m.

Last modified: December 10, 2008 11:16 p.m.

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While the transit strike has left riders scrambling to find new ways to get to work, area charities also expect to be impacted by the lack of buses.

In addition to worries over the impact of the recession on charitable giving, the Salvation Army now has to factor in the effect of the strike on its Christmas kettle campaign.

Currently underway in shopping malls and stores throughout Ottawa, the campaign depends on hundreds of volunteers who may use public transit to reach their posts.

“We have begun to receive calls from volunteers indicating that without transportation, they will be unable to fulfill their shift,” said spokesman Michael Maidment. “We are working hard to identify ways to lessen the impact of the transit strike on our campaign.”

The organization’s toy distribution to needy families will also be affected.

“Families will be forced to find alternative transportation to the toy distribution centre to pick up toys for their children," said Maidment.

The strike has also had an impact on life at the Ottawa Mission.
“Half of our volunteers didn’t make it in today,” the shelter’s executive director Diane Morrison said yesterday.

“Two-thirds of our volunteers, according to the volunteer co-ordinator, rely on transit to get here. We also don’t have parking, so that’s how we recommend they come. Also, some residents at the shelter may get a part-time job and need transit to get there… it does have quite an impact on our lives.”

The Salvation Army is now looking for volunteers who have their own transportation to staff one the 45 kettle locations throughout the city.