Cancelled corporate Calgary Christmas parties could benefit local charities

A new trend is seeing Calgary companies take the money they would normally spend on Christmas parties and make a donation to a local charity instead.

Marie Blackburn is the manager of the Veterans Food Bank. Global News covered the organization’s struggle to get donations last week.

READ MORE: Soft local economy empties shelves at Calgary Veterans Food Bank

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Since then, Blackburn said the food bank has received over $300 in cash and food.

“Yes, we have had some corporations call and say instead of having a Christmas party, they would like to make their donations to the Veterans Food Bank.”

According to at least one event planner, corporate Calgary is about to have its quietest Christmas in almost 20 years.

Dave Howard, the president of The Event Group, said he has never known times so lean.

“Christmas parties in Calgary have stopped,” he said. “I mean, we have been working since 1997, producing events in Calgary and North America and I have never seen it like this. Corporations are being more wise in their spending.”