Friday marked a big day to collect donations for West Island Community Shares.
The organization funds 40 different West Island groups and they held their first ever community blitz where volunteers canvassed the West Island for donations.
The holiday season is one of their biggest fundraising periods and they have a goal of raising $1.2 million by March 31.
“From October through to the end of December is where we see the most donations that come in, out of any other time of the year,” Leanne Bayer, West Island Community Shares executive director, said.
Last year, they almost didn’t reach their goal.
READ MORE: West Island Community Shares struggles to reach financial goals
Kathy Harris, who has been volunteering for the organization for seven years, admits the past few years have been tough.
“People realize that and they really dig deep during the holidays,” Harris said. “It’s tough, it’s not easy. There’s a lot of charities competing.”
In order to reach their goal, the organization has had to be creative.
They launched a “light up our community” campaign in hopes of motivating the spirit of giving by building a stronger sense of community.
“If you’re walking by one of our booths today and you dropped a toonie in we’re very grateful for that donation,” Bayer said. “It all adds up.”
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