Inflation has been tough on everyone, and charitable organizations are no exception.
Foothills County's Rowan House Society, one of seven organizations supported by the 2022 Western Wheel Cares campaign, which provides crisis intervention, long-term support and preventative education to break the cycle of domestic abuse in the community, has seen an increase in demand for its services over the past year.
More women and children in shelter and in outreach programs means increased water bills, cleaning and sanitary supplies, laundry costs and more.
Executive director Linette Soldan said the organization's food cost has doubled in the last 12 months, thanks to inflation and an expanded client base.
For women fleeing domestic violence, a space of comfort and safety is essential, not only for them, but for their children.
Leaving a relationship can also strain finances, making the holiday season difficult.
"This is such an important time of year for Rowan House and for our clients," said Soldan. "We do know that within the community, financially, Christmas time, the holiday season, is another crunch for our clients in regards to getting prepared for the holiday season.
"Instantly, the worry is making sure they get items under the tree for their kiddos. If they’re already feeling stretched throughout the year, this is just an added pressure. As a parent, you want to make sure that the children are able to wake up Christmas morning, go underneath the tree, open up some gifts and just see that smile on their face.
"It’s just a really important time of year for our kiddos and for the parents to be able to provide for their kiddos."
Around Christmas, Rowan House also builds baskets filled with personal care items for its in-shelter and outreach clients – an opportunity to make the women feel special.
These items are also costly, and have to be factored into the non-profit's budget.
Donations raised from this year's Western Wheel Cares Campaign will support the organization in this endeavour, while also helping it cope with rising food prices, increased water bills and purchase of new beds.
The 2022 Western Wheel Cares campaign will benefit seven organizations: Foothills Advocacy in Motion Society, Foothills Country Hospice, Inclusion Foothills, Okotoks Food Bank, Pound Rescue, Sheep River Health Trust and Rowan House Society.
In its 10th year in 2021, the Western Wheel Cares campaign raised a record $72,107 – topping the previous all-time high of $71,379.65 raised in 2020.
The campaign has raised $486,389 for local charities over the past decade.
This year’s campaign runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31.
The Western Wheel will feature one of the seven charities over seven weeks.
To donate to Western Wheel Cares, mail cheques to Box 150, Okotoks, AB, T1S 2A2 or visit Western Wheel Cares - OkotoksToday.ca.
As well, you can drop by the Wheel office at 9 McRae St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) weekdays or call 587-325-6234.
