Essential mail locations now accepting cheques for charities

Posted on December 6, 2024 by Peggy

Manitobans can now drop off cheques for charities at dozens of “essential mail” locations across the province, a move to alleviate the fundraising woes caused by the continuing Canada Post strike.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew shared the news at a press conference Friday during a visit to the warehouse of the Christmas Cheer Board, a charity that creates and delivers Christmas hampers to people in need.

“We’ve been hearing from many charities in Manitoba that the postal disruption is having an impact on their year-end fundraising, which is a very, very important period,” said Kinew.

“We, of course, respect the workers right to strike, but we also know that we have to step up to help Manitoba charities,” Kinew said.

There are 24 drop-off “essential mail” locations outside of Winnipeg, plus one in the city. All are listed on a government website.

Most offices will be open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The locations also handle mail deemed essential, such as cheques, court orders, educational materials, medical supplies and other prioritized items, according to a previous news release from the province.

During the Friday news conference, Kinew and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine also delivered a $100,000 cheque to the Christmas Cheer Board as a donation from the province.

Shawna Bell, executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board of Winnipeg, said this is the charity’s 105th year.