Despite receiving a grant from United Way BC for their School’s Out program, Sanctuary is struggling financially.
The grant for School’s Out must last until the end of June 2023. While it is covering some staff hours there are other staff hours that are in jeopardy. Without additional funds we may not make it until the end of the year. Covid caused the loss of $25,000 a year in income when we had to stop our recycle program. To date we have been unable to replace that income.
This year we saw our Property Taxes increase 47% and our utilities costs have increased by almost 12% as well. In addition, we endeavour to provide our children with nutritious food and those costs have increased. Our staffing costs are the bare minimum as set out by our IHA License. Unfortunately, our income cannot keep pace with our costs.
Sanctuary is a Pre-teen Centre, operating in the Trail community since 1998, providing school age children, 8-12 years, with a safe and fun after school environment. There is no charge to families for any of our programs. The non-profit Generation to Generation Society that operates Sanctuary is dependent on community donations for funding.
In order to try to replace some of the income lost through Covid we have started a 50-50 online raffle through Raffle Nexus. Should it prove successful it would bring much needed income to end the year. To buy tickets, visit www.rafflenexus.com or visit Sanctuary, 1705 Bay Ave, Trail 10 am – 2 pm any weekday until December 15.
For more information on how you can help or to have someone speak to your group about Sanctuary, please call 250-368-6142 or email sanctuarytrail@shaw.ca