The Windsor Goodfellows don't expect to raise as much through their paper drive this year as last year, but it would be nice.
President Brian Beaumont told WindsorNewsToday.ca that last year's drive raised over $400,000 for its programs, a "phenomenal year" for the fundraiser. The agency hopes to raise $375,000 when its volunteers hit the street for its annual paper drive on Thursday through Saturday.
"We don't expect that to happen," said Beaumont. "That was phenomenal. If that could happen every year, we'd be elated."
Beaumont hopes Windsor drivers will keep some change in their vehicles to give the volunteers in a cause that spends 95 per cent of its proceeds supporting the Christmas Hamper program and other services.
"The weekly food bank. Everybody knows about the Christmas food box that we put out, but we also have a boot and shoe program for school-aged kids whose families can't afford it. We have a breakfast and nutrition program, which last year, we sponsored 27 different schools, and we have a lunch bag program for the homeless."
The Windsor Goodfellows will also collect donations at the opening ceremonies of Bright Lights Windsor on Friday night.
While the paper drive celebrates its 110th anniversary this year, the Windsor Goodfellows has been around for 114 years, helping those who are less fortunate in the community.
"In 1914, Leo Page and E.J. Craig began the tradition of publishing and selling a special newspaper edition to raise money to provide Christmas dinner and other necessities for those less fortunate," read a release. "Calling themselves the "Oldnewsboys," they were part of a group of men who hit the street corners to sell as many papers as they could. The first year's sales netted a little over $400."
Last year, Beaumont says demand for its programs jumped 51 per cent and it doesn't look like it's slowing down. It's a familiar story among agencies that help the less fortunate.
The agency, facing a deficit last year, had to make minor cuts to some programs in 2023. Beaumont anticipates another deficit this year, although he wouldn't say how much.