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Giving Season contributions up from last year

Burlington Free Press
January 26, 2012

Written by Lynn Monty

While Chris Graff, board member of the Vermont Disaster Relief Fund, could not pinpoint how much money was raised specifically through Giving Season donations, he did say that the fund received a large number of contributions through the end of the year.

“Our fund currently has just over $2 million in contributions,” he said. “In addition, we have received an incredible pledge of $1 million from Tony Pomerleau, which Governor Shumlin announced and recognized in his state of the state address earlier this month.”

The flood is last year’s news but the recovery will be with us for years to come, Graff said. He hopes to collect at least $10 million. “We have our work cut out for us,” he said. “We are in this for the long-term because we know it will take years to help rebuild the lives of Vermonters.”

The Giving Season has been a tradition at the Burlington Free Press for almost two decades, raising more than $700,000 for local charity. This holiday campaign was originally designed to bring awareness and financial support to local nonprofits who provide assistance to those who need it most as winter arrives. The fundraising push begins on Thanksgiving and continues through New Year’s Day.

Project Warmth coordinator Vicki Fletcher said the Giving Season raised $26,050 for her charity. “We are feeling so much more confident about the rest of the winter,” she said. “Since Monday, we have assisted 196 households requesting heating assistance. How could we possibly continue at this rate without these donations from the Giving Season? Simply put, we couldn’t.”

Last year, the Giving Season brought in $15,992 for Project Warmth.

COTS development director Becky Holt said community support is critical to COTS. “About 50 percent of COTS’ annual budget comes from community support,” she said. “Without it, COTS would be unable to provide the services, shelter and resources to those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.”

A total of $16,303 was raised for COTS through the Giving Season Campaign, a bit down from last year’s $16,915.

The money raised through The Giving Season goes directly to services, Holt said. COTS provides emergency shelter, prevention services and outreach to families and individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. COTS also offers case-management and referral services to those who are homeless or marginally housed, as well as transitional and permanent housing to veterans, low-income families and individuals.

“The winter is the most difficult time for families and individuals in our community,” Holt said. “Without strong community support, COTS would not have the ability to provide shelter and services.”

Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf Director Rob Meehan said this year’s Giving Season brought in $8,258, which is up from last year’s total of $6,520 in donations.

“Our goal was $20,000,” Meehan said. “Financial donations are down overall this year since Vermonters gave so much support to flood relief efforts. We’re very grateful to our community for all their support feeding hungry Vermonters.”