Local charities in need of help as living costs spike

As inflation slowly calms... living wage rates continue to increase across the province. The high cost of rent and food are big factors.

“We did see a little bit of stabilization in Simcoe County. The living wage increased by 1.3 per cent... other communities like Muskoka saw an increase of 5 per cent but it's worth noting that outside the GTA, Simcoe County is still one of the most expensive places to live in Ontario,” said Brian Shelley with United Way Simcoe Muskoka

Industry leaders say despite the recent increase to the provincial minimum wage there is still no place in the province where you could work full time minimum wage and cover your costs.

That kind of financial pain has many local charities bracing for a record number of people asking for assistance.

“We are expecting this year to be our busiest year ever. We are actually expecting 1,860 approved applications with a fundraising goal of 450,000 dollars,” said Sandra Yaquo President of Christmas Cheer in Barrie.

Sandra Yaquo is the new president of Christmas Cheer. She says that’s up from about 10 per cent from last year. Online applications are open and in person applications started Tuesday at the Kozlov mall.

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“Personally it helps me because sometimes there’s been some tough times I am a single mom so sometimes it just helps it really helps me. I feel blessed,” said Shannon Holder a Barrie Resident.

Christmas Cheer is entering its 50th year. By this point, the warehouse sits only half full.

“We knew this year’s need would exceptional we knew it would be greater than any year before. We are seeing it in everyone’s day to day activities right? So yeah, we knew it would carry through to our clients," said Shannon Holder a Barrie Resident.

The Christmas hampers given out will include food and toys and anyone who needs a ride after picking up their packages just has to ask.

The deadline for applications will be December 12 for both on line and in person distribution will take place on the 19 and 20 right in the warehouse.