Christmas isn’t top of mind for most people in May, but Elves Club president Lynn Nestman is already stressing about the season.
Normally by this time of year the Elves Club has about $50,000 in its coffers – but right now the bank account balance reads $25,000.
“So I feel now we’re $25,000 behind and the season hasn’t even started,” Nestman said.
The local Elves Club applied for an increase to their federal grant this year to make up the difference, but the increase wasn’t approved.
Now Nestman’s looking for volunteers who would be willing to write up grant proposals and letters to businesses seeking support for this year’s Elves Club effort, which last year provided hampers full of food and gifts to 682 families on the Coast at a cost of about $87,000.
Fundraising in the community gets ramped up in September but now’s the time to seek corporate sponsorship and grants, Nestman said.
“The community does phenomenal [in supporting Elves Club]. I think to support this we almost have to step out of the community into some bigger groups and companies and start looking at that,” Nestman said.
“I know there are some people out there who have done that. That’s something I personally haven’t done, so I would love some guidance.”
Nestman is also seeking someone who would be able to create a website for the Elves Club on the Coast.
“We’re desperate for a website,” she noted.
Nestman said the lack of funds and a dedicated volunteer force has caused her to cancel this year’s Amazing Race, which she had hoped would be an annual fundraiser for the Elves Club.
“We just don’t have the people or the funds to pull it off,” Nestman said.
“I’m really bummed about that, but maybe if enough people stepped up, we could still do it. I’ll hold out a little hope.”
She asks anyone interested in getting involved with putting on the race, setting up a website or helping seek more funding for the Elves Club to contact her at 604-989-9575.
“If we don’t get the help, I just don’t see how we can keep going at this point,” Nestman said.
“I’m a little distraught and I don’t want to say ‘oh my goodness’ but I don’t want to let it go. I just have to put out the call for help.”
