Vancouver’s healthcare industry faces significant disruption as mail service remains at a nationwide standstill for the second week of the Canada Post strike.
The Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) and University of British Columbia (UBC) Hospital Foundation shared that the postal strike is hindering its ability to raise critical funds needed for life-saving medical research, equipment, and patient care.
The foundation runs one of the province’s largest and most vital fundraising campaigns for healthcare through its Millionaire Lottery. However, the strike has limited the distribution of the campaign’s lottery brochures and subsequently impacted ticket sales.
“Mail campaigns are a crucial way for us to connect with supporters and raise awareness about the VGH Millionaire Lottery,” said Angela Chapman, President and CEO of the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. “The strike has severely impacted our ability to reach ticket buyers, many of whom rely on mailed materials to participate.”
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Over 55,000 Canada Post workers have been on a nationwide strike since November 15 to push for wage increases, along with improved benefits and additional paid leave.
It was reported that over 11 million parcels were left undelivered before the busy Black Friday weekend began yesterday.
The current outlook for the strike remains uncertain. However, the hospital foundation is concerned that the province’s healthcare industry will still feel the impacts of the reduced mail delivery regardless of the strike outcome.
Canada Post warned that after the strike is resolved, mail delivery will resume on a first-in, first-out basis. Consequently, the processing and delivery needed to meet the fundraising campaign’s goals will likely be delayed long after the strike activity ends.
“This will certainly affect the funding of much-needed equipment and medical research this year provided by our Foundation to the world-class healthcare teams at VGH & UBC Hospital,” said Chapman.
According to the foundation, the VGH Millionaire Lottery has raised over $90 million for healthcare innovation since its inception. The proceeds contribute to state-of-the-art equipment, groundbreaking research, and innovative treatments offered at VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Vancouver Community Health Services.
The current Millionaire Lottery offers participants a chance to win a range of prizes, including vehicles, vacations, and homes. While traditional mail channels are disrupted, tickets can be purchased online, in person at London Drugs, and over the phone.
“This is a critical time for healthcare in BC,” Chapman said. “By purchasing a ticket, you’re not only entering for a chance to win incredible prizes but also making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.”