The global economic meltdown has dried up much of the lifeblood of major charities which depend on local and international donors to provide aid, The Gleaner has learnt.

Major Kervin Harry, divisional commander at the Eastern Division of the Salvation Army, told The Gleaner that the organisation fell woefully short of its Christmas Kettle target of $10.2 million.

The Salvation Army said it had so far received $4.3 million and downgraded its expectations to $6 million, though the holiday donation period has long gone. The kettle drive was launched last November.

Though not providing specific figures, the divisional commander also noted that there had been an overall decrease in donations in 2008, especially from corporate Jamaica.

Low funding

The charity's basic school in Portland has also reported a slump in funding, The Gleaner has learnt, and a slide in student attendance because of financial hardships.

Harry said in 2009, the Salvation Army would streamline its operations by rejigging fund-raising strategies. The charity said it would also be designing a programme to assist young people and adults, especially those in inner cities, by promoting skill-training projects.

Oya Kujichagulia, administrator at the Voluntary Organisation for the Upliftment of Children, told The Gleaner it was cutting overheads to mitigate the likelihood of redundancies.

"We have cut on electricity bills, like the air-conditioning units, and maintenance upkeep and more parents from the community will receive a subsidiary income and volunteer their time to the organisation," Kujichagulia said.

She said assistance from the education and social security ministries, as well as the business community, had proven vital.

Budget shortfall

Lois Hue, deputy director general of the Jamaica Red Cross, told The Gleaner that there was a shortfall in the 2008 budget target, but was unable to state exactly how much was received.

"Most persons offer voluntary service to the organisation, so that the 50 staff members are not made redundant, as when positions become vacant, they are not filled in order to keep the staff members," Hue explained.

She said the Jamaica Red Cross would this year be looking to craft a more aggressive marketing plan to garner needed resources.

Last month, another charity, Food For the Poor Jamaica, cut back on manpower, making 14 positions redundant, including its public relations officer, Delroy Whyte-Hall.

sonia.mitchell@gleanerjm.com