For Immediate Release:
Media Contact: Michael Puglia | 716.390.1393 | [email protected]
Buffalo City Mission Launches Two Annual Initiatives: “One Mission, One Hope” Fall Campaign and Turkey Drive
Fall Campaign aims to raise $3.7 million to provide critical programs and services to Western New York’s homeless community.
Turkey Drive sets a goal of 1,000 donated turkeys to collect before Thanksgiving.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK (October 26, 2023) —
Today, the Buffalo City Mission announced two the launch of two annual initiatives. The first is the announcement of its fall fundraising campaign, “One Mission, One Hope,” — a significant annual initiative to advance its work in providing critical programs and services for people experiencing homelessness of Buffalo. This year, the Mission aims to raise $3.7M for the One Mission, One Hope campaign. Additionally, the Mission kicked off its annual turkey drive, seeking 1,000 turkeys to feed families, elderly individuals, and shut-ins this Thanksgiving. Donations for both initiatives can be made online.
“Our annual Fall campaign is an important time where we once again look to the generosity of this special community,” said Aubrey Calhoun, CEO and Executive Director of the Buffalo City Mission. “Our target $3.7 million will enable us to continue providing the services and programs that have the power to lift up and transform the lives of our fellow neighbors who are less fortunate.”
Through this year’s Fall campaign, the Mission asks for community support to help raise $3.7 million between October and December 31, 2023 – representing 27 percent of the organization’s annual operating budget. The campaign is a significant yearly fundraiser that helps the Mission to provide the finances and resources necessary to sustain its year-round work in saving the poor and homeless.
The Mission’s annual Turkey Drive seeks donations of individual turkeys from the generous community. Individuals can contribute by delivering turkeys to the Buffalo City Mission at 100 East Tupper Street. Donations will provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to more than 5,000 impoverished families, the elderly, and shut-ins this season who need community support.
“Homelessness continues to be a serious and unchecked blight in the Western New York area,” continued Calhoun. “With homelessness up by 35 percent, the largest single-year increase in over a decade in Erie County, the need is great. In addition, more than 28 percent of people in Buffalo live below the poverty line. Through our Fall campaign, we have an opportunity to raise critical funds that provide programs and services available for every individual that comes through our doors.”
Last year, the City Mission served 120,549 meals and provided 76,667 safe nights of sleep shelter. As the region’s largest homeless shelter, the organization stands unwavering in its role as a center of hope, restoration, and support, working alongside the community to serve those in need.
“The time to make a difference is now,” stated Calhoun. “The City Mission runs 365 days a year because homelessness does not rest. The need today is incredibly important. Every contribution from every individual can make a difference, help others, and restore lives. Together, we can continue to help our community in need.”
Through the Turkey Drive, the City Mission is again dedicated to delivering a happy Thanksgiving for all through the generosity and goodwill of many. Turkey donation drop-offs are welcome Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. To volunteer or learn how to help a neighbor find hope this Thanksgiving, please contact us at (716) 854-8181, ext. 419, or visit buffalocitymission.org to make a donation towards the Fall campaign.
To learn more about how your donation can help restore the life of a fellow Buffalonian, visit buffalocitymission.org/give.
To stay updated on these initiatives and the broader work of the Buffalo City Mission, follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
To learn more about the City Mission and how to get involved, visit buffalocitymission.org.
About the Buffalo City Mission:
The Buffalo City Mission, founded in 1917, is a nonprofit organization providing preventative, emergency, and transitional housing programs to thousands of people who are homeless and impoverished every year. The Mission includes the new Alfiero Family Center of Hope and Promise and a Women and Children’s Shelter (Cornerstone Manor), along with the Dick Road thrift store to serve the Western New York community. For more information, please visit www.buffalocitymission.org or call (716) 854-8181.
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Press Release Archive:
10/17/2022 – BCM launches “One Mission, One Hope” Fall Campaign and Turkey Drive
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