Calgary's soaring fuel costs are directly impacting local nonprofits, particularly those reliant on daily delivery services. Calgary Meals on Wheels, which delivers approximately 5,000 meals daily, faces significant budget challenges due to fuel prices nearing $1.50 per liter.
Christine Hentschel of Calgary Meals on Wheels highlighted that fuel price hikes affect both their fleet vehicles and the cost of groceries, which constitute about 40% of their budget. The organization utilizes 13 fleet vehicles and relies on roughly 450 volunteers who use their own cars for deliveries.
These rising costs also put pressure on volunteers. While Calgary Meals on Wheels offers a gas rebate program, past price volatility has influenced volunteer participation. Meanwhile, many Calgary residents are adjusting their driving habits, with some opting to fill tanks less frequently and others considering charging for rides to offset expenses.