BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — At least one area nonprofit is feeling the financial effects twice over amid COVID-19 concerns.
The “Walk to Defeat ALS” typically held each year at Delaware Park is now going virtual.
“The barriers were just challenging,” said Regional Development Manager Kristin Schneider. “ALS patients are respiratory compromised. It was very important that their safety was paramount to the decision we made,” she added.
Last year’s Buffalo walk raised more than $240,000. Schneider said she expects donations to dip which is concerning considering the walk accounts for 75 percent of the nonprofit’s budget.
“We are just pushing to make sure we can maintain our level of programs and services, and not take any hit.”
In April, the upstate chapter also had to cancel an auction dubbed "Growing Hope" set to be held at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens.
“We were hoping to raise $50,000 and because we weren’t able to hold it, it was another hit. >
So far, Schneider said services haven’t been cut, and she’s hoping they won’t be. But, support even if it’s virtual, is key.
