Queen’s University Executive Director of Development for Queen’s School of Business professor Jacline Abray-Nyman is available to comment on the Salvation Army being $6 million dollars short of its Kettle Campaign goal.

Dr. Abray-Nyman, an expert in philanthropy and fundraising, says there are numerous reasons why charities are having a harder time this year.

“The reasons why the Christmas kettle drive might be down $6 million include economic concerns and market volatility,” says Dr. Abray-Nyman. “Canadians are being more cautious and judicious with their spending including their charitable dollar. Individual giving is down approximately 10 per cent in funds given (2007-2009) and in number of donors claiming tax deductions, with the exception of the Northwest Territories and Manitoba (Revenue Canada - 2009). Donors also want to know where their money goes. There is more competition than ever for donations."

Ms Abray-Nyman is an accomplished leader in the public sector with more than 18 years in senior roles within Canadian universities. She is available for interviews after 3 p.m. Tuesday.

To arrange an interview, please contact communications officers Anne Craig at anne.craig@queensu.ca, 613.533.2877 or Michael Onesi at michael.onesi@queensu.ca, 613.533.6000 ext. 77513, Queen’s News and Media Services.

Follow Queen’s News and Media Services on Twitter: http://twitter.com/QueensuMedia.