WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Catholic Charities is pushing to meet its need for its 2024 Appeal fundraising effort. It's attempting to raise $9.5 million this year to help fund the various programs the organization offers.
But in light of parishioners calling on Bishop Michael Fisher to resign from his Catholic Diocese of Buffalo post, 2 On Your Side asked the chief development officer if the financial issues of the diocese are impacting fundraising goals.
"There are many factors that go into fundraising," Chuck Hayes said. "There's a lot of organizations who are finding a little bit harder, and we are facing some headwinds. It's a it's a turbulent time for for the parish, or I'm sorry for the diocese, and there's a lot of transition going on, and people are finding that difficult.
"That may be a bit of a headwind for us. But we have great faith and great hope that the people watching New York are going to come through for us."
Last year Catholic Charities programs provided services for 145,000 people in the eight counties of Western New York.
Thursday's event was held at St. Gregory the Great Parish in Williamsville, where volunteers from local parishes sought tips and information on how to improve their success.
Appeal 2024 runs through June 30, and Catholic Charities said it has currently raised roughly $4.4 million to date.
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