Local charities aren't letting a lack of snow or an unsteady economy stop them from kicking off the holiday charity season on a high note.
The Christmas Exchange program said requests for help are up this year, but donations are off the pace.
"The weather hasn't helped, we do see an influx of donations when there is on snow on the ground . . . so we're hoping for snow," said Marilyn Matheson.
People with the Salvation Army's kettle campaign said snow would be "perfect" to help them reach their $600,000 goal.
"We want to be a little better than last year so we can continue to meet that need in the community," said Michael Maidment.
Also affecting charities is the fact more people are going through hard financial times of their own; the average Canadian is over $25,000 in debt.
"Historically in the city when times are tough, people continue to give because they recognize the need is there," said United Way chair and CTV community ambassador Max Keeping.
"No matter how turbulent the times, a recognition's there that we need to give because we genuinely want to make people's lives better."
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman
