A special Sunday event in support of the Times Colonist Christmas Fund has been dubbed Santa Claus is Coming to Dodd’s.
Host Gordy Dodd is holding the gathering at his furniture store at 715 Finlayson St. from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for a “no-touch drop-off” of non-perishable food and cash. Helping to distribute the donations will be Starlight Developments, the Greater Victoria Festival Society and the Island Equipment Owners Association.
Dodd’s Furniture & Mattress marketing manager Brian Adam said the event came together when the store was approached by the Greater Victoria Festival Society.
Adam said donors can simply drive through the Dodd’s parking lot, open the store’s door and drop their donations into large boxes. “We’ve just wrapped two giant furniture boxes with Times Colonist newspapers,” he said.
“Gordy will be here, Santa, Mrs. Claus,” he said. “We’re super-excited.”
Adam said Dodd’s hasn’t been able to do all the events it usually does due to COVID-19.
“We’re just trying to do it as safely as possible and lift the community.”
The Christmas Fund initiative is part of an extended event that Dodd’s calls the 12 Days of Kindness, with donations going to various charities from Dec. 13 to Christmas Eve, he said.
Adam said the Christmas Fund has been around for a long time — it dates back to 1956 — and the public is urged to contribute.
“We’re really trying to say thanks for your support and we’re asking the people to please be as generous as they can so that everyone can enjoy the magic and wonder of the holidays.”
The Greater Victoria Festival Society has helped to organize a number of other drop-off events for food and toys during the holiday season and has also teamed with the Times Colonist to bring back the region’s Christmas lighting contest.
For more contest details and a map, go to timescolonist.com/christmaslights.
HOW TO DONATE
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which supports organizations including the Mustard Seed Street Church and the Salvation Army, is aiming to raise $1 million this year.
There are several ways to donate: Go to timescolonist.com/donate.
That takes you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria V9A 6X5.
Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside those hours, messages will be accepted.
