Qristina and Quinn Bachand have been helping their community by supporting the Times Colonist Christmas Fund for almost seven years.

That's quite an accomplishment considering the pair, who were nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award this year, are only 13 and 19 years old.

In recent years the string players have raised almost $8,000 for the Times Colonist fund by busking for donations, said their mother Marie. The first year they played outdoors, but that proved to be a bad idea because of the weather.

"The violin would go out of tune every few minutes, not to mention they froze their hands," she said, noting they then moved into a mall.

This year the two energized and edgy performers are supporting the fund again on Thursday, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., when they play at the Irish Times Pub and accept cash and cheque donations.

"It's about giving back to the people who don't have what we have," said young Quinn, who started playing violin at five, took his grade eight Royal Conservatory exam and then switched to guitar. Among others gigs, he has recently been accompanying noted Cape Breton fiddler Ashley MacIsaac.

On Thursday the talented siblings, who have a new CD out called Relative Minors, will play mostly Celtic music and be accompanied by Bryan Skinner on bodhran (Irish drum), and Jason King on flute and penny whistle. All four will waive their performance fees so the Irish Times can donate their wages to the cause as well.

The young artists will also perform at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21 in the Capital Festival at St. Ann's Academy concert auditorium, in a program that mixes Celtic and tango music. For more information, visit www.capitalfestival.com.

If you would like to help others have what they need for a happy holiday, please consider a donation to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. The fund is a member of the Greater Victoria Christmas Bureau, which co-ordinates requests for help with a variety of agencies.

Last year, donors to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund gave more than $250,000, which helped 2,300 households with Christmas dinner and gifts for the children.

HOW TO DONATE

Please donate to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund. Your contributions are used to buy groceries and children's toys for people in need.

- Mail a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.

- Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438.

- Donate online through our partnership with the Queen Alexandra Foundation at www.queenalexandra.org

- Information and stories at timescolonist.com/christmasfund