Receiving a food voucher from the Times Colonist Christmas Fund this year will free up just enough money so that a grandmother can purchase simple yet symbolic gifts for her six grandchildren.
Brenda Bishop has had a lifelong fascination with rubber ducks. The cheerful yellow toys remind her of better, more carefree times. At one time or another, she has given her three sons one or more of the bath toys.
But times are tough. She has a disability and cannot work — although she volunteers whenever she can.
What money she receives goes toward food and shelter.
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“There isn’t a whole lot to work with at the end of the day,” said Bishop, who is in her 60s.
That’s why the voucher for groceries she will receive this year will make a difference.
The money she saves on buying food for the month goes toward purchasing yellow duckies for the grandchildren, the youngest of whom is a few months old.
Knowing her present will bring a smile to her grandchildren’s faces brings a smile to Bishop’s face.
Even though she doesn’t have much, she is thankful for the compassion and help she has received lately.
Three years ago she left a relationship with just the clothes on her back.
After a time in transitional housing, she has finally found a nice, clean apartment in a subsidized housing complex. Where once she relied on the services of Our Place to survive, she now gives back by volunteering at the non-profit organization.
Her three boys, two in Montreal and one in Halifax, help when they can, sending money so that she can occasionally travel to visit them and the grandchildren.
But being able to buy her own Christmas presents, with her own money, is a point of pride for Bishop.
“It’s something so simple — but without the fund, I wouldn’t otherwise have been able to afford it,” she said.
How to donate
• Donate online HERE
• Call 250-995-4438, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Mail or drop off in person at the Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2
