Your Times Colonist Christmas Fund continues to grow, as readers across Vancouver Island offer their helping hands to those who are facing hardship this year.
Our count on Monday afternoon showed that 3,332 people had donated a grand total of $827,445. That is the highest total in the 65-year history of the fund, but is still short of our goal of $1 million.
Now, we will admit that we set the new, higher target after we reached our initial goal of $700,000 – but we are not simply going after a nice round number. We are giving extra attention to the fund this year because the need is so great.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an immediate need. People who at one time were donors found themselves asking for help. Suddenly, to their own shock, they were joining others at food banks and other community agencies.
Since then, things have stabilized for many people, but not for all. Some retailers are doing great business, while others are suffering. Anyone working in the hospitality sector will say that conditions are the worst they have been in their lifetime – and that would not be an exaggeration.
The need remains high, but fortunately, Times Colonist readers are continuing to donate money, and that money is being put to work in the community.
The Christmas Fund has grown because of donations large and small. And there have been plenty of match challenges to keep the fund humming along,
We mentioned on Saturday that Norman Spector’s challenge — asking current or retired public servants to donate at least $500 — had been a success, and he had matched all of the donations up to $10,200.
But wait, there is more. In that column I failed to mention the donation by Martyn Brown as well as an anonymous donation. Both of those were included in the total.
And Spector’s gift keeps on giving. Inspired by his offer, Liseanne Forand donated $1,000 to the fund on Monday. And at least one more cheque, for $500, is still in the mail.
We still have a few outstanding challenges.
Greg Young has donated $1,500, and if someone else will match it, he will donate another $1,500.
Andrew Beckerman says that if we get four donations of $500 or more from people who consider themselves to be new to Victoria, he will give another $500.
Millstream Self Storage donated $1,000 and wants other storage facilities to match it.
Some other challenges are still open. Estevan Pharmacy has donated $500 and is challenging other community pharmacies in Victoria. A physician who wishes to remain anonymous has given $500, and wants other physicians to match it. At least one other physician has done just that.
And don’t forget that your empties can help raise money when you take them for recycling.
Some of the money being raised will be used in this holiday season, and some will be used in January and February. That is why we pushed the closing date of the fund to Dec. 31; we see a continuing need and we want to be able to meet it.
dobee@timescolonist.com
HOW TO DONATE
Donate online at timescolonist.com/donate. That will take you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria V9A 6X5.
Or 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.
Donate refundable cans and bottles at Bottle Depot and GFL Environmental.