As the Times Colonist Christmas Fund nears its goal of $700,000, let’s pause to thank all of you who have donated for your help in taking us this far, and for your determination to help those in need enjoy the festive season in the worst year in memory.
On Monday afternoon, the fund reached $680,700. The way things are going, we will top $700,000 today.
Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are making our community stronger. Thank you for that.
But we can’t stop, just because our immediate goal has been reached. The need will not go away on Boxing Day. The need will be with us for weeks and months to come, and the Christmas Fund will continue to work on behalf of those left behind, even after the Christmas season.
We will continue to raise money, as much as we can, to help those in need. We can’t stop while our friends and neighbours are suffering.
With that in mind, as one goal is reached we are setting another one. Let’s try to raise another $300,000 before the end of the year. That would mean — deep breath here — $1 million in total.
That money is needed, and every dollar will make a difference. We will make sure of that.
Through the weekend, money continued to arrive.
Twenty-four people were inspired by Saturday’s virtual Tuba Christmas, and donated a total of $1,092.12. The event was broadcast on Facebook thanks to CHEK and Roll.Focus. Productions. It was a great effort by a determined group of musicians, and we are grateful for what they did.
Sixteen people have risen to Norman Spector’s match challenge, donating $8,600. Spector, a former deputy minister in B.C. and Ottawa, ambassador, and newspaper publisher, has promised to match donations of $500 or more made by current or retired public servants to a maximum of $10,000.
For the first time, a match challenge by Andrew Beckerman was not met overnight.
Beckerman has offered to donate $500 if four other people will donate at least that much. The catch? The four need to be people who have not donated this year.
We have other matches as well. Such as:
George Jackson, a member of the Uplands Golf Club, says he will give $100 for each of his holes-in-one — a total of $400 — and is challenging other golfers to do the same: donate $100 for every hole-in-one they have had. His family will give another $100 for every 10 golfers who meet his challenge. (Specify that your donation is part of the golf challenge.)
Glen Lynch, of Baggins Shoes at 580 Johnson St., has donated $500 and promises to do it again if three other retailers or owners on that block donate at least $500.
Brenda Edwards donated $300, and said her family challenges other families of firefighters, police, nurses and front-line retail staff. Several people have done so, and there is plenty of time.
Greater Victoria real estate agents have two challenges. Sharon Warde is looking for matches to her $100 donation. Duttons and Co. Real Estate Ltd. in Fairfield donated $1,000 and hopes to see matches as well.
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.
