Two weeks after the launch of the 2020 edition of the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, we have reached a major milestone: $262,200 raised, the first time we have passed a quarter of a million dollars before the end of November.
And we’re far from finished, thanks to a $20,000 pledge from a local family business, Andrew Sheret Ltd.
Eric Findlay, the company’s president, said Andrew Sheret has been fortunate this year, so is ready to donate $20,000 to the fund if another company or individual will donate at least that much.
“Because of being deemed an essential service, we felt it important this year to go above and beyond our usual local community support, and provide additional assistance to families and individuals,” Findlay told me.
“Above and beyond” is right. That is the largest match challenge in our history.
Andrew Sheret has been around since 1892, and with 24 locations, it is British Columbia’s leading distributor of plumbing and heating supplies. It is also a leader in our community, with a strong commitment to making this a better place for everyone.
Match challenges do not have to involve big numbers. Every donation counts.
Evidence of that comes courtesy of “Cherry Point Fortunate One,” a person who donated $100 and offered to double that if 10 other people donated $100.
We published the offer Wednesday, and by mid-afternoon the challenge had been met, and met, and met. Last time I checked, 34 people who donated $100 mentioned the Cherry Point challenge.
We are well on our way to our goal, $700,000. We have already given money to the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed Street Church, and soon we will offer help to other organizations throughout our readership area.
To give, go to 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.
dobee@timescolonist.com
