Your Times Colonist Christmas Fund will help more people than ever before. Let there be no doubt about that, considering that the fund has reached $733,000, surpassing the original $700,000 goal, and is still going strong.
Having reached one optimistic goal, we are aiming for another one: $1 million by the end of the year.
We are sure we can do it, because the need in our community is huge, and visible. Many people are hurting because of the pandemic. People who would normally be donors are themselves asking for help this year.
That help is coming, day after day. Relief is in sight.
We have identified several community organizations, from Victoria to Campbell River, that are in helping those in need, and are stretched. We are reaching out to them today, and this weekend will start to tell their stories.
The $28,000 donated on Wednesday includes one $7,000 donation from someone who chooses to remain anonymous. There are also smaller donations, $25 and $35. Every dollar will make a difference.
The challenge from Andrew Beckerman, who said he would donate $500 if four first-time donors gave at least that much, has been met. We have the four donations, plus Beckerman’s $500, for a $2,500 boost.
We still need to hear from a couple of current or former public servants. Norman 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. We still have room for one or two more.
And there are new challenges.
Estevan Pharmacy has donated $500 and is challenging other community pharmacies in Victoria to match the donation.
A physician who wishes to remain anonymous has also given $500, and is looking for other physicians to do the same.
And don’t forget that your empties can help raise money when you take them for recycling.
Together, we are making a difference, and we will not rest until we can raise more money and help more people.
We are only $267,000 away from a million, and we — everyone in the caring community of Vancouver Island — can do 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 depots.
