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Dave Obee: Christmas Fund reaches $842,000, and we're not finished yet

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the 2022 campaign. Some of the cash was spent as soon as it arrived, with cheques going to the Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed Street Church, and a couple of dozen other organizations that help people in need.
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Times Colonist editor and publisher Dave Obee. TIMES COLONIST

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the 2022 campaign to raise money for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund — because by supporting the fund, you are supporting the entire community in a time of great need.

After a rush of donations on Saturday, along with more mailed envelopes with cheques, we have an updated count: $842,260.45 for the 2022 fund drive.

That money came from 3,221 donors, and includes $500 from someone who answered Andrew Beckerman’s last challenge.

Some of the $842,260 was spent as soon as it arrived, with cheques going to the Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed Street Church, and a couple of dozen other organizations on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.

The rest has been set aside for any emergencies that come up in the next few months, or set aside to give money out at the start of the Christmas season in the fall.

No matter what, rest assured that the TC fund will make the best use of the money that we bring in, which is to help the less fortunate. The original goal was to help during the Christmas season, but our work can be extended through the rest of the year if needed.

We recognize that 2022 was tough for many people. Some people who in past years had donated to the fund found themselves seeking help instead.

Any one of us could fall on tough times, and if the TC Christmas Fund can provide a safety net of sorts, it will.

Another list of donors will appear in the Thursday edition. We understand that a few more donations are in the mail, so watch for a final update on this year’s campaign in the Saturday Times Colonist.

Thanks again.

dobee@timescolonist.com

Dave Obee is editor and p­ublisher of the Times Colonist.

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