The Christmas spirit is still with us, when it comes to helping those in need.
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund has grown by another $14,139, thanks to an additional 29 donations late Boxing Day and Tuesday. That has taken the total in this year’s campaign to an astounding $742,508.
The next list of donors will be published in Thursday’s Times Colonist.
A big part of the latest surge is an online $9,000 donation that was made anonymously — a fact that is worth noting.
Everyone has their own reasons to donate to help the less fortunate. And when they donate, some have their name attached to the donation, while others choose to remain anonymous.
A high-profile donation helps to inspire other donors. For several years, for example, Andrew Beckerman has helped to lead our fundraising efforts with challenges as soon as the campaigns are launched.
Anonymous donations also help, because for a variety of reasons, some people will only donate if their effort can be kept confidential.
Either way works for us. No matter how the money comes in, the more we have, the more good work we can do in the community.
We distribute the money we collect to a variety of organizations that help to feed and support people in need, especially at Christmas but as needed during the rest of the year. Food is a high priority for us this year, given the sharp increases in costs in recent months.
As we have said before, the Times Colonist covers most of the costs involved in running the fund so as much money as possible is put to work.
Donations made now will be distributed over the next few weeks, or set aside for early distribution at the start of the Christmas season next year. Money will be needed, after all, before the 2023 campaign is launched.
How can you give to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund?
• Donate online. Go to timescolonist.com/donate, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Donate by mail. Send a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
• Donate by phone. Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today through Friday. (If you call outside those hours, leave a message and we will get back to you.)
Thanks again!
Dave Obee is editor and publisher of the Times Colonist.
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