We’re back, raising money for people in need during the Christmas season, just as we have done every year since 1956. It’s simple, really. We ask our readers to donate money to help the less fortunate. We work with local agencies to distribute the funds. We — this newspaper and its employees, the agencies, and most of all you, our readers — make a huge difference in our community.
HOW TO DONATE
• Go to timescolonist.com/donate. That takes you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria V8T 4M2.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside those hours, leave a message, we’ll call back.
We have raised and distributed millions of dollars through our Christmas Fund over the years, and the success of the annual campaign is a direct result of your generosity. Thank you.
We will work again this year with the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed Street Church, which handle the distribution of hampers and gift certificates.
Our support makes possible the Mustard Seed’s annual Christmas dinner at the Bay Street Armoury. It provides a warm meal to more than 1,000 people. The dinner is truly heart-warming, and an eye-opener for those of us who have never had to worry about our next meal.
We also provide financial help to Our Place. All three of these organizations have a shared goal of giving a better Christmas season to as many people as possible.
Last year, the Times Colonist distributed more than $308,000. We aim to beat that total this year.
