We couldn’t rest on Saturday, the day after the Times Colonist Christmas Fund reached $500,000. Another $13,000 was donated, so it was back to work. We are striving to beat our goal of $700,000 in this year’s drive to help the less fortunate during the festive season.
We have several outstanding match challenges, and the Saturday donations included gifts from readers answering those matches. For example:
Brenda Edwards and her family challenged families of firefighters, police, nurses and front-line retail staff to match or beat her $300 donation. Lisa Wren matched it.
Carey Johannesson and Jan Clark challenged other readers to match their $500 donation. Elaine Calder stepped forward.
Sharon Warde challenged Greater Victoria real estate agents to match her $100 donation. Challenge accepted! Mike Hartshorne of the South Island Home Team - Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty matched, it, just as he had matched the Robinson’s Outdoor Store challenge a couple of days earlier.
Duttons and Co. Real Estate Ltd. in Fairfield met Warde’s challenge as well, donating $1,000 and, in turn, challenging other real estate brokerages to match the higher amount.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of this year’s fund drive is its broad community involvement. With almost three weeks to go, about 2,100 people have donated.
Those donors come from all walks of life. They — you — help remind us why Vancouver Island is such a great place to live. We care about each other.
It’s easy for everyone to get involved. One way is to check your space for recyclable cans or bottles, because they are worth money.
All this month, the proceeds of donations placed in the charity bins at the three Bottle Depot locations in Victoria and Saanich will be shared by the Times Colonist Christmas Fund and CFAX Santas Anonymous.
If you want to make an online donation, 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.
You could also 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.
Dave Obee
Editor and Publisher
