Price’s Lock and Safe, the oldest locksmith firm in Western Canada, has been a big part of the Victoria community since 1895. And when times get tough and money gets tight, the family-owned firm believes it’s only right for those who can to give back.
That’s what’s behind the company’s $20,000 donation to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund this year.
Price’s owner, Wally Price, said the large donation reflects the need.
“There’s been a lot of people that are struggling for sure, and we’ve been so fortunate that we just like to help out where we can,” said Price.
Donating to the fund has become a Christmas tradition for the company through the pandemic. “I started feeling bad when COVID hit — people were having such a tough time,” Price said. “You can just see it, and sometimes you can read it in people’s faces.”
Price said this year has been brutal for many living in the region, with the stress of the pandemic exacerbated by rising interest rates and inflation.
“The mental strain on everyone has been really tough,” he said. “These are tough times. It really makes my heart bleed when I see these people that have gotten into mortgages finally getting their house and then the mortgage rates start going up. I just hope they can hang in there. And it’s not just that — there are so many people that are struggling just to feed themselves.”
The 77-year-old said without the work of his 35-plus employees, this kind of donation would not be possible.
“And I’m very thankful for this community — that’s why we want to give back,” he said.
Price said when he looks around the community he sees a large group of businesses and individuals who come together to help whenever times get tough.
“There are a lot others that have stepped up the plate this year,” he said.
So far during this campaign, which began Nov. 12, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund has raised $628,043.40 from 2,321 donors.
Money raised by the Times Colonist Christmas Fund goes to food security programs and other charitable work on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
The fund works with dozens of local groups to ensure help reaches as many people as possible.
aduffy@timescolonist.com
How to donate to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund
• Donate online. Go to timescolonist.com/donate, which will take you to our CanadaHelps page. It 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. Monday through Friday.
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund, through Island charities, assists individuals and families in need.
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