In less than three weeks since we launched our annual Christmas Fund, we have raised $342,537.29 — more than a third of the way to our $1-million goal.
The money we raise will be used to make the holiday season better for everyone in your community.
More than 1,100 people have donated so far, with amounts ranging from $10 (several) to $20,000 (one, from an individual who asked to remain anonymous).
Businesses are also stepping up with donations, with a $50,000 cheque from Andrew Sheret Ltd. landing on my desk the other day.
I asked Julie Findlay, the company’s vice-president, why Andrew Sheret — which has seven Splashes bath and kitchen stores on the Island — chose to donate to our fund.
“We believe that there is a food insecurity crisis in our community and we trust that the Times Colonist Christmas Fund will direct the funds to where it’s needed the most,” she said.
“We hope that this donation spurs other businesses to contribute as well.”
The fund is run by the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, a charitable organization managed by a small board made up of TC staff members. We work with local groups to find the most efficient use of funds, and to help as many people as possible.
The idea is to stretch every dollar as much as we can — the same thinking that drives the Island’s food banks every day of the year.
This week we have been deciding where the money should go, and our tentative list of recipients has the names of 60 organizations on it.
We give major grants to the Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed Street Church and the Harbourside Rotary club, which works with schools and seniors. We co-ordinate our giving with the local chapter of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, which has done extensive research to identify the groups that are doing the most to meet local needs.
The money helps provide food for the hungry, toys for children, and comfort for all.
Traditionally, the pace of donations rises in early December as the days get darker, the nights get colder, and we are hearing more voices singing carols.
There is something in the air that encourages us to help others, and to make Christmas better for all.
Adding to that feeling is Victoria resident Andrew Beckerman, who has offered match challenges several times in the past few years. He is back with another one.
Beckerman is going to donate $5,000 and hopes to see others to the same. His efforts have boosted the total every year, and I am sure his offer will help again this year.
We will publish another list of donors in the Wednesday edition.
You don’t need to donate $50,000, $5,000 or $500 to make a difference. Even $10 will do.
Of course, not everyone can afford to give. If a monetary donation is out of the question, don’t forget to smile when you see a stranger.
Let’s raise the mood on the Island in every way we can.
Thank you.
HOW TO DONATE
You can donate by going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund web page, tcchristmasfund.com.
That page is linked to CanadaHelps, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Or mail a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
You can also use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
