It’s Giving Tuesday across the land, but here on Vancouver Island, we could say we are in the Giving Season. Generosity is the way we roll.
The annual campaign for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund has reached $147,348.27 from 623 donors. We are well on the way to our goal of $1 million, which is good news, because our fund makes life better for people in need across our coverage area.
But our fund is just one of many.
On Saturday, I joined about 600 other people for the Victoria Hospitals Foundation fundraiser, known as Visions. Charlotte Salomon, Avery Brohman and all the other organizers put on an amazing event that raised $2.5 million to refurbish MRI machines.
On Friday this week, CHEK television will accept donations of new unwrapped toys, non-perishable food and cash, in support of the Salvation Army.
And don’t forget the annual Tuba Christmas event in Market Square, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 9. Last year it raised $3,389.40 for our Christmas Fund.
All these things help.
But back to Giving Tuesday, which is said to be the largest display of generosity in the world.
It follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and the timing after the consumer rush is hardly a coincidence. It gives everyone a chance to do what we can to help others.
It’s up to us to rise to that opportunity. It’s up to us to make a difference. And there are many, many ways to help, because there is no shortage of local charitable organizations.
Our Christmas Fund works with three dozen of these organizations, putting money where it is most needed and where it will be used most efficiently.
Since 1956, the Christmas Fund has been providing a bridge between donors and those in need. We have helped hundreds of thousands of people over the years. Many people who received help became donors later.
For decades, our fund provided direct support to those in need, but it has evolved. We focus on raising money and leave the final distribution to the local organizations which have more expertise in doing that.
Your donation to our fund will make Christmas better for some of your neighbours. We appreciate your support, but remember that ours is not the only fundraising campaign out there.
The important thing is to help in some way, whether it is to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund or to another organization.
Let’s make a difference this Giving Tuesday — and in the days ahead, let’s prove that on Vancouver Island, generosity lasts all season long.
Thank you.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND
You can donate by going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund web page at 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.
