Two major new challenges, worth $10,000 each, are about to boost the Times Colonist Christmas Fund even higher. The generosity of our readers is truly outstanding.
The fund reached $590,000 on Wednesday afternoon, with that money coming through 2,350 donations.
The first new challenge comes from Norman Spector, who in his storied career was a deputy minister in B.C. and Ottawa, an ambassador, and a newspaper publisher, among other things.
Spector has already donated $500, and is ready to donate much more than that. He says he will offer to match $500 donations by current or retired public servants to a maximum of $10,000.
When donating, be sure to specify that your contribution is part of the Norman Spector match.
The other major challenge comes from Bill Murphy-Dyson at Cox Taylor Lawyers in Victoria.
The law firm has donated $10,000, and is challenging other law firms on Vancouver Island to meet or beat that donation. (No need to specify the match on this one; we will be able to tell!)
Matches large and small have helped push the fund much higher this year.
We are still looking for donations from retailers or property owners in the 500 block of Johnson Street. Glen Lynch, of Baggins Shoes at 580 Johnson St., has donated $500 and promises to do it again if three others doing business on that block will donate at least $500.
Brenda Edwards of Saanich donated $300, and said her family challenges other families of firefighters, police, nurses and front-line retail staff to match or beat the donation.
Greater Victoria real estate agents have two challenges. Sharon Warde is looking for matches to her $100 donation, and Duttons and Co. Real Estate Ltd. in Fairfield donated $1,000 and hopes to see matches as well.
The money raised will be used to help the less fortunate this Christmas season. The need is great in this pandemic year.
Donate online at 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.
Or 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.
Cans or bottles left in the dedicated charity bins at the three Bottle Depot locations in Victoria and Saanich will help to boost the fund as well. The charity bins are the first things you will see when you get any of the depots, which are on Queens Avenue, Quadra Street and Glanford Avenue.
dobee@timescolonist.com
