We asked for matches to a $500 challenge, and you came through — again and again and again — for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.
With your help, the fund raises money for those in need in our coverage area.
In Friday’s Times Colonist, we said that Andrew Beckerman, a frequent donor to our fundraising efforts, had promised to donate $500 if at least two other people donated that amount or more.
We didn’t hear from two other people — we heard from 14. That challenge boosted the Christmas Fund by $7,500, thanks to $500 apiece from 12 people and the $500 from Beckerman.
We had several smaller donations as well. By the end of the day Friday, the fund was up to $35,700. After two days of taking donations, we are well on our way to matching last year’s total of $350,000, but as we have said, the need is much greater this year. Our goal is not to match last year, but to double it.
We are giving money to the Salvation Army as well as the Mustard Seed Street Church, and both organizations are putting that money to work in the community.
Our Christmas Fund is also covering the cost of the Mustard Seed’s annual Christmas dinner.
In the spring, we sent $100,000 to the Rapid Relief Fund, which was set up to meet the unexpected needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic persists, the needs remain high. Your donations will make life easier for many people in our community.
The easiest way to give is to 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.
Or you could mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
Thank you.
Dave Obee
Editor and Publisher