On this Giving Tuesday, there are two ways to look at the progress of this year’s Times Colonist Christmas Fund, which has raised $136,400 so far.
You might say that it’s an amazing total, because it’s higher than what we had on this date in nine of the past 10 years. Or you might be concerned, because it’s $200,000 below the comparable amount from 2020.
But as I have said before, last year was truly remarkable. By the time we were finished we had raised $1.24 million, a total driven in large part by the community spirit shown in the first year of the pandemic.
So put me down as being happy for the progress we have seen. Besides, I am hearing talk of some big donations to come, and some match challenges that are pending.
Remember that Andrew Beckerman, a frequent donor to our charities, has stepped up with the first match challenge of the year: $6,500, paying tribute to the 65 years the newspaper has been raising money for those in need in our community.
I am confident at least one person will match that amount, or even beat it. We have plenty of time to bring more money in, especially if we can get past the rain, the flooding and the road closures, all of which are just a tad distracting.
We have already put hundreds of thousands of dollars to work in our readership area. Over the next few days you will read about some of the recipients, and how they are helping to make this season a bit brighter for those in need.
Will we match last year’s total? Probably not, although we will give it our best shot. We are hearing that other charities are seeing a drop in donations, so this Giving Tuesday is a time to remind everyone that the need is high.
If you can afford to give, please do. You will make lives better for others in our community, and that will make the entire community a better place to be.
During the Christmas season last year, we put your donations to work at 20 organizations in Greater Victoria, the Gulf Islands and as far north as Campbell River. They need our help again this year.
From Oak Bay to Campbell River and beyond, there are pandemic-battered people who never dreamed they would need the help of the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.
At one time, they would donate. Now, they need help, and are glad that the fund is here.
Recipients this year have included the Salvation Army, our biggest recipient, as well as the Mustard Seed Street Church, Our Place, the Victoria Women’s Transition House, Nourish Cowichan and the 1 UP Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre.
This is the time to help those less fortunate. Your donation does not need to be huge, because every little bit helps. You can make a difference.
Thank you.
You can donate by going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund fundraising page at timescolonist.com/donate.
The site 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.
Dave Obee is editor and publisher of the Times Colonist.
