This year’s campaign to raise money for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund is coming to an end, with $790,828.25 raised by Thursday afternoon. We won’t know the final total until next week, after the last mailed cheques arrive in our office.
But our campaign, which started on Nov. 12, the day after Remembrance Day, wraps up officially on Saturday, the last day of the year.
Consider this a reminder: Donations to Canadian charities must be made by Dec. 31 if you want to get a tax receipt you can use on your 2022 tax return.
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, the non-profit registered charity that runs the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, is near to my heart because I can see the tremendous difference it makes in our community. That’s why I have been writing about it for the past six weeks.
The fund distributes money to a couple of dozen organizations that work directly with people in need, providing food and services. The fund is highly efficient with your money because many of the administration costs are covered by the Times Colonist.
Your donation will help people who might not fit in any of the usual ideas about the needy. Your donation might help your friends, your neighbours, your family. It’s hard to say.
This year, local food banks are seeing many people for the first time — people who have been donors are now seeking help.
The need is unprecedented.
I have given $2,000 to the TC fund this year, but it is not the only charity that I support. I am sure that most people who donate to our fund are giving to other registered organizations as well.
No matter where you decide your money should go, it would make sense to make the donation in the next 36 hours or so. The clock is ticking.
While the focus on giving to a charity is to help others, timing matters.
A donation made today or Saturday, rather than next week, will mean a tax credit you might be able to use in a few months.
How can you give to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund?
• Donate online. Go to timescolonist.com/donate, which will take you to our page on the Canada Helps website. It is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Donate by mail. Send a cheque to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5. Make sure that the cheque is dated in 2022, and goes into the mail in 2022.
• Donate by phone. Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today. (If you call outside those hours, leave a message and we will get back to you.)
Thanks, once again, for your support this year. Every dollar makes a difference.
dobee@timescolonist.com
Dave Obee is editor and publisher of the Times Colonist.
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