The rush started in March and has not let up. Community agencies across Vancouver Island report that they are still seeing people they have not seen before – people who at one time would have been able to help others, but now were asking for help themselves.
That is why this Times Colonist Christmas Fund is the most important one since the charity fundraiser was started in 1956. The need has never been as great as it is this year.
Blame COVID-19 and the harsh impact that the virus has had on just about every aspect of our lives. Some have been able to ride it through, cocooning at home and limiting social contacts. Others have not been as lucky, and are suffering financially and socially as a result.
Those who give to the Christmas Fund can make this season a bit better for those who has been hard hit by the pandemic. We truly are all in this together; when a signficant part of our community is suffering, it is up to all of us to offer helping hands.
We launched this year’s fund drive last Thursday, and by late Monday afternoon we had raised $61,200. Donations range from $10 to $2,000. Everything helps.
Andrew Beckerman, whose offer of matching funds helped push the total higher last year, says he is willing to do it again. He will donate $500 if at least four other people donate $500 or more today.
The fund raises money for those in need in our coverage area.
We are giving to the Salvation Army as well as the Mustard Seed Street Church, and both organizations are putting that money to work in the community. The more we raise this year, the more organizations we will be able to help.
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
