Andrew Beckerman’s donation to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund this year multiplied more quickly than he had hoped.
Beckerman, a philanthropist and retired architect, loves the process of putting up money for a cause and challenging others to match him.
He has done it for Cool-Aid, he’s done it for Our Place and for the past three years he has done it for the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.
He said giving is important to him.
“I enjoy giving because I can, I enjoy giving because at this time of year, people are stretched and I enjoy giving because it helps create a more equitable world.”
His first year of issuing a matching challenge through the Christmas Fund saw his $500 equalled by another donor within a week, then a second donation was matched a few days later. The third $500 offering was matched in short order and inspired other people to offer their money up, too.
Year 2 also went well, and the donations were matched in about half the time.
“That was, again, three different folks at $500,” Beckerman said.
This year, Beckerman put up four donations of $500 each and was shocked at how quickly people reacted.
“This year, it was literally within 24 hours.”
That meant his total donation of $2,000 turned into $4,000 almost immediately, with the first gift coming right out of the gate.
“My sense is the paper came out in the morning and somebody was reading [the donation story] at breakfast and they called and put $1,000 on it.”
Once the total was met, other matching challenges for the fund came from people eager to help.
“It’s very cool,” Beckerman said. “It just seems to be that when people hear there’s money on the table to match them, it just gets them to open their cheque books.”
“Of course, the pressure’s on me next year,” he said. “I’m going to have to put up more money. It’s a very nice little problem to have.”
How to donate to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund
The Times Colonist Christmas Fund assists individuals and families in need during the Christmas season through Mustard Seed Street Church and the Salvation Army. Here are ways to donate:
• Go to timescolonist.com/donate. That takes you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.
• Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Leave a message outside those hours. r
