Thank you to those who contribute to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund. Amid all the partying, shopping and feasting, you bring to life the real spirit of Christmas 鈥� giving.
Amid the plenty, there are those who go without. Amid the busyness of the season, there is loneliness. Amid the celebrating, there are those who struggle with despair. The generosity of those who donate to the Christmas Fund does more than buy gifts or food 鈥� it sends a message of compassion and understanding. It fosters hope.
Back in 1956, the Daily 91原创 made a commitment to help the 500 neediest families in the area, and add cheer to the festive season. Giving does not just help the recipients, of course; those who give gain as much, because that is the way generosity works.
You, our readers, make our Christmas Fund possible. For six decades, you have helped to make this community a better place, and we look forward to working with you for decades more.
We are working again this year with the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed, which handle the disbursement of funds. We have a shared goal of giving as many people as possible a better Christmas season, and the combined effort means more people can be helped.
We are all part of the Christmas Giving Network, a local umbrella organization that co-ordinates Christmas efforts throughout the region.
The people in need in Greater Victoria are your neighbours and your friends. They鈥檙e people who have fallen on hard times for whatever reason. It is not our place to judge them; the right thing to do is to help them.
For many of our readers, the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund is as much a tradition of the season as a tree, a turkey or pudding. A gift to the fund embodies the spirit of Christmas, since it is a chance to help strangers, for no personal gain. A gift to a stranger is often the best gift that we can give.
Once again, a special thanks to all the readers of this newspaper who have given a helping hand to those less fortunate.
If you haven鈥檛 yet contributed, or if you feel inspired to give more, there鈥檚 still plenty of time to help. Here鈥檚 how to donate.
Go to . That takes you to a site that is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund Society, to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2. You can use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside those hours, messages will be accepted.
