More members of our community will need a helping hand from Times 91原创 readers or they'll go without this holiday season.
Last year, Times 91原创 Christmas Fund donors dug deep to donate more than $250,000 to help more than 2,300 households with the makings of Christmas dinner and two new gifts for kids 17 and under.
The number of families in need is expected to rise this year, however.
The Greater Victoria Christmas Bureau, which acts as a clearinghouse for those requesting assistance, says it already has 5,000 applications. That's up about 25 per cent from last year, says Maureen Quested, bureau secretary-treasurer.
"We're up in all categories -- singles, seniors, families. However, the biggest rise is in singles and that's been a 10-year trend. Our family numbers are [also] definitely up again this year, as compared to the statistics over the last couple of years."
The bureau will pass on the list of beneficiaries to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund in early December.
Times 91原创 promotions manager Kathy Baan said given the economic conditions, the increased number of applicants is no surprise.
"It's going to be a tough job to fill all the needs this year. We can only give what we take in, so the more people donate, the more we can help people."
Though she's aware that readers, like everyone else, are facing their own economic realities, Baan says they've always risen to the occasion in the past.
Application forms were sent with mail from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, but others who need help are welcome to apply to the bureau.
The only stipulation is that you apply personally.
The working poor are definitely among the needy, Quested says.
"They can manage throughout the year but [then] Christmas comes and they're faced with not just one present for one child having a birthday, but presents for all the family and everything that goes along with Christmas."
Other organizations providing assistance to applicants to the Christmas Bureau include the Salvation Army, Mustard Seed Street Church Food Bank, Single Parent Resource Centre, Our Place, Sidney Lions Food Bank, Westshore Christmas Hamper Fund, C-FAX Santas Anonymous, Sooke Christmas Hampers and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
"A lot of them don't have the resources to increase the numbers," Quested says. As well, some corporate donors who normally "adopted" a family or two have had to step back.
Victorians have always responded to calls for help, Quested says.
"So if it's really needed, they will step up to the plate, and especially when families and children are involved."
People are asked to donate as soon as possible because of the time it takes volunteers to put hampers together, contact recipients and make the deliveries a week before Christmas.
- -
HOW TO DONATE
The Times 91原创 Christmas Fund is accepting donations now.
- Mail a cheque to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.
- Use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438.
- Donate online through our partnership with the Queen Alexandra Foundation at www.queenalexandra.org
- The Christmas Bureau can be reached at 250-388-5704.
