The Times 91原创 Christmas Fund is helping to put food on the table and toys under the tree of families in need through the work of the Salvation Army.
Your donations support a number of local organizations, including the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas hampers.
The hampers — filled with food, toys and necessities — have been a holiday tradition of the charity for more than 40 years, and the need has grown during the pandemic.
“The need is more than ever,” said Patricia Mamic, director of public and government affairs for the B.C. division of the Salvation Army. “The increase in demand across the province ranges from 30 to 100 per cent, depending on the community.”
In Greater Victoria, the charity has received nearly 1,500 requests so far this holiday season, which translates into about 3,000 individuals and families.
One highlight for hamper recipients is the ability to “shop” for age-appropriate toys for children. Due to growing demand, the Salvation Army has expanded its Community and Family Services division into three new communities across the capital region. Pop-up toy stores can be found in three locations that also offer programs and services year-round.
The locations are:
• Next Steps Resource Centre — Victoria Citadel, 4030 Douglas St. (serving Saanich and Sidney)
• High Point Community Church, 949 Fullerton Ave. (serving Vic West, Esquimalt and downtown) • 91原创ion Point Church and Resource Centre, 103-737 Goldstream Ave. (serving West Shore).
Parents can choose from toys, books, games, puzzles and science kits based on their children’s interests and ages.
While donations of new toys are always welcome, Mamic said the cash donation from the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund enables the charity to purchase gift cards to distribute among teenagers, the most difficult age group to buy for.
Electronic components and games suitable for teens are often costly and buying clothing can be problematic because of differences in gender, taste, style and size.
The fund also enables the charity to purchase wholesome food items. While it may be a time of year when many children dream of new toys, the reality is that one in five children under 18 in the province lives in poverty and likely won’t see a traditional holiday meal. Your donation to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund, which had raised $409,323 as of Tuesday, is distributed among local agencies. The agencies receive requests for aid, handle the distribution of hampers and buy gift certificates paid for with Christmas Fund donations.
The Times 91原创 Christmas Fund dates back to 1956. It was first known as the 500 Fund because the goal was to raise money for 500 of the neediest families in the region. The name was changed to the 1000 Fund in 1980 and the Christmas Fund in 2000.
How to donate
You can donate by going to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund fundraising page at . The site is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Or mail a cheque to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund, 201鈥�655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
You can also use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
