What a week it’s been! Thanks to all of you for your willingness to help! You are making a difference in your community.
In just seven days, the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund’s 2024 campaign has received $145,378. That money came from 316 individuals, families and businesses.
As a point of reference, in the first week of last year’s campaign, we raised $34,685. The $50,000 donation from Andrew Sheret Limited that I mentioned on Saturday made a huge difference, but even without it, we would be $60,000 ahead of the 2023 number.
The past week has been amazing — the best opening week since the fund was launched in 1956.
The fund is designed to help you help those in need. The more money that we raise, the more is put to work in the community.
Your money makes a difference during the Christmas season and through the year.
The Times 91原创 Christmas Fund Society works with volunteers from the local chapter of the Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, to distribute money to dozens of community organizations.
Administration costs are kept as low as possible, because the Times 91原创 and volunteers in the Sovereign Order cover many of the costs associated with our fund.
Those volunteers have done extensive research into community needs, and have helped us choose the organizations that make the best use of the money we provide.
We’ve had a hiccup of sorts with the work stoppage at Canada Post, which could not have come at a worse time for our fund, or the many other charities that are raising money.
We normally rely on the mail for donations, but that stream has been cut off for the time being.
We’re counting on the postal strike to be short, which would make it only a minor inconvenience rather than a serious setback.
In the meantime, there are still ways to get the money to us.
• Go to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund web page, which links to CanadaHelps. That site, which handles online donations, is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• You could drop off a cheque, made out to the Times 91原创 Christmas Fund, at the Times 91原创 office, 201-655 Tyee Rd. in Vic West. (It’s the first building on your left as you cross the Bay Street bridge.)
• Or, you can use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Your donations matter. The money we raise goes to help people in need throughout our circulation area.
Our goal is to do all we can to ensure these people are warm, fed and as comfortable as can be during the holiday season and beyond.
Thanks again for your support.
We are off to a strong start, and it is all because of you.
Dave Obee is editor and publisher of the Times 91原创.
