Thank you, Victoria.
Because of your generosity, we raised almost $232,000 for the annual TC Christmas Fund this holiday season.
The total -- $231,840 to be exact -- helped 452 families, 1,501 individuals and 110 couples to have a happier Christmas in 2007.
A total of 1,647 donors -- both individuals and groups -- contributed to the fund, which was established in 1956 to help the less fortunate to have a merrier Christmas.
Back then, the Christmas Fund was called the 500 Fund, named for the number of families it would help. It was unveiled on Saturday, Nov. 24, 1956, and that first year, it collected $7,265.
In 1956, each of the 500 families was handed a cheque for $14.53.
These days, recipients are given grocery vouchers and mall certificates, but the sentiments are the same. As are the results: Dozens of recipients this year told us how much the extra money meant to them.
Over the last half century, your magnanimity has helped us to help more than 100,000 people. During a year in which we are celebrating our 150th anniversary, that's a good reason to be particularly grateful.
Thank you again for your generosity.
