The Times Colonist Christmas Fund is back and raising money for people across Vancouver Island who could use a helping hand this holiday season.
The Christmas Fund started in 1956 and has raised an average of a million dollars each of the last three years, according to Dave Obee, TC’s editor and publisher.
By Tuesday, more than $600,000 was raised for the 2023 fund.
“The goal is $1 million,” said Obee, who adds that the ultimate goal of the Christmas Fund is “to bring people together” and help the less fortunate.
“Our fund collects cash donations from the public and businesses, and we make sure that money goes to the best uses possible in the community,” he told CHEK News.
“We try to be the most efficient fund possible in getting help to community groups, which in turn helps individual people.”
The Victoria-based Times Colonist is the oldest daily newspaper in Western Canada, according to information on its website.
Money raised through the Christmas Fund will benefit about 60 community groups, including the Salvation Army, explains Obee. He says organizers “pick and choose” groups to contribute funds to based on their efficiency and the number of people they help.
“The idea is to spread the wealth as much as we can through Greater Victoria and the entire Vancouver Island community,” added Obee in an interview.
People can donate to the TC Christmas Fund by visiting the fundraising page on the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt, or by filling out the donation form on the TC website.
Cheques can be payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
To use a credit card, phone 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
CHEK’s 2023 Drive Thru a big success
CHEK’s 30th annual Drive Thru, meanwhile, happened Dec. 1. The two-hour live broadcast spanned three Island locations, with more than $70,000 raised, 3,000 toys collected, and 2,600 pounds of food gathered in a fundraiser that also supports the Salvation Army.
“These contributions will make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of islanders in need this year, especially young families,” said Lindsay Nielsen, CHEK’s creative services manager.
“Thank you for making our station — and our Island — proud.”
CHEK News
