More people than ever are requesting help this holiday season and many of them are singles, says the director of the Salvation Army’s Stan Hagen Centre for Families. “We’re usually largely families and this time I think it’s shifting where we’re a little bit more individuals than families,” Pat Humble said. “The need is great.”
Last year saw about 1,500 households receiving help, Humble said. “We’re already beyond that. We’re looking towards about 3,000 this year.”
Humble said part of the reason for the rise is that the Salvation Army, Mustard Seed and Times Colonist Christmas Fund have joined forces this year, but many other agencies are also seeing increased need.
Joining with the Christmas Fund has worked well, he said. It means that instead of money donated to the fund going directly to those in need, it goes to the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed, which have broader community connections.
The Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed and the Christmas Fund are also part of the Christmas Giving Network, which fosters even wider co-operation among social agencies at this time of year.
Humble said many families have already been to the free toy shop at the Stan Hagen centre and are looking forward to their hampers.
“They’ll pick up a big hamper appropriate to their size of family,” Humble said. “It’s got everything you need.”
The Stan Hagen centre is scheduled to close at 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, but Humble said there are plenty of dedicated people who would stay longer if the doors were open.
HOW TO DONATE
Go to timescolonist.com/christmasfund. The link on the page takes you to a site that’s open 24 hours a day for donations and provides an immediate tax receipt. Or mail a cheque made out to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, to the Times Colonist at 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2. You can also use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 during office hours, Monday through Friday.
