Times Colonist Christmas Fund needs your help

Once again this Christmas season, the Times Colonist will raise money to help those in need. It’s a Christmas tradition.

This year, the Times Colonist is working with the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed, which are better equipped to handle the disbursement of funds. We are all part of the Christmas Giving Network.

Dave Obee Once again this Christmas season, the Times Colonist will raise money to help those in need.

It’s a Christmas tradition. We have been doing this since 1956, when the old Daily Colonist made a commitment to help the 500 neediest families in the area, and add cheer to the festive season.

Our dedication to Greater Victoria is as strong as ever, and we hope that our readers will once again show the same commitment to helping others.

The real help comes from you, the readers of the Times Colonist. For almost six decades, you have helped to make this community a better place, and we look forward to working with you again.

We are already accepting donations.

Last year, we gave money directly to those in need. This year, we are working with the Salvation Army and the Mustard Seed, which are better equipped to handle the disbursement of funds. We are all part of the Christmas Giving Network.

We will concentrate on what we do best — namely, raising funds for those in need. It is far more efficient for the Mustard Seed and the Salvation Army to provide the direct aid, because that is what they do 12 months a year.

Both organizations have increased their capacity to help as many people as they possibly can. This change will result in more people having a better Christmas season, and that is our shared goal.

We had partners in 1956 as well — the Salvation Army, the Christmas Bureau and the surplus food stall.

Last year, we collected and distributed $260,000. We hope to beat that total this year, because that will mean that even more people can be helped.

Along with helping individuals and families, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund is picking up the tab for the annual Christmas dinner run by the Mustard Seed. This event, on Dec. 7 at the Bay Street armoury, provides a warm meal to more than 1,000 people.

The Times Colonist Chrismas Fund is all about the real meaning of the Christmas season: It is a time to help those less fortunate. Your donation does not need to be huge, because every little bit helps. You can make a difference.

Thank you.