Every year about this time, you’ll see Andrew Beckerman’s name in one of my columns on the Times Colonist Christmas Fund.
He has become one of the most consistent donors to the fund, which is designed to help those in need in your community.
He’s back this year, with a $9,600 donation to the fund, and a challenge. Is there someone out there willing to match Beckerman’s donation?
But I have another question, this one for Beckerman himself: Why does he do it?
“I have been a fortunate fellow,” he told me. “Good luck has come my way without asking and I have been able to capitalize on favours given to me by strangers.
“I am a 19-year immigrant to Canada and for almost 10 years a Canadian citizen.”
Beckerman says that like other immigrants and refugees, he has been welcomed by “this safe and caring harbour of decency and kindness.”
“When we are awake and unable to sleep, rather than count sheep, we try to think of ways to repay the hospitality shown to us by Canada,” he says.
“I know that for everyone in our community, Christmas may not be bright. Fortunately, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund gives us an opportunity to help create more bright Christmases.”
Beckerman says he no longer has living family to share Christmas, but his life is enhanced by helping his neighbours enjoy their holiday season.
“Lacking any grand theme for 2024, I decided to commemorate my years on this green Earth and combine that with my life as a 19-year-old Canadian. Hence 77 plus 19 equals my 2024 match challenge of $9,600.
“If this sounds peculiar, and/or juvenile, please remember that I only have the same lived-in-Canada experience of your average 19-year-old Canadian. Sometimes, we teenagers have curious ideas.”
And finally: “I am among a majority of Canadians who, I feel, believe as I do: ‘I live better if everyone lives better.’”
Thanks to Beckerman, and thanks to all of you, our ability to help others is growing every day.
So far, the Times Colonist Christmas Fund’s 2024 campaign has received $164,463. That money came from 401 individuals, families and businesses.
Dave Obee is editor and publisher of the Times Colonist.
HOW TO DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND
• You can donate by going to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund web page, tcchristmasfund.com. That page links to CanadaHelps, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
• Cheques made out to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund can be dropped off at the Times Colonist office, 201-655 Tyee Rd., Victoria.
• You can also use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.
