One notable comment, which came with a $500 donation: “At our ages, 91 and 87, we are very fortunate. We’re making this donation to help the many needy people during this dreadful pandemic.” The campaign has been pushed ahead by match challenges, including 10 by Andrew Beckerman, as well as large donations from local residents, businesses and organizations such as the Victoria Foundation. By the end of business on Tuesday, we had received about 3,800 individual contributions. The money will be used to help local organizations help people in need. The fund is run by a charitable society, which will strive to draw lasting impact from this money, change that will help our extended community in the cold, rainy months of January and February.
Thanks, everyone, for your tremendous support. Dave Obee, editor and publisher HOW TO DONATE Donate online at timescolonist.com/donate. That will take you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt. Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria V9A 6X5. Or use your credit card by phoning 250-995-4438 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. Outside those hours, messages will be accepted. Donate refundable cans and bottles at Bottle Depot and GFL Environmental.
Donate online at timescolonist.com/donate. That will take you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt.
Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria V9A 6X5. article continues below
Photograph By DARREN STONE, Times Colonist Donate online at timescolonist.com/donate. That will take you to the Canada Helps website, which is open 24 hours a day and provides an immediate tax receipt. Or mail a cheque, payable to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund Society, to the Times Colonist Christmas Fund, 201-655 Tyee Road, Victoria V9A 6X5. article continues below
Since the start of the pandemic, the non-profit organization has seen unprecedented demand for access to its 30-day emergency shelter and support services from women and children fleeing domestic violence. “I have never seen such a demand,” said Susan Howard, spokeswoman for the society. “Our crisis line and emergency shelter have been incredibly busy.” Howard said the pandemic seems to have exacerbated the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship, with abusive partners becoming more agitated and violent over time. But the increased demand came at the same time as new safety protocols that limit capacity, she said. “Our shelter can hold 18 women and children, but with pandemic physical-distancing restrictions and health and safety guidelines, we are only able to operate at 60 per cent capacity,” Howard said.