The start of the year is a time of contradictions. On the one hand, it鈥檚 traditionally time to take a breath following the busyness and stress of December.
With Christmas, the close of a calendar year, and often some extended family time thrown in, as soon as January rolls around, I鈥檓 usually exhausted and ready to take things a bit slow and easy for a while.
On the other hand, it鈥檚 a time of fresh starts and new beginnings. The opportunity to wipe the slate clean is, for me at least, invigorating, energizing and motivating.
One thing that鈥檚 certain, however, is that when it comes to the work of charities such as the Victoria Foundation and the many others that labour so tirelessly in our community, the whole calendar year is important, including the gloomier months. Important to the work that we do, and important to the people that we serve.
The most obvious examples are the many agencies serving the needy in our community. The cold, wet weather often combines with a shortage of funds when donors reach burnout following holiday giving and the shock of credit-card bills. Unfortunately, this means organizations such as Our Place are struggling to find warm-clothing donations, and the Mustard Seed is finding it challenging to find enough donations to feed the thousands who use its food bank every month.
Other groups, too, continue to provide important services at this time of year, despite the challenges. From environmental groups to affordable-housing facilities, sports programs to arts and culture events and organizations, the vital work of more than a thousand agencies in the region goes on.
Take for example the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. This month it ran several exhibitions, an open house, weekend family events and a special musical performance. All in sleepy January.
Almost exactly two weeks from now, British Columbians will be enjoying our newest civic holiday: Family Day on Monday, Feb. 12. This year, why not celebrate all things family while helping your favourite charity at the same time?
You could start a new tradition of spending some family time together while you volunteer for the day. Or maybe pool聽some funds and drop them聽off at a local animal shelter, food bank, arts organization or other social-service agency.
This Family Day, give some thought to how your family has benefited 鈥� directly or indirectly 鈥� from the many charities in Greater Victoria, and give back what you can at a time when they often need your help the most.
Sandra Richardson is CEO of the Victoria Foundation.
