Every year, Alison Acker is one of the first people to donate to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, and she's candid that she gets as much out of it as the people she helps.
"It's the best part of Christmas," said Acker, who has been donating to the fund since 1987. The James Bay resident sends in her donation as soon as she sees the story about the TC Christmas Fund, which provides grocery vouchers and gift certificates to families in need.
Last year, more than $224,000 was raised, helping 2,100 households.
Acker likes that the donations go directly to those in need. Rather than simply going in to a charity's coffers for general use, the money is targeted for specific things: hampers and the chance for a gift under the tree.
"I know there are a lot of people in Victoria who are having a hard time," said Acker, who also works on the committee to end poverty and homelessness in the region. "It's even harder for a parent at Christmas when they can't have things for their children. And it's nice to have things above what you need -- like a special Christmas meal."
Acker said she's not entirely altruistic about her donations.
"You do it for yourself as well as for others. You get a good feeling from doing it."
Michael Roberts too has been one of the first to donate to the fund for years now.
"I wish I could tell you there was an interesting story behind it. I simply do it because there are a growing number of people who are living below the poverty line and those of us who are blessed with a little more should be trying to make their lives a little easier," the 72-year-old Saanich man said yesterday.
Christmas is one of the most commercialized times of the year, adding to the pressure on those who don't have as much, Roberts said.
"So much exposure to that must make it particularly difficult for those not able to participate as fully as they might like because of economic reasons. At the very least, they should have a nice dinner and gifts for the kids."
Albert Anderson has been donating as long as he can remember.
"Any legitimate organization that helps people, I'm all in favour of," said the 84-year-old man. Helping others has long been a way of life for Anderson, who continues to volunteer at the Oak Bay Lodge, as he's been doing for the past 23 years.
"As far as I'm concerned, my life consists of helping people."
If you'd like to help others this holiday season, please donate to the TC's 51st annual Christmas Fund.
CHRISTMAS FUND: how TO help
The 51st annual TC Christmas Fund is underway. Here's how you can help the less fortunate:
- Mail a cheque to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2.
- Use your credit card by phoning 995-4438.
- See our website, timescolonist.com/christmasfund.
