For one business, it's about making Christmas a little brighter for kids.
For another, it's about giving a little hope to those down on their luck.
Every year, the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund raises money for people in need at Christmas. For each of the last 25 years, Ron Hatch, owner of R. Hatch Painting, has scraped together what he can to make a donation.
"At this time of year, this is what Christmas is supposed to be about -- it's not about getting more stuff for everyone," he said. "The average person who is working and is surviving is OK, but there's just so many people who don't have anything."
For Hatch, this is the time of year when the old saying "there but for the grace of God go I" hits home.
"You take a look at people who are down and out, and they probably weren't always down and out, and it can happen quickly. All of a sudden -- boom. It doesn't take much to slip and fall."
Hatch admits he never cared much for the crass commercialism that seems to have taken over the season, and finds donating what he can each year is a small price to pay to give people a memorable Christmas.
"People who don't have much at all can have a half decent Christmas, and that's what's important," he said. "If everyone could pitch in and give what they can, it would make a huge difference in people's lives.
"This has to be the most sensitive time of year. It's stressful even for those people who are hanging in there, so for someone who doesn't have anything at all, I can only image how bad that must be."
For Meagan and Steve Braime, owners of Saxe Point Daycare, it's the first year they've been involved with the TC Christmas Fund. They chose to donate because the fund caters to kids and makes a difference locally.
"So many causes out there go everywhere, but this really sticks locally and you never know it might even help one of our families," said Meagan Braime.
Their donation may also serve as an example, as Braime tries to impress upon her own two kids and those in her care that Christmas is not about the presents but about fostering a sense of community and doing what you can to help others.
"We talk about Santa and stuff here, but I always try to talk about the fact this time of year is more of a spirit," she said. "It's being with family. It's being with friends. It's just being part of the community and having a good time being together."
Christmas Fund: How to Help
The 51st annual TC Christmas Fund is underway. The Fund raises money for people in need at Christmas. Money raised is used to purchase grocery vouchers and Zellers/HBC gift cards for children's presents. sa国际传媒 staff deliver the vouchers and gift certificates to families.
To donate to the TC Christmas Fund:
- Mail a cheque to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2.
- Use your credit card: 995-4438.
- See our website, timescolonist.com/christmasfund.
