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At the rate we’re going, the Times Colonist Christmas Find will hit its target of $700,000 — but that does not mean we can relax. We still have a long way to go.

The fund, which is dedicated to helping those less fortunate, is built with your donations. It reached $143,000 on Saturday.

We appreciate every dollar that comes in — and the people you are helping appreciate them as well.

One of the best ways to build the fund is through match challenges — basically, when one person or organization offers to donate an amount if others do.

Last week, the Victoria Foundation issued our largest challenge ever. The foundation will donate $10,000 if the same amount (or more) comes from someone else in the community. We’ve heard rumours that the challenge will be met early this week, which will mean a $20,000 boost for the fund.

But there is more. Andrew Beckerman has already made two $500 challenges, and both helped bring in more donations. With that in mind, he is back with another one.

Beckerman says he will donate another $500 if at least four other people donate at least that much by the end of the day today.

He is putting his money down to help those less fortunate, and he is asking you to do the same. Giving to those who must do without reflects the true spirit of Christmas.

The Times Colonist Christmas Fund was launched in 1956, and this year’s fundraising is more important than ever before. The need has never been as great as it is in this pandemic year.

We have already given money to the Salvation Army and the ­Mustard Seed Street Church, and both organizations have put that money to work in the community.

The more we raise this year, the more organizations we will be able to help.

The easiest way to give is to go to 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, B.C. 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.

Thank you.

Dave Obee

Editor and Publisher