CHRISTMAS FUND DRIVE
Need is greater than ever
Today, it is my honour to launch the 30th annual campaign for the Christmas Fund — a rather remarkable anniversary for a charitable endeavour that sprouted from the very grassroots of our news organization.
You may know the story: In 1991, three newsroom writers approached the publisher of the day, Kevin Peterson, with the idea of creating something to give back to the Calgary community.
With some $28 million raised, countless personal stories told and tears shed, and the recognition of the world's top corporate philanthropic award, it's easy to say now that the “something” was an excellent idea worth pursuing.
As we look back on those rather humble beginnings, we realize nothing would have been achieved without the generosity of readers and advertisers, and even more critically, the support of Calgary's social agencies — our partners.
Those agencies and their workers are on the front lines each and every day addressing the critical needs of Calgarians. Some 92 local agencies have been part of the Christmas Fund since its inception.
We are immensely proud of our partnership, as it is their work that makes the difference.
Over the years, some of those original agencies have come together, or stopped operations, as new organizations emerged to take up the mantle of addressing social causes such as feeding the hungry, dealing with the homeless, treating addictions and helping victims of abuse and those with mental illness.
When we came to our 2020 campaign, we decided it was appropriate to thank all who have helped build this great fundraising and awareness campaign.
The agencies are all part of our fund family and wonderful legacy.
There are too many to single out here as 75 of them continue their amazing work today.
Which is why, instead of picking only a select group as recipients for this year's milestone campaign, readers will be able to direct their donations to any of the agencies that stood alongside us the past 30 years, as we celebrate the key work and selfless service they perform to better our community.
A full list of those agencies and their contacts are at calgaryherald.com/christmasfund, as well as on page B11 of today's newspaper.
While we are immensely proud to mark our 30th year, the stark reality is that the campaign exists because there is a need.
It almost goes without saying that 2020 has been a year like no other, and the need is greater than ever.
The scope of the COVID-19 pandemic and sputtering local economy have proven to be a humbling combination for far too many of our friends, neighbours and relatives.
Thousands of jobs and businesses have been lost.
Lives are in jeopardy due to the pandemic's health threat.
Uncertainty, anxiety and worry are running rampant.
So while we are proud of our accomplishments, at its core, the original mission of the fund could hardly be more relevant or timely today.
Please consider donating to the Christmas Fund.
And remember: every single dime goes directly to the agencies.
This year we are also pleased to again be spreading word of the campaign across both of our Postmedia newspapers and websites, the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun.
Whatever the dollar amount raised, the primary benefit of the campaign is the opportunity to tell the stories of the work by the agencies, turning the spotlight on how they help real people in Calgary and our surrounding area.
Thank you for considering a donation, and Merry Christmas and happy holidays.