Please help us make a difference in Calgary
No doubt, times are tough in our beautiful city by the Bow.
Good jobs are disappearing, bills are high and many of our friends and neighbours are suffering.
The economic dark cloud that hangs over Calgary is real: there’s double-digit unemployment, a growing number of defaulted debts, business closures and a general uncertainty that 2017 will bring any relief.
Add to this the ever-existing layer of poverty, abuse and mental health issues that plagues every major city on the planet, and it is easy to come to the conclusion that the need has never been greater. Calgarians, however, have always proven to be tougher than any tough time.
So, it is in that spirit that we call on you once again to help make a difference in your community.
Today, we launch the 26th year of our Calgary Herald Christmas Fund.
Over the past 25 years, you have helped raise more than $24 million for city agencies that form the front line against poverty, addiction, mental illness and abuse.
Every nickel raised goes directly to the selected agencies.
This is my first full year as part of this great charity and, as a good immigrant boy from Forest Lawn, it is a humbling and inspiring experience.
Herald employees past and present have always been proud of the Christmas Fund and its modest roots.
More than a quarter century ago, a group of journalists wanted to do something to give back to the community. Something that would make a difference.
They asked then-publisher Kevin Peterson if the paper would be interested in forming a fund to help local charities.
Peterson, a former reporter himself, didn’t hesitate and the Christmas Fund was born.
From that day on, it grew to one of the city’s top charitable fundraising initiatives.
A few years ago, we were honoured to have the fund recognized as the top local corporate philanthropic effort. The Christmas Fund campaign has also been acknowledged as the world’s best in corporate philanthropy — a humbling recognition that would not be possible without you.
Your generosity has helped more than 80 worthwhile charities bring hope to those who need it most.
This year, we have selected 12 charities we believe are worthy of your support. They are: Alpha House Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society Calgary Food Bank Calgary Urban Project Society (CUPS)
Canadian Mental Health – Calgary Region Cornerstone Youth Centre Distress Centre Calgary Hospice Calgary
Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre Silvera for Seniors YWCA of Calgary Over the coming weeks, you will learn more about these charities as we profile them in the hopes of giving you a glimpse into what they do and why they’re needed. Our city is no stranger to boom-and-bust cycles. We will battle back from this most recent downturn as well.
We are hopeful we can count on your support as we embark on a new season of fundraising in the face of record hardship.
You can donate securely online at heraldchristmasfund.com, or by clipping out the donation form in the print edition and mailing it with your donation to the attached address.
You can also call 403-235-7481, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.