For 28 years, the Calgary Herald has appealed to the community to look deep within itself and find ways to help those less fortunate in our city. The Herald Christmas Fund has been operating since 1991 when a group of newsroom employees saw a need and created an annual fundraiser to support amazing front line service organizations.
Every year, Calgarians step up. In booming times, we saw the total rise over $1 million. Several times, incredible philanthropists such as Sam Switzer and Allan Markin boosted the fund by adding to or matching donations. Those years were heady times and it was so exciting to see the fund count rise by leaps and bounds each day of the five- to six-week campaign.
The last few years have been difficult ones for our province, with oil prices cut in half and jobs slashed across the board. Downtown Calgary became a shell of itself and it was reflected in many organizations seeing their usual donations dry up. So many people are hurting and this year it seems to have reached the apex of distress.
That’s why it’s so incredibly gratifying to see the generosity of so many. Despite the shattering economic situation of the province, many people still found a way to give to the Herald Christmas Fund, which in turn delivers 100 per cent of the donations to 12 social agencies doing incredible work. These are organizations such as The Centre for Suicide Prevention and the Distress Centre, which are seeing a massive uptick in calls from distraught Calgarians. Other agencies like Community Kitchen, Samaritan Club and Alzheimer Society are providing daily support, whether through food or supplies or education. Those in crisis from violence or addictions are finding refuge with the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter, Awo Taan Healing Lodge, Oxford House Foundation and the Calgary Drug Treatment Court Society. Many newcomers who are struggling with trauma, employment, domestic abuse and other issues are learning to cope and move forward with Closer to Home Community Services and Calgary Catholic Immigration Society. And youth, who need strong mentors to become more confident and resilient, are learning to repair bicycles as well as themselves through Two Wheel View’s workshops.
These are the agencies to which you have given the gift of time. Time to help one more child or adult build a better future. That also creates a better community, one that can withstand economic downturns like we are presently facing.
Going into the campaign in November, we were uncertain what we could deliver to our 12 recipient agencies. They, of course, are grateful for any support. We are humbled by the generosity of Calgarians who gave what they could, in fives or tens, and sometimes more. It all adds up, and it all makes a difference.
Thank-you Calgary, for once again rising to the occasion and helping those much less fortunate. You do yourself proud.
To donate, go to https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/startup.aspx?eventid=273670