The Power of Giving: How We Can All Make A Difference. + Club AGM

The Power of Giving: How We Can All Make A Difference

The Times Colonist Christmas Fund was started in 1956 as a way to provide help to the neediest families in Victoria in the Christmas season. In recent years its scope has expanded dramatically, so help is given throughout the Times Colonist circulation area, and at all times of year.   Dave says "Every year, we say that the need is greater than ever before -- and sad to say, every year we are correct". The TC Christmas Fund Society is one of many non-profits raising money during the Christmas season, and the message from most of the organizations is the same: It is harder than ever to meet the need".   Dave's message includes the belief that all of us have a responsibility to our communities. It's a responsibility that goes beyond any single club or organization or non-profit. Two questions: Why has it come to this? And how can we make a lasting difference?

Dave Obee has been a journalist for 52 years,  27 with the Times Colonist as editor for 11 and publisher for six years. He is the recipient of an honorary degree from UVic, where he is the honorary librarian and archivist; Bill Good award for significant contributions to the community and to journalism; a Governor General's Sovereign Medal for Volunteers; plus several other awards and honors, including a Paul Harris Fellow.   Dave  has written a dozen books, given more than 700 presentations on family history research, loves Porsches,  early rock'n'roll, and is the father of two thirtysomethings.