Once again, readers of The Daily Courier have come through in the community's time of need.
Give yourselves a big pat on the back.
Thank you from everyone involved in our annual Be An Angel campaign, from those of us here at the paper, to organizers at the food bank and boys and girls club, and at Valley First Credit Union, through its Feed the Valley program.
And thank you most of all on behalf of the families your donations have helped - families who put pride aside and shared their stories of need on our front pages.
Your giving helped brighten Christmas for hundreds of people who could use a reason to smile.
This year, despite difficult economic times, you contributed more than $122,000 to help needy families throughout the Central Okanagan.
And the need was greater than ever this year, as charitable agencies reported reduced donations and increased demand.
Your generosity was matched once again by philanthropist Tom Budd, who not only gave 25 cents on every dollar, but who issued a $10,000 challenge to big individual donors. Kevin Bennett promptly slapped down a cheque for the whole amount, which was matched one-to-one by Budd.
After 17 years and well over $1 million raised, you can all be proud of what we have collectively achieved for the less fortunate among us.
- Managing Editor
Jon Manchester