Rufus the Chicken

Rufus the Chicken - Contest Charity

Give A Ray of Hope – Help Fill An Empty Stocking

The Province’s Empty Stocking Fund is dedicated to making the holidays brighter for BC children and families who are less fortunate by raising funds throughout the month of December through the generosity of its readers and supporters.

The funds are administered through its partner, United Way of the Lower Mainland and will go to support worthwhile community organizations throughout BC. Administration costs for the Empty Stocking Fund are covered by The Province Newspaper.

Community organizations which will benefit from money raised during the 2004 campaign include organizations such as designated Christmas Bureaus, Salvation Army units and other worthwhile community organizations throughout BC.

The Province Empty Stocking Fund is celebrating its 86th year. It was inaugurated as the Santa Claus Fund in 1912. In 1918 it became THE EMPTY STOCKING FUND and has since grown to become the largest newspaper Christmas fund-drive in Canada.

Over the years, the fund has given hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged children and needy families a cause to celebrate, thanks to the generosity of Province newspaper readers and supporters. Last year alone, readers and supporters donated over $350,000 to the fund, ensuring that thousands of those in need had something to look forward to.