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Editorial: Good to give where you live

Giving locally this holiday season will create plenty of positive spin-offs
Share giving
Ernie and Janet Nial have helped out Share Family and Community Services during the holidays for the past 20 years.

The holiday season is an important fundraising period for local charities. In fact, the six-week period leading up to Christmas accounts for 40% of all charitable donations that will be made in 2015.

With so many causes, Tri-City residents may find it difficult to make a decision. Here are some handy tips for putting your charity dollar to good use:

• Make your Christmas budget and stick to it, reserving a portion to give to charity.

• Encourage your children to give to worthy causes; doing so builds character and increases the chances that they will grow up to be happy, caring and successful.

• Research charities that give you the best bang for your buck. Often, local charities, such as Share Family and Community Services, Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation, Salvation Army and Crossroads Hospice, are smart choices because the money stays close to home.

There are many ways to give this time of year. Find out which charity fits best with your values, donate and feel good about the choice you made.