A letter from Richmond Christmas Mother Katherine Wintsch

What an amazing ride it’s been. As the 2015 Richmond Christmas Mother, I’ve had the honor of seeing Richmond at its finest — up close and personal. After this experience I can confirm that Richmond is, indeed, the Capital of Compassion.

In order to live a life of compassion, I believe it’s critical to live in awe of what’s around you — to walk around with your eyes and heart wide open to the wonder happening in the world. With that in mind, here are a handful of things I “feel in awe with” during my time as the Richmond Christmas Mother:

I’m in awe that the original mission of The Richmond Christmas Mother — “to put an end to mechanized charity in Richmond” — is still as strong today as it was in 1935 when it was created.

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I’m in awe of the individuals who donated even when they didn’t have much to give — from 96-year-olds living alone to my very own niece and nephew who saved up their weekly allowance to help improve the lives of other people.

I’m in awe of Ciara, Wendy and Maureen for opening their hearts, homes and lives for their stories to be told. As recipients of assistance from The Christmas Mother Fund, they allowed us to show Richmond where donations were going and how desperately they were needed.

I’m in awe of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the VCU fashion designers, Black Hand Coffee and Hardywood Brewery for saying yes. Yes to shaking things up; yes to making dresses, beer and coffee in the name of fundraising; and yes to helping bring this remarkable cause to a new audience.

And I’m in awe of my parents, husband, co-workers and children for sharing this journey with me every step of the way.

Despite all these blessings, our job isn’t done yet. We’re $64,609.71 behind the benchmark from last year on Christmas Day, which means almost 65,000 fewer dollars to distribute to Richmond families in desperate need. So let’s continue the chain of compassion and continue to brighten as many lives as possible. If you have not donated, please do. If you have, please encourage a friend to do so. The more we receive, the more we have to give away!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and here’s to a very merry Christmas to all.

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