Week 11 - The War Amps

As I wait for the Canadian government (and possibly my employer) to announce a matching program for donations made to Japan's rebuilding efforts, I received the War Amps key tags in the mail this past week. I'm a big fan of the War Amps' philosophy of 'amputees helping amputees" and their CHAMP program for child amputees (who end up working to promote the program in the future). Another impressive fact about the War Amps' is that they spend less than 10% on administration. Being an accountant, I respect charities and organizations that do their best to keep administration costs down.

While I continue to wait for a matching program to help rebuild Japan after the earthquake, my heart goes out to their citizens and ex-patriates.

Week 10 - University of Ottawa Heart Institute

While channel surfing this weekend, I stopped on the University of Ottawa Heart Institute telethon. The UOHI funds research into cures and treatments for heart disease, and supports education and prevention programs. In 2006, 30% of ALL Canadian deaths were due to cardiovascular disease. That single, mind-blowing statistic explains why funding education and prevention is esstential to our aging population.

Locally, the UOHI is a source of pride, jobs, knowledge and innovation in our community. I'm proud to have contributed to such a worthy institution.