Week 14 - The Snowflake Ball (Crohn's, Colitis, and Colorectal Cancer)

A friend of mine is one of the organizer's of the annual Snowflake Ball, which is a big fundraiser for Crohn's, Colitis, and Colorectal Cancer. I had planned to volunteer at this amazing event on Saturday April 2nd, but then made the mistake of eating fish at a bar in the early hours of Saturday morning after frisbee. I ended up getting pretty sick, and couldn't make the event. In lieu of volunteering, I cut a cheque to support the Snowflake Ball foundation. Hopefully next year, my stomach will allow me to volunteer.

Week 13 - Ottawa Public Library Foundation

I'm a huge fan of the Ottawa Public Library. At any given time, I usually have a couple books, CDs, and DVDs out on loan. Working a block away from the main branch is fortunate, as I get to access the services they offer three days a week when I'm in the office. For the reasons above, I donated to the Ottawa Public Library Foundation. Yes, municipal tax dollars help cover the library expenses, but with a planned move to a new facility in the near future, and costs rising for materials, donations help maintain their vast array of services.

Week 12 - Japan Earthquake Relief (Red Cross Canada)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're aware of the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit Japan on March 11th. The quake caused thousands of deaths, millions of dollars of damages, and its impact will be felt for years to come. The Canadian Red Cross responded quickly, and has of now sent $5 million to help Japan rebuild. It is a shame that the Canadian government has been too busy playing political games and has neglected to match the public's contributions. All the more reason to give to a worthy cause.

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.

Week 9 - Renfrew Dialysis Unit

Not much to say about this week's donation. My dad's lodge group sponsors a bowl-a-thon every year in Renfrew, with proeeds going to the Renfrew's hospital dialysis unit. When my mom emailed me asking if I wanted to donate, it was a no brainer. Small town health care is extremely important to rural Ontarians...a fact the Ontario Liberal (and prior to them Conservative) party simply can't grasp. Always glad to give to a good cause.

Week 8 - Right to Play

Sports have been very good to me over the years. From keeping me active as a kid, to fighting off boredom in high school, adding physical activity to my schedule in university, and meeting many friends through ultimate, my athletic pursuits have added a lot to my life.

Therefore, this week's donation was made to Right To Play. This organization benefits more than 700,000 children every week through their programs. I was impressed by their noble mission "To improve the lives of children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world by using the power of sport and play for development, health and peace."