Minus the snow of course *knock wood*<\/p>\n
I know it’s early – but then again, it’s never to early to put your Christmas wish list<\/em> out there for friends and family to view.<\/p>\n As we get closer to Christmas and the economy seems to be balanced on a knife’s edge, I’d like to suggest that people consider downsizing their own collection of Christmas presents under the tree and consider donating some of the money they would spend on gifts to charity. While charity is a great idea all year long, it is at times like these where we need to do more for those less fortunate.<\/p>\n With so many worthy causes out there it can be difficult to choose who to donate to. If you want to make an immediate impact to those in your own community, consider donating food or $$ to your local food banks, the Salvation Army (or it’s local equivalent in your area), local homeless shelters, or soup kitchens.<\/p>\n If you’d like to make a wider impact on the world, consider donating to one of the many charities I have listed on my left sidebar under the title Wearing a Coat of Brown<\/strong>. For those of you not of the Browncoat<\/a> persuasion (can it be possible?), Browncoats are a dedicated group of worldwide Firefly\/Serenity<\/a> fans who’s main distinction in the world of TV fandom is that they fund-raise and donate money to a number of different charities. Two of the most popular charities for Browncoats are Kids Need To Read<\/a> (Nathan Fillion and PJ Haarsma are co-founders) and Equality Now<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kids Need To Read purchases books to donate to libraries so children have access to books to spark their interest in reading a continue the development of their imaginations.<\/p>\n Equality Now works to end violence and discrimination against women and girls around the world through the mobilization of public pressure.<\/p>\n Looking for something different?\u00a0 World Vision<\/a> and Heifer International<\/a> both offer alternate gift giving.\u00a0 Purchase school supplies, chickens, goats, etc. for families in developing countries. These gifts offer meaningful ways to make a difference in the daily lives of others.<\/p>\n Interested in Supporting Canadian Troops, both current serving members and our veterans?\u00a0 Visit your local Legion<\/a> and make a donation or consider donating to the Sapper Mike McTeague Wounded Warrior Fund<\/a> or Boomer’s Legacy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Have an ill family member?\u00a0 Consider donating to a charity that supports research or services provided to those sharing the same disease.\u00a0 Having lost my father to cancer in 2006 the Canadian Cancer Society<\/a> is a pretty popular choice in my family.<\/p>\n