Answers, please
By Cam Tait
September 25, 2006
They're back - those little items that will never grow up to be a full-length column, but they're so cute. In this week's installment, we're going to put a reporter's spin on it and ask a question. Or two. Or three. Or...
The start of another Canadian winter is just a few wind gusts away. The fall also marks the start of another 'season' for many - and many campaigns will get started. So, here's my question: what keeps you motivated to do it again, and again, and again? What motivates you to make a difference? I'm curious. So if you have a few minutes, share your thoughts with me via e-mail (address at the bottom). We'll share responses in a future column.
It's reality television time again. Just wondering: why don't shows like Survivor, Amazing Race and the like have a charitable component? Or would that be way too much to ask big network television? Do you have any ideas about what causes these shows should support? And, one more, just for fun: if you had to be on any reality show, what would it be? (Personally, I would like to be on that dancing show. I've been told I have a few moves.)
Nice to see David Foster was at it again raising funds for organ transplants through a gala evening of music in Vancouver. I'm always reminded of the time Foster made an unannounced visit at Ronald McDonald House in Edmonton. He certainly grabbed the attention of everyone there when he sat down at the piano in the basement of the house, asked a child to sit on his knee and then began playing and singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. The guy's a class act and we should be proud he's Canadian. And here's some trivia: Foster once wrote a song that became the theme for a very well known Canuck who had a wonderful ride? Any ideas? Please send me a note.
Here's a question I love asking, so if you're answering the other one about getting motivated in the fall, tag this one at the end of it. If you could have any well-known person (I really dislike the word celebrity) be honorary chair of your group who would it be, and why?
And while we're in the mood for asking questions, here's another. E-mail might be great to communicate in so many ways. But is it good or not so good in fundraising solicitation? Again, I'm curious. So add one more answer to that already growing list.
An interesting note comes our way from a reader about a newspaper ad from Bell. Mike talks about Bell taking ads out and listing three local charities in the region and asking people to go online and then vote for the group they think should get funding. Has anyone else heard about this? And if so, what do you think of it? Just add it to the list...
Since we're on the topic of questions, do you have any of me? About anything - even my treasured Motown collection. Send them in and let's have some fun.
I look forward to hearing from you - and I don't care how long that list is. In fact, here's one more, for good measure.
Are there any great volunteer stories out there? Stories that should be shared on this page? Please let us know.
Cam Tait is a sports reporter for the Edmonton Journal. He
covered charitable issues for almost 20 years. Thoughts, comments,
ideas or a simple hello are welcomed at cam@charityvillage.com.
Opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not
necessarily reflect the views of CharityVillage.com®.
