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Gary keeps on inspiring
By Cam Tait
October 23, 2006
Notes, thoughts and news (we hope) from a reporter's desk...
Gary McPherson has done almost everything, so why should running for premier of Alberta surprise us? It doesn't. Gary made it official a few weeks back that he is in the running for the Progressive Conservative leadership in Alberta. Gary's already penned quite the story is his 60 years. He's been an executive in wheelchair sports, a published author, and an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta. He has never held a seat in the legislature, but that doesn't faze Gary.
He has used a wheelchair since the age of eight, when he was struck by polio. When he went to file his nomination papers at the PC office, he couldn't because the building didn't have a wheelchair ramp. Gary called the media and the story made it onto the front page of a local paper. Still, he doesn't want to be seen as a candidate who represents only people with disabilities. He's a brilliant man and chances are, later in the campaign, he might make an analogy about the inaccessible office. Gary isn't expected to replace Ralph Klein here in Alberta, but he will certainly put a few items on the political agenda.
Whatever the case, the spirit and determination Gary has exhibited throughout his life continue to be a great example.
And in other news...
Interesting comment overheard recently: "I like Halloween better than Christmas," she said. "Everyone can afford it because it's cheaper - not like Christmas."
Philanthropy Day is just around the corner. I've been critical in the past of the event but now I understand the merit of the day and the success it celebrates. We'd like to hear your thoughts on the day. If the event in your community is growing, please share why you think this is so, and why you think Philanthropy Day continues to be an annual must-attend event.
Once again I am reminded that we never really appreciate something until it's gone. My high speed Internet connection has come to a standstill. I've had to rely on dial-up and it's a real eye-opener of how impatient we have become.
There's so much that could be said and written about the story out of Winnipeg about several teenage boys who lit a boy with a physical disability on fire. Without sounding too self-righteous, perhaps we need to spend more time with our young people one on one. And perhaps we need to teach them what respect is - and how we have to respect everyone.
And from the inbox, Teri makes some interesting points about soliciting by e-mail. She writes: "While it may be quick and far reaching, it's also invasive, often times impersonal, and with the volume of e-mails that hit many people's in-baskets, it's an extra burden to scan or read. Make the person feel special - avoid e-mail." On another matter, she has a question: "If the revenues from gambling, lottery sales, liquor and tobacco suddenly became illegal and disappeared, would the governments find other ways to 'support' or fund charitable organizations?" Anyone care to respond? My e-mail address is at the bottom. Oh, I hear the band starting up with Teri's next comment. "Has there been any really 'great' music recorded since the mid 1970s? And when will rap, heavy metal, and alternative music disappear? In fact, how can any of these be called 'music'?"
On that note, I think I'll dive into my Motown collection.
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®.
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