UGM, World Series, Hockey, Swag and Bloggers
byWhat a long weekend and yet I still don’t have much of a voice due to gitis of the larynx that has plagued me over the last week. Since we’re uber tired and I promise to have many quality posts up for the rest of the week, this entry just purely warrants a photo montage.
This morning we had some soup courtesy of a campaign by the Union Gospel Mission. We’re coming into a tough season for those less fortunate and it’s always good to know that there are people out there who want to help and make a difference.
To assist their cause and to impact someone’s life in a positive way, consider giving generously this holiday season.
Today is my brother’s birthday. Since I don’t have many recent photos of him, enjoy the one below… although my sister is probably going to kill me for posting it… HEY at least she isn’t the one being coached by mom into a pose.
The tear-jerkingly sweet “Happy Birthday Brother” post is still forthcoming, I just don’t have the energy tonight. However, we did take him out to the Canucks game while the Red Sox won the World Series (WOOO!!!!!).
Last but not least, thanks to a wickedly awesome reader and podcast listener John and I were hooked up with some fantastic swag.
We’re pretty darn lucky to be able to connect and meetup with such great people because of our blogs – something that Duane can certainly relate to. Read the tales of his whirlwind Toronto trip on his blog for more details.
7 Comments — Comments Are Closed
Yay, UGM.
Gonna disagree with my pal, Meg. The UGM may do great work, but I’d be curious to know how much money they spend on junk mailouts each week.
I sent them a donation ONCE to cover holiday meals for a group of people. Every few weeks from then on I have received an envelope stuffed with forms and literature and more requesting more donations.
I get what they’re trying to do, I understand they saw a quarter on the floor and are asking for more where that came from, but I seriously wonder what the administrative costs are for supporting this sort of spam.
The media seems to love this charity as well, as if they’re the only ones in the area doing anything of merit. I’d be much more likely to turn to Covenant House or others before donating again to UGM.
Just my two cents, that they won’t be getting.
I get envelopes and literature from Canuck Place every 3 months (since donating in ’06) and after doing the Run for the Cure I had the CBCF calling (twice) me asking if I was going to donate this year. Sure it’s not “every few weeks” as you stated but I can understand why they’d want to follow up on donations. If it’s to the point where it gets annoying, then it’s entirely your call.
it sure “feels like” every few weeks!
Overinflated administrative costs kind of drive me bajiggity with charities, since that’s the downfall of more than a few. UGM says they spend 75% on the work, 25% on admin, with some fluctuation during major campaigns. They have all their financials posted. World Vision, which is huge in the schools around here, puts about 16.3 % into admin.
I think I just like UGM because they’re trustworthy in the DES, and that’s a needed entity over there.
I’m a big fan of Hope International for overseas charities, though. 100% of donations goes to families, because the board is required to supply all administrative costs.
I have to admit I’m not as well versed in the activities of the charity groups as you, Meg and bz… I typically choose one that I’ve heard from and drop off money (without filling in paper work… hehe). Tough to trace an anonymous cash donation 😉
By the looks of that Canucks game picture you weren’t sitting far from where I was! We seem to keep _almost_ running into each other… 😛
I tried the “blog-by-email” feature last night to live-blog the game… worked pretty well!
Nice swag…