Summer 2008
Summer 2008
Aug 29 - Metis Nation of Alberta Funding - Laurie visited the Metis Nation of Alberta offices to announce youth program funding of $1,373,520. The news was obviously well received and all enjoyed some music and Metis traditional dance. Laurie even laid a little Michif on the crowd. Michif is the Metis dialect.
With MNA President Audrey Poitras and "da money"
With the musicians and Metis dancers
Aug 29 - Northlands Evolutions 09 - Laurie joined Industry Minister Jim Prentice, Minister Rona Ambrose and MPs Mike Lake and Peter Goldring at an event to announce funding of $25 million for a major new development at Northlands. This 125-year old establishment has brought entertainment, business and quality of life to Edmonton and northern Alberta in too many ways to count. The future will be bright with major additions to their facilities.
The political and Northlands team give thumbs up to Evolutions 09
Aug 29 - Computers for good causes - Laurie joined members of Electronic Recovery Alberta as they delivered refurbished computers to the Edmonton Brain Injury Relearning Society and the Hope Mission. Both EBIRS and the Hope Mission do great work for Edmontonians facing challenges.
With Cheryl Bauer and Jean Roy of Edmonton Brain Injury Relearning Society
Aug 28 - Vimy Ridge Academy - Laurie spent an hour speaking with Grade 9 students from two classes at Vimy Ridge Academy about the duties and life of a Member of Parliament. Vimy Ridge Academy is dedicated to building and strengthening pride in Canada by providing students with an academic focus on Canadian Studies in combination with alternative programming in their Canadian Studies Program, sports, dance and music.
Aug 26 - Canadian Paraplegic Association 9th Annual Golf Tournament - Laurie joined over 120 golfers of various levels of talent to raise money for programs and services of the Canadian Paraplegic Association. Wet and gray turned to windy and sunny, but everyone enjoyed helping out a worthy cause. Many of the CPA's clients joined in the golf, proving that a full life is possible after a serious injury. Laurie's foursome included Edmonton Eskimo great Willy Pless.
Aug 25 - You guessed it - more door knocking.
Aug 25 - Constituency Day - Laurie and his excellent staff spent the day meeting with constituents to discuss a variety of situations. The office has handled over 2,000 cases since we started in 2006.
Aug 23 - An evening at the Fringe - Laurie and Judy enjoyed taking in a play at the Fringe. This annual festival is just about the biggest of its kind in the world and is a real highlight of the Edmonton summer.
Aug 23 - Still more doorknocking.
Happy constituents
Aug 23 - Raj Sherman Pancake Breakfast - Laurie joined the new MLA of Edmonton-Meadowlark for his first annual pancake breakfast.
Partners for Edmontonians
Aug 23 - Tanks and Tags - Laurie, Judy and Robb joined a few hundred Edmontonians for a 5 K walk / 10 K run to raise money in support of veterans programs at the Kipnes Centre. Ten veterans in wheelchairs took part with the help of energetic pushers.
A family affair
"On your mark, get set - GO!"
Aug 21 - Sign of Hope Evening at the Mac - Laurie enjoyed mixing and mingling at this annual Edmonton Catholic Social Services event at the Hotel Macdonald.
Aug 20 - Moonlight in the Meadows - Laurie brought greetings to the event at the Whitermud Equine Centre, which highlighted the activities, new companies, products and services of Alberta entrepreneurs. The small businesses featured will be bigger businesses in the future and provide a strong component of economic growth in our province.
Bringing greetings
Aug 15 - 20 - Some R & R in Nova Scotia.
Aug 14 - Citizenship Ceremony - Once again, Laurie assisted Judge Sonia Bitar in welcoming 78 new citizens of Canada in their own languages. The venue this time was Grant MacEwan Community College.
Aug 11 and 13 - More doorknocking.
Aug 9 - National Peacekeepers Day - Laurie spent the day at CFB Borden and Angus, Ontario as the Reviewing Officer for the first National Peacekeepers Day. This day salutes the service and sacrifice of Canadian men and women on peacekeeping duties since 1948. August 9th specifically commemorates the loss of nine peacekeepers when their Buffalo aircraft was shot down on approach to Damascus, Syria on that day in 1974. Laurie has special memories of that day as he lost a friend who was the co-pilot of the aircraft.
Speaking to the parade
With the newly unveiled monument (Left to Right) David Guergis (Mayor of Essa Township), Regina Stringer (Silver Cross Mother of member lost on Aug, 9, 1974), Jim Wilson (MPP for Simcoe-Grey), Laurie, and LCol Mike Sweeney (Acting Base Commander CFB Borden).
With the unveiled historic vehicle, current CF members and peacekeeping veterans
Aug 7 - Folk Fest - With the Federal Government as a major sponsor, Laurie and Judy helped kick off yet another great Edmonton festival. Having begun in 1980, Folk Fest has grown and matured to become one of the leading folk festivals in the world. Promoting folk music in all its diversity, the festival plays host to some of the best celtic, bluegrass, gospel, roots, world-beat and singer-songwriters, country and rhythm and blues performers from all over the world.
The hill was alive with the sound of music
Aug 5 - Back on the streets of Edmonton Centre for more door-knocking.
Jul 28 - Aug 4 - Wedding Bells - Laurie and Judy spent a week of vacation time in Vancouver, getting their daughter, Jennifer, married. They also took the opportunity to attend the Prime Minister's summer barbecue in the area.
Walking her down the aisle
(Left to Right) Robb Hawn, Petta Sandhu, PM Harper, Jennifer Davidson (Hawn), Jeff Davidson
Jul 27 - Strathcona Mounted Troop salute to Korean veterans - Laurie addressed the crowd and took the salute in a performance of the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Mounted Troop performance in honour of Canada's Korean War veterans. A large crowd attended a lunch at the Legion in St. Albert followed by the performance.
Addressing the crowd
Talking to the stars of the show
July 27 - 55th Anniversary of Korean War ceasefire - Laurie laid a wreath and brought greetings to a ceremony at the Alberta Legislature commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the ceasefire that ended active hostilities in the Korean War in 1953. The parade was attended by many veterans of the Korean War and their families, cadets and veterans from the armed forces of South Korea. We can never forget their courage and sacrifice.
Korean veterans on parade
Laying a wreath
July 26 - Edmonton Indy - The weather was spectacular and the event even more so, as Edmonton hosted its first Indy Car Race, building on the previous two years with Champ Car. The crowd was huge and enthusiastic and the competition was fierce. Laurie, Judy and Robb had enjoyed dinner the evening before with NASCAR racer Alex Tagliani and he came through by winning the NASCAR race almost from wire-to-wire. All Canadians were very happy to see Paul Tracy finish a very strong fourth in the main Indy Car race. The event grounds also featured more military displays and proud CF members. Laurie also satisfied his need for speed by taking a couple of laps in a two-seater Indy Car. It reminded him of the physical stress of air combat in the CF-18.
Ready to race in a two-seater with Indy driver Stephane Gregoire
Pipes, Mounties, and pit crews
Canadian Paul Tracy finished 4th to the delight of fans
July 25 - Red Friday - Northlands hosted the biggest ever Edmonton Red Friday event on the infield at the horse race track. It was truly inspiring with flypasts by CF-18 fighters and CH-147 Griffon helicopters and performances by the Snowbirds and Skyhawks. Hundreds of people participated and the outpouring of support was very much appreciated by military members and their families.
"Is that red enough for you?" With Snowbirds Captain Steve Thompson and Captain Eric Willrich
Crew of HMCS Edmonton listens to Garrison Commander LCol Gary Blenkinsop
July 24 - Energy Services Summit Gala - The energy services industry of Alberta staged their first annual summit to bring together companies and individuals who play roles in providing the energy essential to our way of life. Laurie attended the reception and dinner to meet many of the attendees.
July 24 - Capital Ex Troops Visit - Laurie spent three hours visiting displays of military hardware and chatting with military members and visitors at the Capital Ex grounds. The public, young and old, showed great interest in the displays and the military members were proud to show their "stuff".
Educating the media
With Corporal Steve Krsnik of 1 PPCLI in the turret of a LAV III
Ready to jump with Private Walker Gates, Private Brian Sorenson and Corporal Jeff Black, all of 3 PPCLI
July 23 - McQueen Family and Friends Summer Barbecue - A large crowd gathered at the McQueen Residence for this annual event in conjunction with Capital Ex. Great food and entertainment was the order of the day and Laurie enjoyed visiting with the seniors and their families. A special treat was meeting a lady celebrating her 95th birthday with her three-week old great-great granddaughter.
July 23 - Safeway Capital Ex Breakfast - Westmount Safeway was the next stop in Edmonton Centre for pancakes and chats with constituents.
July 22 - Repatriation Ceremony - Laurie spent a very long, but necessary, day travelling between Edmonton, Ottawa, Trenton and back to Edmonton to be part of the ceremony to repatriate the body of Corporal James Arnal back to Canada. Our hearts go out in sympathy to his family for their loss and in gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of Corporal Arnal.
Piper and pallbearers bring Corporal Arnal "home" at 8 Wing Trenton
July 21 - Mayor's Dinner Salute to HMCS Edmonton - Laurie joined Mayor Mandel, Mrs. Mandel and other members of the City scene at a dinner to host crew members and to exchange gifts.
July 21 - Kingsway Legion Luncheon - Laurie brought greetings to a luncheon to welcome crew members of HMCS Edmonton, based in Esquimalt, BC. There is a special bond between the City of Edmonton, the Kingsway Legion and the ship and its crew.
Talking to the sailors
July 21 - Red Friday News Conference - As a member of the Edmonton Salutes Committee, Laurie joined other members and Mayor Mandel in a news conference to bring awareness to Red Friday celebrations that would form a focal point of Capital Ex and the Edmonton Indy.
With CWO Gorrie, Lt(N) Cusack and LCol Blenkinsop
July 19 - Fukienese Association Annual Dinner - Laurie and Judy enjoyed the feast and entertainment at this annual event which was highlighted by the appointment of Edmontonian Van Vuong as General Secretary of the Fukienese Association of North America. Laurie brought greetings in Cantonese and English.
With new Director General Van Vuong helping Terry Cavanagh celebrate 82 years
Greetings in Cantonese
July 19 - Laurie Hawn Annual Charity Barbecue - Sherbrooke Community League was the site of this year's annual event to raise money for the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre. Murray and Scotty and their team of volunteers do great work in helping homeless people to find jobs and homes. The crowd gets bigger every year and the total raised was $1,850, which was personally matched by Laurie for a grand total of $3,700.
With Murray, Scotty and the money
Great day for a BBQ
July 19 - Westmount Jewellers Pancake Breakfast - Fred and the rest of the fine folks at Westmount Jewellers hosted another Capital Ex charity event and Laurie enjoyed his second round of pancakes of the day and visiting with constituents.
Trading reciples with John Berry
Alma and Kim not giving up on K-Days
July 19 - Safeway Capital Ex Breakfast - Laurie helped serve and brought greetings to people at the Meadowlark Safeway. Van Houtte Coffee and The Sawmill Restaurant also support these events.
How are the pancakes?
July 18 - Taste of Edmonton Kickoff - The Winspear Centre was the site of a mass sampling of many of the wares that would be on display at the Taste of Edmonton. Laurie and many others enjoyed this tasty preview.
July 18 - Raising money for Juvenile Diabetes - Laurie joined members of the Alberta and NWT Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers for a round of golf to raise money for this worthy cause.
July 17 - And yet more door knocking.
July 17 - Keyaniw Kickoff - This annual events celebrates the contributions to the arts by Canada's aboriginal peoples. Laurie brought greetings and impressed the elders (while probably confusing many others) by delivering part of the speech in Cree.
Greetings in Cree
July 16 - Capital Ex Kickoff - Laurie joined a large crowd at the Northlands Agricom and was treated to some fine food and beverage, as well as inspiring speeches by Northlands Chairman Gerry Bouma and Don Cherry (by video) to kick off this annual extravanganza. The theme of Capital Ex is Salute the Troops and that is most appropriate.
Bringing greetings
In his "cute" Rabbit
July 16 - Meadowlark Klondike Kate Barbecue - Some people never give up. Laurie joined residents for a musical performance by Klondike Kate and dealt a little blackjack at their annual fun casino.
Card sharks, all!
July 16 - Canadian Home Builders Association - Laurie and MPs Mike Lake and Ken Epp joined local members of the CHBA to discuss issues related to the housing situation and challenges in Edmonton.
July 14 / 15 - Yup, more door knocking.
July 13 - Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts - Laurie enjoyed visiting the centre and viewing artworks by a variety of artists from Edmonton and other regions. Laurie had a tough job in picking his favourite piece which would be on special display. The Nina Haggerty Centre is working hard to make a move to a new and much larger facility that will enable greater assistance to a special group of artists.
With Director Wendy Hollo and "The Touch" which reminded Laurie of his own children at that age.
July 12 - And still more door knocking.
July 11 - More door knocking.
July 10 - Constituency Day - Laurie spent another day hosting constituents in the office to learn about their personal situations and to offer assistance. None of this would be possible without the great team of people which can offer service in English, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic and German.
July 9 - Minister of Revenue Visit - Laurie brought the Minister of Revenue The Honourable Gordon O'Connor to a meeting of members of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce. It was an excellent exchange of ideas and viewpoints.
July 9 - EPS Leadership Briefing - Laurie was privileged to join the leadership of the Edmontion Police Service and to share some of his thoughts on and experience with leadership from the aspects of the military, business and political environments that Laurie has operated within. It is always a treat to spend time with the group of professionals within the EPS who provide such important service to the citizens of Edmonton.
With Edmonton Chief Mike Boyd
July 8 - Telus Edmonton Open Pro-Am - Laurie and many others put the "Am" in Pro-Am as the Windermere Golf and Country Club played host to professional golfers from around the world. Politics seems to be much simpler than golf.
July 4 - U.S. Ambassador Reception - After a number of meetings, Laurie and Judy joined a huge crowd at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, to celebrate the 232nd year of United States independence. Lots of food, a great band, and flypasts by Canadian CF-18 and American F-16 fighters made for a memorable event.
July 3 - Quebec City 400 - Laurie joined a large number of MPs from across the country in Quebec City to kick off several weeks of celebrations to commemorate the founding of the oldest French community in North America and Canada's first city. It was a day full of pomp, speeches, parades - and a steady downpour. Nevertheless, it was an excellent event and reminded all of what a great and diverse country Canada is.
Some very wet "period" soldiers
July 2 - More Canada Day cakes - Laurie went to Meadowcroft Seniors Residence to pass out Canada Day cake and to help celebrate a large number of residents' birthdays.
Birthday Flowers
July 2 - Street Performers - Laurie joined the kickoff to the Annual Edmonton Street Performers Festival to which the Government of Canada contributed $74,000. Laurie was the guinea pig in a performance which saw a loonie picked off his ear by a flying yo-yo. Fortunately, the yo-yo man didn't miss.
Hold still!
Amazing!
July 2 - Health Canada Funding Announcement - Laurie joined senior members of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute to announce $40 milllion over 5 years in support of research and development and programs to enhance in-hospital safety for Canadians. Such long-term and predictable funding is essential to an efficent effort in this area.
July 1 - CANADA DAY - Laurie had his usual very full Canada Day. The schedule kicked off with a couple of hours of serving pancakes at the annual breakfast put on by Edmonton's Ismaili Muslim community. Next, Laurie helped preside over the swearing-in of 60 new Canadian citizens and greeted them all in their own languages. Then, it was off to City Hall to bring greetings to a large crowd, pass out some awards and serve cake. Another annual event was the Inner City Boyle Street Barbecue at St. Catherine's Catholic School and Laurie tried some of his best Italian and Vietnamese. Cake was also served at the Canada Day celebrations at Summit Village, Kiwanis Place and Dnipro Seniors Residence. Next on the schedule was a visit to Rundle Park and the celebration picnic of the Edmonton Somali community. Somalia's National Day is also on July 1. The day wrapped up by watching the spectacular fireworks with friends. It is always a tiring but rewarding day.
Pancakes at the Leg
Procession with very young RCMP officer
New citizens taking the oath
Greetings in their languages to the amusement of Mayor Mandel, MLA Sherman, Minister Hancock, Minister Ambrose and Judge Bitar
More cake at Kiwanis Place
June 30 - Athabasca Salute the Troops Canada Day - Laurie made the drive to Athabasca to spend the day at a variety of events to celebrate Canada Day and to salute the troops. The day started with a breakfast at the local golf club. The next event was a public meeting at Athabasca University unveiling some new programmes. The main event was a large barbecue gathering at the Athabasca Multiplex at which Laurie, MP Brian Jean, MLA Jeff Johnson and provincial cabinet minister Lindsey Blackett spoke about the dedication and courage of our men and women in uniform and their families. The cap on the day was an outstanding performance by the mounted troop of Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians). Laurie even got in 9 holes of golf before the drive back to Edmonton.
Addressing the crowd as MP Brian Jean looks on.
Young fan checking out the Lord Strathcona's Mounted Troop
June 28 - More door knocking.
June 27 - Door Knocking - Laurie and a team of volunteers spent several hours "on the doorstep", listening to concerns of constituents. It's a great way to stay in touch.
June 27 - Canterbury Canada Day Celebration - Laurie brought cake and Canada Day greetings to Canterbury Court as part of his regular round of visits to be accessible to seniors.
Serving the Canterbury residents.
June 27 - Funding for the Winspear - Laurie visited the Winspear Centre to announce a grant of $50,000 for arts programmes at this high profile Edmonton concert hall.
June 26 - 1 CMBG Change of Command - Laurie and Judy attended the passing of command of 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from Colonel Jon Vance to Colonel Andre Corbould.
1 CMBG is the combat formation of Land Forces Western Area of the Canadian Army. A highlight of the parade was the promotion of Colonel Vance to the rank of Brigadier-General. The promotion was carried out by Lieutenant-General (Retired) Jack Vance, father of Jon, and came as asurprise to the younger Vance.
June 26 - 1 PPCLI Change of Command - Laurie attended the handing over of command of this battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. 1 PPCLI has served with distinction since 1914 and has played a leading role in Canada's mission in Afghanistan.
June 26 - Canada Day Cakes - Laurie and his volunteers attended various seniors residences and delivered cakes in celebration of the upcoming Canada Day. Laurie enjoyed socializing and answering questions with folks from the Renaissance in Meadowllark, Teglar Terrace, Teglar Manor and Laurier Housing.
Answering questions at the Renaissance in Meadowlark
Sharing a coffee and chat with residents of Teglar Terrace
June 25 - First Indigenous Charity Golf Tournament - Laurie helped to raise money for programs for Treaty 6, 7 and 8 First nations in this inaugural event at Legends Golf Course.
Laurie and his team with the Honourable Gene Zwozdeski
June 25 - Lord Strathconas Horse (Royal Canadians) Change of Command Parade - In his capacity as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Laurie attended a spectacular parade to mark the passing of command of the regiemnt from Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Demers to Lieutenant-Colonel Derek Macaulay. The parade featured a feu de joie (big guns making noise) by four Leopard tanks and a roll-by of fifteen more Leopards and dozens of other combat and support vehicles. The Strathconas have one squadron of tanks continuously deployed in Afghanistan.
Leopard tank rolling by the dais with gun barrel lowered in salute
June 24 - Lord Strathconas Horse (Royal Canadians) Dining-In - Laurie was pleased to attend this dinner at the Edmonton Garrison in honour of the change of command of this historic regiment of the Canadian Army.
June 24 - Name the Frog Winner - Laurie went to Lauderdale School as part of their annual Talent Day to present awards to the winner of our Name the Frog contest. Laurie had adopted a Madagascar Tomato Frog at the Valley Zoo and started a contest in elementary schools to give it a name. The winner received a package of prizes from the Valley Zoo and the school received a personal gift of $500 from Laurie for use in their library. In addition, every student in the school received a small Canadian flag and a pen. The frog now bears the name Megellan as given to him by Ashley Tomma Bearskin from the class of Mrs. Mundorf.
Presenting prize package to Ashley Tomma Bearskin
Presenting cheque to Mrs. Mundorf
June 24 - Meadowlark Seniors Visit - Laurie kicked off the series of Canada Day cake visits by spending time with the residents of Meadowlark Seniors Residence. Sweet toothes were satisfied and questions were answered.
June 23 – Summer Town Hall – Laurie hosted over 100 people at the Prince Charles Community League for one of his regular Town Hall Meetings to hear from constituents. As expected, it was a lively affair with issues of natural health products and copyright laws dominating the discussion. People left happy that they had been heard and issues have already been followed up.
June 23 – Skills Society AGM – Laurie dropped in on the Skill Society AGM to chat with attendees and to get brought up to speed on latest developments with executive members.
June 23 – Constituency Day – Laurie spent several hours giving time one-on-one to constituents who wanted to address a variety of issues. We can’t promise any particular result; but we can promise every effort to help.
June 23 – St. Andrews Seniors Residence – Laurie made one of his regular visits to deliver cake and greetings to residents and to answer their questions. Seniors are very politically aware and participate in the political process very well. Younger Canadians could take a lesson.
With St. Andrews residents
June 23 – 30th Anniversary of Edmonton’s LRT – Laurie joined representatives of provincial and municipal governments at the celebration of 30 years of LRT service in Edmonton and to unveil the first new LRT train. These new trains will be in service in October of this year and will provide a needed upgrade to this critical service.
Addressing the crowd
(Left to right) Councillor Ed Gibbons, MLA Thomas Lukaszuk, Laurie, MLA Tony Vandermeer, Mayor Stephen Mandel
June 22 – Airfest 2008 – Laurie spent the better part of the day, hanging around aircraft and aviators at the City Centre Airport as part of Airfest 2008. A mix of vintage and current aircraft drew a good crowd, despite rainy weather.
With the vintage B-25 Mitchell Pacific Prowler - one of the star attractions
June 21 – Door Knocking – The summer door knocking season kicked off with a few hours at people’s doors seeing what’s on their minds. This activity is one of the more important ways that Laurie stays in touch with constituents in Edmonton Centre.
June 21 – Airborne Regiment Reunion – Laurie attended the parade and reception as part of the five-year reunion of Canadian airborne soldiers. The event attracted almost 200 veterans of the Canadian Airborne Regiment and about 100 current airborne-qualified soldiers. Veterans and current members both showed great pride in the history and commitment.
June 15 – Fathers Day Walk / Run - Laurie and son Robb participated in the annual Fathers Day Walk and Run at Laurier Park in support of efforts to combat prostate cancer. It was a great way to get some exercise and support a good cause.
Father and Son
June 14 – 15 (Edmonton) Service Battalion Change of Command and Mess Dinner – Laurie attended the parade marking the change of command of this historic Edmonton Reserve unit, and Laurie and Judy were guests at the All-Ranks Mess Dinner that evening. Reserve units are a very important component of the Canadian Forces and provide manpower for many operations in Canada and around the world, including Afghanistan.
With outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Monte Ross and Commander 41 Canadian Brigade Group Colonel Art Wriedt
June 14 – 110th Philippine Independence Day – Laurie joined a large crowd at the Alberta Legislature to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of Philippine independence. Laurie brought greetings in Tagalog and enjoyed being a part of such a momentous day for Edmonton’s Philippine community.
With MLA Carl Benito and oldest surviving Philippine War veteran
June 14 – Minister of Veterans Affairs Award – Laurie was pleased to represent the Honourable Greg Thompson in presenting a Minister of Veterans Affairs Award to Arnold “Willy” Willett. Willy is a World War II veteran of the Royal Canadian Air Force and he was honoured for distinguished and longtime service to members of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Presenting award to Willy Willett
June 13 – Dances Around the World Fund Raising Gala – Laurie and Judy joined hundreds of people at the Maharaj Restaurant to enjoy good food and dance, in an effort to raise money for earthquake victims in China.
June 13 – Chinese Earthquake Relief Dinner – Laurie and Judy bought a table and joined hundreds of Edmontonians at the Century Palace to raise funds for relief of earthquake victims. Laurie brought greetings in Cantonese and everyone enjoyed the musical and dance performances.
Some of the colourful entertainment
With one of the lead performers
June 7 – Laurier Heights Fund Raiser – Laurie and Judy attended this annual fund raiser from which the proceeds go to building a new facility for the Laurier Heights Community League. It was an entertaining evening that raised a nice amount of money for a good cause.
