I’ve always thought of our audience and our subscribers as part of my network…my team – so that’s why I’m writing today.

I’ve always said that MoneyTalks is more than an opportunity to raise the level of financial and economic discussion – I also see it as an opportunity to make a monster difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics.

I need your help, especially this year. One of our major sponsors has been taken over and is moving to the US, and one of the international grants which finance the incredibly important Healthy Athlete program has expired. So we have a big financial hole to fill.

As well as serving on the executive of Special O – I am also the chairman of the Goldcorp Invitational Special Olympics Golf Tournament which takes place on June 20th, 2019. We need businesses to consider participating as $1500 Tee Sponsors, and for individuals and businesses to consider being $500 “Draft an Athlete” Sponsors. But that’s not all – we also need donations of quality auction items for our online auction.

And the only way any of this gets done – the only way to break through the noise and bustle of everyday life is to ask people you know – is to ask your contacts. And that’s where you come in. You’re one of my contacts.

Just so you know, I don’t feel the least bit uncomfortable doing it. These children and adults, along with their families, deserve our support. In my own experience Special Olympics participants are the forgotten athletes. Special O helps build a bridge to the community at large for many individuals who, before joining Special Olympics, were isolated and alone. This is where our 4,800 athletes across the province and tens of thousands more across the country build friendships and self-esteem. It’s not an exaggeration to say our donations literally change people’s lives and in my books that’s a heck of a bang for my buck.

One Final Thought

I said right at the outset that this is an opportunity – but it’s not just an opportunity to support individuals who deserve our help. I don’t know whether you call it Karma or sending the right message, but we are in dire need in Canada of people who do more than talk a good game. We need people who take action that say to the families and individuals with Down Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Disorder, Fragile X Syndrome or other delayed developmental disorders that you care and they matter. I guarantee that only good will come from it.

Please contact Mark in my office if you would like to make arrangements to help us with Tee Sponsorship, Draft an Athlete or to donate to our silent auction. He can be reached at mark@mikesmoneytalks.ca or call him directly at 604.505.3341.

Many thanks,

Mike