SEND CHARITY CHECKS FOR
         A CHARITABLE CHRISTMAS

THE BEST GIFT FOR GIVING IN 2010

A Decade of Innovation to Help Giving as a Gift

"Giving Certificates" a great way to give
The original and ultimate way to "Give the Gift of Giving," offered by a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles, has been adding heart to people's holidays for a decade. Slip “Giving Certificates” in holiday cards, stockings, and books for a gift that can help any nonprofit chosen by the recipient.

From anywhere in the world (you don't need to go to a store), you can order online, at www.charitychecks.us, the original way of giving someone else the joy of giving-- the powerful gift of donating to a great cause. Giving Certificates are actual Charity Checks, good for the full amount (no fees deducted like on some cards) and ready to be deposited by any of more than 1.5 million charities.

The recipient chooses the charity, fills in the payee line, and gives directly – no need to use a computer to make the money count, and you know the full funds are going directly to the causes you choose. You, the giver, are eligible for any tax deduction. No plastic card to lose or to hurt the environment.

It's the nonprofit Charity Checks' ten-year anniversary of making the joy of giving a public choice. In the pilot program of 2000, Scott Cook, founder of INTUIT, told the San Jose Mercury, "The checks fit the founder of AMAZON.com's Jeff Bezos’ rule of success: An invention that allows people to do something they couldn't before."

Charity Checks, a trailblazer
Charity Checks was the trailblazing first to let anyone "Give the Gift of Giving” to any 501(c)3 charity or cause, the first to make the service available on the internet, and the icebreaking vehicle that cleared the path for other organizations that now offer similar kinds of philanthropy.

Charity Checks is still the only way the gift recipient can give the full money directly to the charity, instead of going through a middle party, and Charity Checks is a nonprofit and doesn't charge a transaction fee (unlike some profit-making web sites and card companies that have recently opened for business).

Charity Checks offers Charitable Literacy programs in schools
From its beginnings, innovative Charity Checks has also offered Charitable Literacy programs in schools where kids can learn to be thoughtful givers. www.CharitableLiteracy.org

Charity Checks’ “Pre-paid Philanthropy” also led the way for anyone to be able to make a tax-deductible donation in one year and to choose the cause in another (a bit like donor-advised funds, except you don’t need thousands of dollars).

Charity Checks also creatively forged a way to give anonymously but still get a tax receipt, an easy way to avoid being on mailing lists and receiving future solicitations that use up resources and fill your mailbox.

Charity Checks great as pre-paid gifts
A drawer full of Charity Checks lets you be ready for any occasion as pre-paid gifts and thank yous, and a great way to make your own donations when you feel like it – just slip the Charity Check in the envelope. It’s already paid for and waiting to do good.

There were no such gift or donation devices when Charity Checks started at the turn of the century. The number of charities in the United States recognized by the IRS has more than doubled (now exceeding 1.5 million) in that time, providing even more ways for recipients to let their gifts help animals, people, and the planet.

With so many problems, needs, and troubles this Holiday season, Charity Checks can provide the Joy of Giving gifts that let others give donations for solutions.

The volunteer-run website contains images and testimonials from Companies and families:

Family: http://www.charitychecks.us/personal/families.html

Biz: http://www.charitychecks.us/corporate/stories.html

Quotes from the husband-and-wife founders:
“Instead of your holiday gift becoming landfill someday, you can let your gift today help save a person’s life, rescue an animal, restore a forest or save a library. The recipient has the power of choosing and the joy of giving. And you can take the time you saved not shopping to be with loved ones.”

“It’s been wonderful to see families develop new traditions for the holidays, based on helping others, and it’s great to get thank yous from companies and people who are so glad this gift option exists.”

Founders are available to answer questions: 800-854-5601

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Give the Joy of Giving
http://www.charitychecks.us/
Charity Checks, Inc., a nonprofit
Home of Charitable Literacy &
America's only Giving Certificates, good for any charity

From Lisa Sonne

Posted by Anne Gordon on Tuesday, 7th December, 1010

Fish for sale at Victoria Farmer's Market

VICTORIA BC, WINTER FARMER'S MARKET FOR SOMETHING TO TEMPT EVERY TUMMY


Taking place every third Saturday of the month until March 2011, the Victoria Downtown Public Market Society and its vendors will be raising their tents to showcase local fare at the Winter Farmer’s Market.  Located in downtown Victoria’s Market Square, the winter market runs from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm and focuses on local food producers at every level - farmers, fishers, butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, preservers, brewers, vintners, florists and restaurants.

From Haliburton Farms and Kildara Farms to Saltspring Island Cheese Company to the Vancouver Island Salt Company there is something for every taste and something to tempt every tummy.

The Victoria Downtown Public Market Society was formed in August 2010 to raise awareness, support and funds for the establishment of a permanent year-round marketplace in the downtown core of the City of Victoria, BC. For more information visit http://www.victoriapublicmarket.com/.

Post from Tourism Victoria.

Images copyright Anne Gordon

DISCOVER VICTORIA'S HAUNTED PAST WITH A "GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST" WALKING TOUR


During the month of December 2010, visitors to Victoria, BC can explore the history of Christmas in British Columbia's most haunted city with a Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour.

The 90-minute tour, offered Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:30 pm, provide new insights into Victoria's ghosts and legends by focusing on stories of the supernatural at Christmas. The legend of Christmas Hill, the ghosts of Helmcken Alley, Victoria's first documented ghost sighting - Adelaide Griffin at Christmas in 1861 and the Christmas Eve assassination on the steps of the Roman Catholic cathedral in 1890 are included.

The Ghosts of Christmas Past tours begin at the Tourism Victoria Visitor Centre in the Inner Harbour. Tickets are purchased from the guide before the tour and cost $13.00 CDN/USD for adults and $11.00 CDN/USD for seniors and students. Reservations are not required. Group bookings are also available.

Discover the Past also offers additional walking tours throughout the holiday season including Christmas in Old Victoria, historic walks through Chinatown and Christmas tours by the Old Cemeteries Society. For more information visit http://www.discoverthepast.com/.

Post from Tourism Victoria.

Summertime in Butchart Gardens

ENJOY "THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS" AT VICTORIA'S BUTCHART GARDENS

 Through January 6, 2011 the Butchart Gardens launches its 24th season of The Magic of Christmas. Amongst the tens of thousands of lights found twinkling throughout the lush garden paradise, visitors can take in the delights of the season through the various displays and activities available during the holiday season. Whether it be searching for each of the scenes depicting the Twelve Days of Christmas magnificently tucked away in the gardens, enjoying the live music and traditional caroling held nightly in the Piazza, or by donning a pair of skates and taking a spin on the popular outdoor skating rink, there is something for the young and the young at heart.

For those with little ones in tow, don’t miss taking a ride on the Rose Carousel at The Butchart Gardens. Housed within the Children's Pavilion, The Rose Carousel features thirty hand-carved, hand-painted animals, a menagerie of characters ranging from bears, to horses, to ostriches, to zebras. The carousel is the first of its kind on Vancouver Island.

A National Historic Site of Canada, The Butchart Gardens began in 1904 with an effort to beautify a quarry, and today whether you are a horticulture enthusiast or someone who simply delights in the magic of the season, a visit to The Gardens during the holidays is a must do. The Butchart Gardens is open 365 days a year including Christmas day. Skate rentals are available and sessions begin on the hour, lasting 40 minutes. Reservations and group bookings are also available. For more information visit www.butchartgardens.com/christmas.

Blog from Tourism Victoria.

Images copyright Anne Gordon.

A summer view of the Fairmont Empress Hotel

THE ELEGANT FAIRMONT EMPRESS HOTEL SUPPORTS BC CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FESTIVAL OF TREES


Through January 3, 2011, the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel situated in Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour, welcomes visitors through its doors and into its hallways to witness their transformation into a beautiful lush forest. An annual fundraiser for BC Children's Hospital, The Festival of Trees invites local businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor and decorate dozens of Christmas trees that deck the halls of the hotel over the holiday season.

Now in its 19th year, the Festival has grown to feature 73 trees with locals and visitors alike encouraged to wander through, take in the sometime wacky, often irreverent, but always beautifully decorated trees, and cast a ballot for their favourite tree.



 Empress Hotel overlooking the harbour

 Originally built in 1908, The Fairmont Empress rises regally over Victoria's Inner Harbour and is not only a hotel, but has become a destination in her own right renowned for Afternoon Tea, fine dining in The Empress Room, the Bengal Lounge and the Willow Stream Spa. Throughout her history, The Fairmont Empress has played host to kings, queens and movie stars. With her turn-of-the-century style, The Fairmont Empress captures the grandeur and elegance of a bygone era, while her facilities and services meet the needs of today's traveller. For more information visit www.fairmont.com/empress.

Post from Tourism Victoria

Images copyright Anne Gordon




Aventure Inukshuk dogsled ride in Quebec


CHRISTMAS DOGSLED RIDE IN BEAUTIFUL QUEBEC COUNTRYSIDE

How does a dogsled ride by torchlight grab you? Two companies in the Québec City area offer this service.

Aventures Nord-Bec Stoneham has a winter evening package comprising dinner, a dogsled ride by torchlight and a cocktail served in the woods for adults (juice for those under 18). (418-848-3732)

Aventure Inukshuk, located on the grounds of Station Touristique Duchesnay, organizes guided dogsledding tours. Swoosh along a snowy trail, two people per dogsled, for a one and a half hour tour. Upon your return, enjoy an alcoholic cocktail in a yurt. (418-875-0770).
 
Image copyright Anne Gordon
 
Posted by Anne Gordon on Thursday, 2nd December, 2010

Christmas shop in Old Quebec

  RE-LIVING CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS OF YESTERYEAR IN OLD QUEBEC
 To get into the holiday spirit, take a walking tour of Old Québec and the Quartier Petit-Champlain district to see them bedecked in their Christmas finest. A historical figure from New France will lead you on a two-hour tour to relive history and Christmas traditions of yesteryear. The tour ends with a sampling of local foodstuffs at the Christmas Market.

The tour departs from the Clarendon Hotel on Saturday, December 4, 11 and 18, as well as daily from December 24, 2010, to January 2, 2011. French tours at 11 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m. in English. The tours will wind through the Château Frontenac district, Place-Royale and Espace 400e. Reservations required to guarantee you a spot. Private and groups tours available.

For more information e-mail Marc Duchesne Cicerone at info@cicerone.ca

Image copyright Anne Gordon

Posted by Anne Gordon on Thursday, 2nd December, 2010