So normally, I don't like to sing the praises of Corporate America here at Surrender, Dorothy. Maybe because I work for Corporate America, and I have to think about that crap all day. Maybe because I still remember with fondness a crazy guy in San Francisco singing a song about the bastards in Corporate America in 1998. Maybe out of spite for George W. Bush and everything for which he stands.
But, sometimes they do good things, and when they do, I think we should sort of reward them. Perhaps it will make them practice this charitable behavior again. Because really, they have LOTS AND LOTS OF MONEY, and they should be giving more of it away for a good cause.
Charitable Giver One: Johnson & Johnson
Kristen at Parent Blogger Network alerted me to Johnson & Johnson's charitable giving program. I went over and checked it out, and there are quite a few projects from which to choose. Here's the skinny:
The GlobalGiving Foundation is a 501(c)3 public foundation that ensures that all projects funded through GlobalGiving are led by organizations that are compliant with all international grant-making and antiterrorism provisions of US law. The GlobalGiving Foundation provides all donors with a confirmation of tax deductibility of their contribution and disburses 90% (less transaction fees) to the project selected by the donor. The GlobalGiving Foundation retains 10% to cover operating expenses. The GlobalGiving Foundation has licensed ManyFutures, Inc. to provide technical and marketing infrastructure for the GlobalGiving platform.
Charitable Giver Two: Microsoft
Edelman was responsible for this bit of intel. It seems Microsoft is using its powers for good and not evil, and using the XBox to do so. Beloved would have to respect that, so I'm including them.
On Wednesday, April 23, Microsoft will announce a partnership with Companions in Courage (CiC), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children and families who are overcoming life-threatening obstacles. As part of this partnership, Microsoft is creating a safe, secure and dedicated network allowing young patients across the country to connect with each other while playing their favorite video games over Xbox. Hundreds of hospital-friendly Xbox 360 kiosks will be deployed to playrooms in children’s hospitals throughout the country. In addition to select games, the kiosks will provide access to popular movies and television programs, as well as patients in other hospitals, all through the dedicated Xbox LIVE network. Microsoft’s partnership with Companions in Courage reminds us that the pleasure of playing video games can help alleviate some of the fear and distress associated with hospital stays; these kiosks allow hospitalized kids to be kids.
Political Activist One:
Susan Stone from Postpartum Support International asks us to sign a petition in support of PPD research.
This legislation does NOT recommend drugs, require drugs, or endorse drugs.
What it does is:• Encourage the Department of Health and Human Services to expand the research into the causes of postpartum conditions and find treatments.
• Establish a national public awareness campaign to increase awareness and knowledge of PPD and psychosis.
• Make grants available for programs that develop and offer essential services to women with PPD
Health Activist One:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing has found hazardous levels of selenium, up to 200 times greater than the amount stated on the label, in Tropical Orange and Peach Nectar flavors of “Total Body Formula” and Orange/Tangerine flavor of “Total Body Mega Formula.” Testing also revealed elevated levels of chromium in the supplements, up to 17 times greater than the amount stated on the label. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with state health departments to identify cases of selenium toxicity associated with the supplements. Total Body Essential Nutrition, Inc, has voluntarily recalled the affected products.
CDC urges consumers to throw away all bottles of Total Body Formula Tropical Orange with lot numbers 4016801, 4024801 and 4031801; Total Body Formula Peach Nectar with lot numbers 4016802 and 4031802; and Total Body Mega Formula Orange/Tangerine with lot number 4031803.
The company distributed supplements to Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, and sold them directly over the Internet. Ten of these states have reported cases of selenium toxicity.
Okay, I think I've cleaned out my inbox now. God, it feels so good to tell the world about helpful shit for a change.
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Read the review of a new audio CD story for kids at Surrender, Dorothy: Reviews.
