Wounded Warriors News

jeff fishman jared allen

As mentioned in the Wounded Warriors section of this site, this is a terrific organization that does excellent things for very deserving people. There was a story recently on abc15.com that offers a great example of the work they do. It starts: “An Army vet wounded while on duty was presented a very deserving gift Friday: A home especially catered to him and his needs as a wounded warrior.” The ceremony during which the home was presented to the injured Army Ranger sounds like it was a grand affair, and deservedly so, decorated with American flags and attended by family, neighbors, and dignitaries. President Obama himself, in fact, made an appearance.

After recovering from an injury caused by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, the Ranger was left blind in one eye and partially paralyzed. His new home was specifically designed to cater to his needs with these injuries, and was provided by Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors Program, which was started by NFL defensive end Jared Allen. There is a nice quote in the above article from Allen himself: “We don’t provide houses, we provide homes.”

Allen started his foundation in 2009 after returning from a USO trip to military bases in the Middle East. From the foundation’s website, “Jared Allen was moved by the commitment, dedication, and sacrifices that our soldiers make every day to protect our freedom.” He seeks to make a positive life-changing difference in the lives of those who need it most, and to make life for wounded vets just a little bit easier.

from Jeff Fishman’s Philanthropy Website http://ift.tt/1x6lQFI
via IFTTT

Firefighters Raise Money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

I read a really nice story this week about the Scott Firefighter Stairclimb in Seattle, which is an annual event to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Firefighters from around the country, some even come from around the world, participate in this terrific event for a very worthy cause. The fire personnel dress up in full firefighting gear, including breathing equipment, and climb 69 flights, 1,311 stairs in total. At the end of the climb, that extra oxygen from the breathing equipment may turn out to come in handy. People who wish to support this event can sponsor individual firefighters or companies.

In each of the past two years, the firefighter team from Boise Idaho has raised the most money. Since 2009, they have raised over $200,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With each team trying to raise the most money, and, of course, trying to beat all the others in the race, an element of friendly competition is added to this great event.

The benefit in the stairclimb is in more than just the money that is raised. For the firefighters who participate, it also means an essential bonding opportunity with the people they work with and with others in their profession from around the country. It also turns out to be essential exercise and training. The Scott Firefighter Stairclimb is really a win-win any way you look at it. I wish all of the participants the best of luck, and hope their efforts are rewarded by sponsorship and generous donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

from Jeff Fishman’s Philanthropy Website http://ift.tt/19Fn0NU
via IFTTT