Booze and Charity - they go together like...

[trishkit]

The Ontario government has just made it easier for its citizens to make a donation for tsumani disaster relief. They are now accepting donations at all liquor and beer stores. I think it is a neat idea. It has been done before and other provinces are doing the same right now, but I never really thought about the concept until now.

In Ontario, alcohol can only be purchased in stores/outlets that are owned by the provincial government. Beer is sold in stores named "The Beer Store", liquor, wine and beer at stores named "LCBO" (Liquor Control Board of Ontario). How tourists are expected to figure out what LCBO means is beyond me, but the system has worked for many years.

Anyhow, the government operates 1,300 beer, liquor and wine stores. Just about every small town at least has a Beer Store. It actually is a perfect way to give people an easy way to make a donation. Everyone has a beer or liquor store nearby, and it seems like a lot of people visit them regularly anyways. There are very few companies that have that kind of presence across the province. Sure, everyone goes to the grocery store, but different towns have different companies. The TD Bank is seems to be omnipresent, but it is a pain in the ass to go into a bank these days.

The Beer Store says that it will also allow/encourage its patrons to donate the money from their empty returns to the fund. Apparently January is their busiest month for empties, so they think it is a great opportunity to generate some donations.

I've written before about my thoughts on how alcohol is such an accepted part of society. I am ambivalent at best on the subject, but at least it is producing some benefit to the world.

Here is a link: Toronto Star article. I've just linked to the Ontario page, as direct article links are often time sensitive with them. Just scroll down the page to "Beer, liquor stores to accept donations".

Comments

[cleverocity.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's a good idea. I don't drink beer but live right near a Beer Store and it's always very busy. I hope lots of people will donate.

it is a pain in the ass to go into a bank these days.

Yes. I cannot even remember the last time I went into an actual bank. I do all my banking at ATMs and online now. Because I hate going in so much. Also, I have one of my accounts at a branch that's turned into a Second Cup, so going there is pretty pointless. (They still print my cheques with that address. Isn't that weird?)

[trishkit.livejournal.com]

Yes, that is very weird :) Banks are weird in general. I have always had the same TD account with my hometown bank, no matter where I live. It is very convenient. For years, my twin and I would forge each other's names, depending on who actually lived there with no problem. Then, they actually took my sister aside one day last year and asked her if she would feel comfortable signing my name to something so that they could complete a transaction without waiting! Small towns rock!

And on the subject of forgery, my little brother's vehicle ownership and insurance is in my name. But all of the paperwork has been signed by my sister. My mom was all excited that I was in town a couple of months ago so I could sign the plate renewal form, until we figured out that Cathy had signed just about everything as me in the past. Our signatures are scarily similar anyways.

[fromward.livejournal.com]

That's a neat idea. How are you btw?

[trishkit.livejournal.com]

Stressed and procrastinating. I have way too much work to finish by Saturday morning. I swear to God this is the LAST time I am doing this to myself. I REALLY mean it!

Just the same, I am looking forward to this trip home, since Cat Pee and I will be accompanying Dad to the Toronto International Boat Show. It will be just like old times. I'll be there for two days, and Cathy is working with him for the whole week.

How are you? I assume that you survived Christmas more or less intact!

[fromward.livejournal.com]

Hee.

Oh, Boat Show. Never been to one. Have a great time!

Christmas was alright. I'm enjoying the wintry days, taking walks etc. My nerves have been a bit shot ever since I got back to school, but I'm trying to take it easy. :)

[trishkit.livejournal.com]

Boat Shows are incredibly boring. I suppose that people who really like boats and/or are shopping think they are neat, but they are very dull when you are working. Cathy and I used to work boat shows in varying capacities with Dad all through High School and University, so it will be fun from a nostalgic point of view this time around (for the first couple of hours at least). It has been about 10 years since we three have done a show together.

Yay, walking!! Good for you!! I actually haven't been getting out very regularly because I have been ill with the flu/cold and I was coughing madly every time I stepped outside. I'm better now, though, so I must get back into the swing of things. There is a canal 2 blocks away that is kept plowed for skating. It is several miles long. I am not much of a skater, but I am going to give it a go this winter.

Definitely take it easy (if you can) and get your poor nerves back to a manageable state. I'm way too caffeinated and stressed right now to suggest any coping strategies! All that I can say is "hang in there"!