Hockey fans who just can’t get enough hockey in June might want to make the trip to the CIH (Canadian International Hockey) Arena in Rockland Sunday afternoon to see, and mingle with, many of the top area pros in the second annual Kevin Lalande Foundation Hockey Classic.

Lalande, the former Belleville Bulls netminder and Calgary Flames draft (fifth round, 2005), has played the last three seasons in the KHL in Russia, the last two with Minsk Dynamo.

Many people know that I try to help fund-raising peers who are skilled and passionate, get ahead in career and life.

But there comes a point, where you hit a wall. Because you can’t learn more, or don’t know what you need to learn. Or no one will let you be more where you are. AFP Fundraising Day in Toronto is coming up. Many people will get a chance to reconnect with mentors at this important event, maybe you’ll meet a new mentor there….

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The sale of special Winnipeg Jets license plates has raised more than $800,000 so far for children’s charities.

Premier Greg Selinger said on Friday that 27,000 of the specialty plates have been sold in the last year by more than 300 Autopac agents. The plates cost $70 and $30 of that goes to the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.

That money is then passed on to programs that provide opportunities for disadvantaged kids.

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Want to buy a Corvette? No, not the new C7 Chevrolet Corvette that made its splashy debut at the North American International Auto Show this past week.

The one going on the auction block at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., on Friday has a bit more miles on the odometer, though it appears the relatively rare ’58 ‘Vette is in excellent condition.  It also happens to be the personal car of Dan Akerson, CEO of Chevy’s parent, General Motors.

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Dozens of people rang in the new year with an icy plunge at Black Rock Beach in Halifax.

Over 100 people gathered on the shore just before noon to watch those brave enough to face the water for a charity polar bear dip.

At the sounds of whistle the dippers made a mad dash towards the water. Most people quickly turned around, but a few waded long enough to enjoy a quick sip from a flask before seeking warmth.

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The White House has given its OK to a plan that would require all future cars and trucks be equipped with event data records – most commonly referred to as “black boxes.”

The majority of vehicles produced today already have such devices onboard and they have aided in recent investigations into such safety issues as the so-called unintended acceleration scare at Toyota. But the use of the technology has also raised some concerns with privacy advocates.

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This guy is really awesome, thanks Mark! Actor and producer Mark Wahlberg will be working in Toronto’s financial district Wednesday morning – and it’s for a good cause.

The Hollywood star is scheduled to be on the CIBC trading floor to call clients seeking donations for children’s charities.

“I know first-hand the important work done by charities and organizations that support kids and youth,” Wahlberg said in a press release. “As a kid, I was fortunate enough to spend my free time in the positive and nurturing environment of the Boys and Girls club.”

Wahlberg is supporting CIBC Miracle Day, an annual one-day fundraiser where CIBC wholesale banking employees and participating CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors donate their fees and commissions. The initiative has raised nearly $65 million since 1984.

Love this pic!

In was an oh sh-t! moment.

There is a Rabbinic saying that you should not laugh at your enemy’s failure.  But we all do it because we are human.  This past week, Charity Intelligence, a “charity watch-dog” lost their CRA charity status for forgetting to file their paperwork on time.  While this has a hint of irony, there are some broader lessons to be gleaned from this.  So before we, shake our heads and laugh, as Don McCreesh, past chairman of Imagine Canada, an umbrella organization for Canada’s charitable sector, told Paul Waldie of the Globe & Mail. Perhaps we should look at what Kate Bahen and her team have actually brought to Canada’s charitable sector.

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A 70-year-old bicyclist from suburban Chicago is setting off on a 2,500-mile ride along the West Coast in an attempt to raise $1 million for health care causes.

Bob Lee, of Barrington, got a send-off party this weekend for his two-month campaign, which he’s dubbed the “Ride for 3 Reasons.”

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