I had my first official public function last Friday and that was to present a check to Prink Triangle Services. The Ottawa Bears raised funds by selling 50/50 tickets for PTS during the Mr. Ottawa Bear competition on January 17th so it was our way of giving back to the community and to such a wonderful organization. Thank you Wes and to everyone at Pink Triangle Services. I look forward to working with you this year. (please check out their website at www.pinktriangle.org).
It seems that in these difficult economic times everyone is looking for a little something. Usually in form of cash of check.
There is nothing wrong with that. I'm a beleiver of those who CAN give and those who don't know that there is no shame in taking so long as you give back in some way.
Every company today is cutting back. Every job and function and spending account is being scruitinized. I find that charities and not for profit will suffer at the hands of the current recession. Economist already predict that thousands of not for profit organizations in our community will suffer their demise over tight purse strings.
Then there is the GLBT community. Often you will hear people say: "The gays have money to burn because they have high disposable incomes". Great if you don't have a mortgage, a husband, kids and a dog to feed.
So before you go out on a weekend binge at the pub or restaurants or you just gotta have that triple latte with half whip and chocolate sprinkles on top, be aware that your community does not always have the means to go out and do the same. There are many of us that are not fortunate to have solid employement or the right skills to make it in life.
I'm not saying stop spending. If the economy is going to survive the GLBT community can probably carry it on it's sholders!
Be responsible. Think. Act. Help. If someone asks you to spare a loonie or a toonie for a charity or a donation, give. If you see me selling 50/50 tickets and you know my money always goes to good causes, give.
Give because you can. Give because you want to and if you can't give cash then give your time.
It's not always about the money. Giving back comes in many ways.
I'm always grateful to those who gave to me when I needed it the most. I paid them back and those who didn't want to be paid back, I made sure someone else in need got my check...
A buck really does go a long way.
Until next time,
MOB09
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Being Mr. Ottawa Bear
First, let me say welcome to anyone who takes the time to read on. I decided to blog and track some of the things that I will be doing as Mr. Ottawa Bear (MOB) throughout 2009.
I really came into this by accident. A few people asked me to be more active within the community and well, I'm like everyone else, short on time.
So MOB was having their annual competition and they asked me if I wanted to present myself as a candiate. Why not? While I'm not the one to prance around on a stage, I did like the fact that I could help raise funds for charity, participate in some fun activities and well meet some sexy men in the process.
I'm no small man. I think that there is too much emphasis today on the hairless, youthfullness of the typical male. That's not what most of us look like. It has never been a goal of mine to look like a tiny twink. Not that there is anything wrong with tiny twinks... That's the thing. I think there should be room for all of us as the table. (just some of us eat more than others!)
So I ended up winning MOB mostly because I wanted to make a contribution to the Ottawa community. I wanted the average guy to have a voice as big as his girth... to participate and to give back. I was not the sexiest of the contestants, nor the furriest, nor did I show the most skin but I did show a determination to participate and have fun.
I'll keep this into short for now. I wanted to set things up... but I also want to hear from you. What does the typical bear want to hear? What is it that you want to know and can't seem to get the inside info on? Is there life and dating outside of a bar environment? You tell me and I'll tell you what I know.
I'll try to do all of that this year. I'll share some very colorful stories and the places I will let MOB bring me to this year..... If I know the queer community, it promises to be one busy year!
Think if the blog as sort of Sex in the City.. but more like Bear in the City. Or just plain old out of the woods will do too!
Until next time,
MOB09
I really came into this by accident. A few people asked me to be more active within the community and well, I'm like everyone else, short on time.
So MOB was having their annual competition and they asked me if I wanted to present myself as a candiate. Why not? While I'm not the one to prance around on a stage, I did like the fact that I could help raise funds for charity, participate in some fun activities and well meet some sexy men in the process.
I'm no small man. I think that there is too much emphasis today on the hairless, youthfullness of the typical male. That's not what most of us look like. It has never been a goal of mine to look like a tiny twink. Not that there is anything wrong with tiny twinks... That's the thing. I think there should be room for all of us as the table. (just some of us eat more than others!)
So I ended up winning MOB mostly because I wanted to make a contribution to the Ottawa community. I wanted the average guy to have a voice as big as his girth... to participate and to give back. I was not the sexiest of the contestants, nor the furriest, nor did I show the most skin but I did show a determination to participate and have fun.
I'll keep this into short for now. I wanted to set things up... but I also want to hear from you. What does the typical bear want to hear? What is it that you want to know and can't seem to get the inside info on? Is there life and dating outside of a bar environment? You tell me and I'll tell you what I know.
I'll try to do all of that this year. I'll share some very colorful stories and the places I will let MOB bring me to this year..... If I know the queer community, it promises to be one busy year!
Think if the blog as sort of Sex in the City.. but more like Bear in the City. Or just plain old out of the woods will do too!
Until next time,
MOB09
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