Charity Times Magazine - FIGHTING POVERTY WITH PENCILS

Are your purchasing habits influenced by a company's philanthropic support of certain causes?

	Yes. I already buy products from companies that support certain causes.
	Yes, I would buy products if I knew the company was supporting charities.
	Maybe ... it depends on what the proceeds are being used for.
	No, there isn't enough transparency to prove my money goes to help.

FIGHTING POVERTY WITH PENCILS

TORONTO - Robin Mednick has volunteered for many organizations over the years, but a conversation with a photographer friend three years ago changed everything.

The friend, Dan Galbraith, had just returned from the Francophone Games in Niger and he was overwhelmed by the country's crippling poverty. He told Ms. Mednick about a school where 30 children shared a single pencil.