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Charities We Support
- NEW! Wonderdog Run Club
- ALSO NEW! Fastkids.ca
Making the World a Better and Safer Place for People and Dogs
For over 2 decades, my family and I have been involved with local and worldwide charities. We decided we would like to dedicate more time to these worthwhile causes and for the first time, invite others to get involved.
A concern to me and anyone who has ever donated to a charity is accountability. How will the money be spent? Will it actually make its way to those in need? The four charities listed below are organizations with long-standing track records or are run by individuals I have known personally for many years.
I met John and Judy Pex from Elat, Israel in 1982. John and Judy have been involved in numerous charitable causes since that time. One of the key projects that my family and I have been contributing to in Israel is in helping Sudanese refugees find jobs and housing. Most of these refugees traveled on foot from Sudan to Israel and risked their lives on the journey. Even as they crossed the border from Egypt to Israel, many were being shot at by the Egyptian border patrol. My goal over the next year is to raise enough funds for an entire Sudanese family to be relocated to Canada to start a new life.
Respect-A-Bull dog rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing abused and abandoned bully breed dogs. Their goal is to increase public awareness about these strong breed dogs and ensure that their rescue dogs are good breed ambassadors. For more information please check out their web site at www.respect-a-bull.com or contact Dave and Joanne at respect_a_bull@msn.com
Open Door has been established since 1986 and is one of the foremost charitable organizations in Victoria providing help to the marginalized, and the homeless. It runs solely on the support and funding of the citizens of Victoria. My goal for this charity is to continue to provide financial support and time whenever possible. I would also like to encourage others to get involved even if it means a few hours of volunteer time. If you would like to join my family the next time we volunteer, email us and we'll be sure to let you know when we are attending next. To make a financial contribution, click here.
World Vision is an example of a charity that has a long-standing track record and will divulge exactly where the funds are going. The key area of our support over the years has been sponsoring orphans in war torn Africa. Your support will provide direct funding for food, clothing, housing and schooling for these orphans. My long term goal for this charity is to provide regular fundraisers that raise awareness and financial support for this most worthwhile cause. For more information click here.
For over ten years, we have provided free dog training services whenever there is a need. Many involved would otherwise not be able to afford the services of a professional dog trainer which ultimately could mean their dogs would suffer the consequences. In the future, my goal is to be more involved providing this service to canine rescue organizations. Click here for more information.
Is your dog overweight or out of shape? Time to join the Wonderdog Run Club! Ben and the dogs run for 1 to 2 hrs, and then hang out and play on the beach till noon.
This service is by donation only with all proceeds going to World Vision. The suggested donation is $30 per session. Payment will not be made out to Ben - all proceeds will go directly to World Vision. For more info on Wonderdog Run Club click here.
Ben Kersen started fastkids.ca with a vision of giving back to the community and making a difference in young people's lives. Ben is providing his time and expertise at no charge to anyone wanting to learn more about being self sufficient in business. The concept for fastkids.com was designed with kids in mind but all ages are welcome. Ben is particularly interested in helping the disadvantaged, those who have recently immigrated to Canada or have refugee status, and anyone who could use a mentor including kids from single parent or low income families, but that said, all are welcome.
To learn more about his company and the charities he is involved with, click on these links: www.wonderdogs.bc.ca , http://www.wonderdogs.bc.ca/news/charities.html and http://wonderdogs.bc.ca/training/kersen-bio.html .
Ben started his business in Kelowna, British Columbia in 1979 when he was 19 years old. He has been teaching and guiding students in his Dog Trainers Program for over 10 years on how to start their own business. He has over 300 successful graduates worldwide.
When Ben was a child, he was constantly coming up with business ideas. Whether it was his newspaper route, mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or caddying at the local golf course, he was always making money and learning about business. There are a number of businesses that can be started without spending a nickel and this is a concept that Ben will focus on. The goal of these sessions would be not only to discuss business, but to actually get each individual started with their own business. Ben will teach sales, marketing, advertising and numerous other concepts gearing all participants for success. Ben's time would not necessarily be limited to the monthly meetings should anyone need extra time.
As a young adult Ben had a lot of self confidence and to this day, he believes much of that confidence stems from the independence he gained from his early business experiences. Many elementary and high schools don't cover the basics for business success. The information Ben will provide to all participants will be invaluable in terms of creating their own small business.
The following are a few benefits of owning and operating a small business:
Tax Benefits
Being self-employed entitles you to many business expenses. You will pay 20-30% less tax than the average company worker or government employee.
Flexible Time Schedule Being self employed allows you to set your own hours, instead of punching a clock at 8:00 am, each day. In addition, you can take vacation time when it suits your schedule. Low Overhead Being self employed often requires minimal cash outlay. Simplicity Have you ever known anybody who owns a retail outlet or restaurant? Just the inventory alone can be a major headache. Proprietors also deal with day-to-day concerns such as rent increases, shoplifting, etc. Ben will show you how to start businesses where these problems are virtually non-existent. |
You Own It!
Imagine being your own boss instead of having to constantly answer to your supervisor. As a business owner you will set the parameters for your company, deciding on your own policies.
Great Income Potential
As a business owner your income potential has no bounds. The most successful people in the world are business owners that started small.
The following are examples of topics Ben will cover:
- Sales: the backbone of any business
- Advertising conception and implementation
- Creating an image through company uniforms, vehicles, stationery, etc.
- Increasing word-of-mouth advertising
- Public Relations: from young children to senior citizens - recognizing your client's specific needs and tailoring your teaching approach accordingly
- Zoning regulations
- Incorporation vs. proprietorship
- Designing forms, contracts, and literature that save time and repetition
- Pros and cons of expanding your business
- Basic income tax information: how to maximize your write-offs and decrease your income tax.
The first fastkids.ca meeting will take place very soon at Ben's home at 133 Joseph Street. Please RSVP by phone or email to confirm your attendance as seating is limited. Meetings are not just limited to Ben's expertise but will include other successful business owners.
Would you like to join me in making the world a better and safer place for people and dogs? To get involved with any of these organizations, contact me about how you can provide your time or resources in a number of creative ways.
Best wishes from Ben and family
