Troop Calls IV - Help our troops for a chance to win a $200 PP Gift Certificate

[mike55]

Fellow Pelicans;

It's hard to believe it's been a year since our last Troop Calls donation drive; but here we are. The situation in Iraq has improved a great deal; however, things have become far more serious and dangerous in Afghanistan. Deployments of American, Canadian and other nation troops will be increasing. More soldiers will be away from family and friends over the holidays again this year.

This year, as in the past, I'll be purchasing pre-paid calling cards through military exchanges and sending them off to the Red Cross and CFPSA for distribution directly to the troops over there. Last year we purchased the 80 minute cards so that more troops benefited. This year we'll do the same. I hope to make the bulk of the purchases and card donations prior to Christmas.

Last season we raised $2473 for the purchase of the calling cards, bringing our total so far to $8130. With these funds, we've purchased over 50,000 minutes of talk time. I hope we can add to this.

Also, last season, we made a dedication to one of the fallen soldiers. The cards were purchased and donated in his name. I think it helped all of us put in perspective what we tried to do. This year, I'd like to do the same. If you have an idea or name in this regard, please contact me directly.

With all that has happened economically over the past year, I hope things have improved enough for many to step up and give what they can. I'll ask all of the prior donors to help spread the word - family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc.. Every dollar will help, whether it's Paypal spare change, $5, $10, or more. From a group that has given over and over again, I can't expect much more. However, your generosity has has been evident since 2007 and I hope in one way or another it will continue. I'm happy to put in the time and effort again as well.

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting to this thread with updates, news and totals. If you prefer to stay anonymous, just let me know. As always, donors will receive direct update emails. The UltraPatriot.com website is up and running and I'll be updating it as well. Please visit it periodically. Donations can be made at ay time via PayPal to troopcalls@ultrapatriot.com or by clicking on the donate button below or on the website. Again, any amount, big or small, will be put to good use. All proceeds net of PayPal fees will go to the purchase of the cards. Since UltraPatriot is not a registered charity, I can't issue tax receipts; so there's no tax benefit to you or me.

AND.... I'm happy to say that once again this year, with the help of Wayne at Pelican Parts, one donor's name will be randomly selected for a $200 PelicanParts.com gift certificate to spend on the Pelican site as they choose. Big thanks again to Wayne for his generosity.

Thanks again to all and I hope we're as successful in 2009/2010 as we were last year! Let's try to keep the thread on topic. As always, I'm open to any and all feedback you have. If you have questions or comments, drop me a line at any time.......

Mike

p.s. For those unfamiliar with what we're doing, here's a link to the last drive's thread:

Help for the Troops III


Donations in the order received:

George M., RL $250
Michael R., PP/RL $50
Ginger S., CC $100
Mike Z., CC $50
Tim R., RL $100
Mitch L., PP $25
Jay L., RL $50
Don T., RL $50
Joseph R., RL $50
Terry C., CC $100
Marc G., RL $20
Brian B., RL $200
Kirk F., PP $30
Chris B., RL $100
Darrell E., PP $100
Bob W., RL $25
Mark S., PP $50
Russell N., RL $30
Terry R., RL $50
Gregg S., PP $150
Ed S., RL $100
Dennis M., RL $25
Joel M., RL $50
Brendan O., RL $300
Jamestown HS Cafeteria Ladies $25
Jason W., RL $100
Jen & John D., RW $100
Sean R., RW $25
John W., RL $175
Chris S., RW $100
Anonymous $500
Jesper V., PP $25
Chris S., PP $50
Vern L., PP $50
Andrew M., PP $50
Charles C., PP $100
Anonymous $15
Katie & Charlie B., RW $10
Mike P. $20
Bill W., RL $100
Robert A., RW $25
Michael S., RL $50
Tony M., RL $50
Ray S., RW $25
Robert C., PP $100
Drew G., RL $100
Charles M., PP $50
Richard S., PP $25
Hiram L., PP $100
Roger G., RL $25
Dennis W. $25
Kirk P., RL $25
Douglas L., PP $40
James K. $50


Total = $4190

[mike55]

One week has passed and we're off to a great start. A special thanks goes to the perennial donors that haved helped since day 1 and again to Wayne for the gift certificate and the space. His help is immeasurable.

Once again, I'm pleased to say the Red Cross has sent another thank you letter to the group. It's nice to get this recognition from an organization that's in the lead when it comes to helping others. I've posted it to the website and you can view it by clicking here .

For all the members and guests alike, if the cause isn't reason enough, hopefully the Gift Certificate will sway you. Every donation, big or small, will get you an equal chance to win the GC. So let's deliver some welcome gifts overseas and possibly treat your P-car to some goodies as well.

As of now, there have been lots of views, but only ONE Pelican member on the donor list. I hope we can do better; so please help if you can. We'll need all the help we can get. It really is worth the effort.

[Shoepop]

Mike, you are a true patriot, $ sent.

[83-911SC cab]

Posted this on another thread but wanted to do here also, the more that see this the better..

I know times are tight but I figured I could put off one of my P-car projects just a little longer for this awesome cause.. Just sent my donation today.

Lets all see what we can do for these courageous individuals putting their lives on the line for us so that we can do what we love, with the ones we love..

Gregg S.

[83-911SC cab]

Mike,

Again another job well done..I was thinking of all the people on here that had received a part for free from the other generous members on here. If these people would donate the money they were going to spend for the parts they received to this fine cause I am sure we could get much more money..

I know I have given away 3 items because other members needed them and I had them just laying around..no big deal they were not going to make me rich if I sold them so off they went for free.

So lets get off our wallets folks, If you got something for nothing then how about a little Karma here... If you did not get any free-bee's then the next time you are going out to eat, drink, watch a movie, catch a game, etc.... lets think about the people across the globe not being able to do these things.

One less night eating out, one less movie you will be disappointed in once done viewing, a few less drinks the next time out with the friends.. Lets see how many we can help get in touch with loved ones.

Gregg

[mike55]

To all Vets, Happy Veteran's Day / Remembrance Day. Lets keep those that have served and are currently serving in our thoughts, especially on this day......

[Shoepop]

Today of all days is the time to open your wallet and show appreciation. ALL vet's THANK YOU VERY much for your service.

[mike55]

Another bit of great News. John D. of Reutterwerk.com has offered to double the PP gift certificate amount. So, one lucky donor will receive a $400 gift certificate courtesy of Wayne, John and me.

[85Shark]

Mike,

Made a quick donation for a great cause, keep up the great work.

Merry Christmas to our troops everywhere!

[Shoepop]

Mike, I can't express enough how much I appreciate your dedication to our soldiers over the years. The key word is OUR, times are tough for sure but when I think how tough it is being in a nasty location doing a nasty job things don't look so bad here. I had the opportunity to meet a soldier who received a calling card purchased through you and the efforts of all that contributed and can not express how much it meant to him, it brought a tear to my eye which is hard to do Thank you and the contributor's VERY much.

[mike55]

This version of the Troop Calls donation drive is over. We've raised $4027.50 (net) and in turn have purchased 225, 80-minute pre-paid cards for distribution in Iraq and Afghanistan. This will allow 225 soldiers to speak with family and friends back home for 18,000 minutes (300 hours) in total. Donors, please check your emails.

The winner of the $400 PP gift certificate is fellow P-car enthusiast Roger G.. Congratulations Roger!

Thanks go out to the PP crew and the members that have stepped up to help. Best of the Season to all,

Mike

[Torana Dan]

I wouldn't trust this "Mike" if my life depended on it.

This guy Mike is a CROOK. I paid him $2000 (aud) for a set of quad 48 IDA weber carbs. and he never sent them to me, HE KEPT MY MONEY AND THE CARBS.
He sent me a tracking number that didn't exist. and told me they would be insured incase they were lost on their journy to OZ. NONE OF WHICH WAS TRUE

This was months ago now and now he wont respond to any of my emails

Mike, Thanks for stealing my hard earned $ and ripping off a kind honest hard working person my self. Remember what comes around goes around mate.

DO NOT TRUST THIS GUY HE STOLE $1600 USD FROM ME.

keep your money people, Mike is a crook.

[ljowdy]

After reading this about mike55:

Weber 48IDA Carbs

It has to make you wonder if everyone got screwed??

[Shoepop]

Originally Posted by ljowdy

After reading this about mike55:

Weber 48IDA Carbs

It has to make you wonder if everyone got screwed??

Sounds like it. Torana Dan was credited and acknowledged so. Ebay/PP does what it wants to do when it wants to do it.