The Starlight Children’s Foundation: 5th January 2007...

My wife and I came to support The Starlight Children’s foundation after we visited Pizza Hut in the center of Edinburgh, Scotland in the mid nineties. I noted that there were collection boxes for Starlight, but that they were almost hidden from sight behind the counters of the restaurant. I asked one of the passing service staff why this was the case and they explained that it was that way because there had been instances of persons entering the store with the sole intent of stealing the boxes and running off with them.

Naturally, we were both saddened by this and made a contribution on the spot. We also “adopted” Starlight as one of the charitable institutions we would support for years to come (alongside Dogs Trust, Marie Curie, The Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children and our little Anali Rabelo from Peru who we sponsor through Plan International). Since then we’ve learned many times over how our contributions have gone to good use, helping children in the worst situation enjoy a special Starlight “wish” - be it meeting one of their heroes, swimming with Dolphins or attending their favorite movie premier.

The latest Starlight Newsletter that I received touched me deeply and I made a note to again mention Starlight on our web site and to appeal to you, the customer or casual visitor, to bring this organization into your heart.

At this time of year the TV commercials are very indicative of the feeling of “starting afresh”. Do It Yourself stores are advertising their wares as they know people are thinking about making commitments to their quality of life, their standard of living, their home life quality. There are many new magazines appearing here and there - collect semi precious stones, discover the most intimate details of The Lord of the Rings and so forth. But at this time of year I think the best new start anyone can make is by finding a new way to give instead of finding something new to take.

I think many people share my view that the world could and should be made a better place. Its easy to make it that way if we all try a little bit. So if you can give a little, please try to. And if you’re lucky enough to be able to give a lot - then give a lot!

Best wishes and a very happy 2007 to everyone.

Richard W. Fairbairn

Manager, RWF Talking Software