It is that time of year again, folks — the Project Valour-IT Veteran’s Day Fundraiser! Many of you I’m sure are familiar, but for those who are not, let’s go over it. Project Valour-IT was started three years ago, and delivers voice-activated laptops to wounded soldiers to help them recover and regain a sense of normalcy, to help them continue to feel connected to the world. It has recently expanded to include giving Wiis and GPS systems to wounded veterans as well. According to Soldiers Angels, who launched the program, video games like Wii Sports are more than just games — they have learned from physical therapists that they’re great tools to aid the recovery of our wounded heroes.

Sounds like a pretty great program, huh? Well, here’s the kicker. Their accounts are empty. They have run out of money but the need is still there. So they are counting on us to help them out, so that they can help those who fought for us and sacrificed for us. The theme this year is “Give up something to give to the troops”. Yes, times are tight right now, but you know what? Maybe instead of taking your family out to eat at Carabba’s you just stay at home and cook dinner, and donate that $80 to Soldiers Angels instead. Maybe instead of going to Starbucks every day to get your Grande Skinny Mocha Frappucino (or whatever the hell it is you buy there) at $6 a pop, you donate that $30 for the week to Soldiers Angels. These are soldiers who risked their lives and are now dealing with life-changing injuries, and did so to defend our freedoms. They’ve sacrificed unbelievably for us; surely we can sacrifice a little for them.

This year, I’m joining the Marine Corps team (what else?). You can donate to whichever branch you want, it all goes to the same account, but whichever team gets the most money gets bragging rights and frankly, the Marines are getting their butts kicked right now by the Army and the Navy. Seriously, guys — we’re getting beaten by the Squids? Let’s change that, shall we? You can donate here on the blog or just head over to Soldiers Angels. So, come on guys — shell out the money. You know it’s for a good cause. And it’s the least we can do. Plus, you need to make my team look good! So please, DONATE, even if it’s just a little bit, and please donate to the Marine Corps team!!