28 Days Of Inspiration – Day 7

O’Connell Valor Fund

So far, the 28 Days have largely focused on individuals: George Washington Carver, James Stockdale for instance.  The first day was dedicated to the observance of a specific day influenced by a person, Ada Lovelace Day, but otherwise the inspiration has been person centric.  Today we move away from that a bit.

The O’Connell Valor Fund is a registered charity with its sole purpose to raise money to help Veterans who may be having a hard time of it and providing them with some of the small necessities of life.  The mission statement is simple:

Our goal is simple – help our U.S. Military heroes, next-of-kin, and families better cope with daily life so they can heal with some peace of mind knowing basic essentials are covered. This might include a monthly utility bill payment, groceries for the week, making sure their child’s birthday is a little extra special, and many other basic essentials many of us take for granted.

Fully 100% of donations are purposed directly to the charity’s programs – 100% – because it’s run as a labor of love by its founder, Richard O’Connell after he set it up in honor of two Uncles who served in the US Military.

It’s a modest mission, but an earnest one.  Food gift cards for a Veteran’s family; a heating oil purchase.  Just the little things that can go unattended because of the demands of the larger things.  I am regularly canvased by huge non-profit organizations  whose donations are often eaten away at by overhead costs  and not one of them can promote 100% of donations going directly to the people the organization serves.

Richard puts the money where his mouth is: he ran a 50k race to raise money for a vet in need, he donates his time to the charity, and he runs it without any salary or expense reimbursement.

It’s inspirational for me to see how one person can take a vision and make such an impact for those who have given their time, health, commitment for this country.  One man, one entity designed to make life better for those who offer to defend this country.

Take a minute. “Like” the Facebook page.  Maybe send a small donation.  Or even better, find out what you can do to raise up people in need.

Author: Mo

I consider myself a bit of a loner. I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolf pack. I like old school sneakers, baggy jeans, and oversized sweatshirts. I believe there is no such thing as a short sleeve dress shirt. I like neckties. I do not understand camping, car racing, or algebra – but I can camp and have been known to go a little faster than the speed limit. I have NEVER been known to do a quadratic equation. View all posts by Mo