Since it's the season of giving, just in case you are looking for somewhere to park your charity dollars, I have a couple of suggestions.
The UNHCR is doing critical work with refugees around the world, but especially in Syria. It seems appropriate to ease the suffering of so many people in the region from which this week's holiday stems.
For Vancouver friends looking for something closer to home, there's the Jessie and Bandit Animal Care Fund, at Canada West Vets. We were able to afford Diesel's recent brain surgery (for values of "afford" that still managed to give my wallet palpitations), but many people would have an even harder decision on their hands. The fine staff at Canada West gave us one of the best Christmas presents ever. Help them give someone else the same gift.
Happy Holidays to you all!