The Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health awarded grants totalling $2.1 million to 47 non-profit community groups that help Canadians living with mental illness. Since the Foundation was created in 2008, Canada Post has delivered more than $4.6 million in grants to almost 100 organizations across Canada.

The 2011 campaign is now underway and until October 1, customers who visit a post office will be asked to donate to the Foundation after every transaction. Other activities include portion of the proceeds from the sale of mental health stamps and a mental health Priority^TM Next A.M./Xpresspost^TM  domestic prepaid envelope.  (read more)

published September 18th, 2011

Canada Post unveiled the 2011 Mental Health stamp to help kick off the company’s annual fundraising campaign for community-based mental health initiatives across Canada. In November 2010, a competition was launched to help find a design, in which the five finalists were subjected to a popular vote, a first in Canada Post’s 160 years.

The Puzzle, a design by Terrebonne resident Miriane Majeau received the most points and will adorn over 3.5 million stamps available at post offices across Canada. A dollar from the sale of every booklet of 10 stamps is donated to the Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health.  (read more)

published September 11th, 2011

It was in 1996 that the international breast cancer expert Dr Ernie Bodai launched the first breast-cancer stamp. The idea was for this stamp to raise a maximum of donations for breast cancer research. In the meantime, the stamp has raised an unbelievable USD 30 million in America for the National Cancer Institute and the breast cancer research programme. Encouraged by the success, Dr Bodai has made it his life’s work to launch this stamp in as many countries as possible to promote national breast cancer research. He has already encountered success in many countries: from Kenya to Belize, from El Salvador to Hungary, Serbia and Kosovo – the “Pink Ribbon” stamp has already spread around the globe. It is thanks to the commitment of the Austrian Post Office that this stamp is now available in Austria.

(read more)

published September 9th, 2011

Founded in London in 1961, Amnesty International is the largest member-based human rights organisation in the world, made up of more than three million ordinary people in over 150 countries.

The primary objective of Amnesty International is to campaign for the international recognition, respect and protection of human rights.

published July 29th, 2011

Philately once again raises money for very worthy causes. Greenland’s Chief Medical Office received a donation for DKK 150,000 from POST Greenland.

The amount was generated through the total sales of the 2008 additional value stamp designed by Miki Jacobsen. The clean lungs symbolize a society free from the dreaded lung decease.

Greenland’s Health Minister Agathe Fointain said in her speech of thanks that an ongoing effort is vital and that it demands resources. Therefore, The Government of Greenland is thankful for the contribution from TELE-POST, said the Health Minister.

Managing director of TELE-POST, POST Greenland’s parent company, Brian Buus Pedersen, said (read more)

published December 18th, 2010

Stamp aficionados and philatelist wannabes now have the chance to design a new stamp, Canada Post has announced.

It’s the first design competition in the corporation’s 159-year history where the public will help make the final choice in the design. Canada Post hopes to use the contest to raise awareness of mental health.

“We’re asking entrants to convey important themes about mental health in a single image and make the winning stamp an ambassador for awareness,” Mary Traversy, senior vice-president, Transaction Mail, at Canada Post, said in a release.

Canadians can submit designs online until Jan. 17. A short essay of up to 100 words should be included to explain why entrants think their design will raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues.

Entrants can promote their (read more)

published November 14th, 2010

THE Royal National Institute For The Blind (RNIB) is appealing for volunteers to help with the charity’s stamp drive.

The organisation is currently collecting used postage stamps to raise funds for special schools and other services for the visually impaired. Stamps have been flooding in from across North Lincolnshire and now the charity would like to enrol more volunteers to help trim the postage stamps to the specific measurements.

The RNIB is the UK’s leading charity for the blind, offering information, support and advice to almost two million people with sight loss.

The organisation supports people by providing Braille, talking books (read more)

published October 14th, 2010

Yesterday was PINK day when millions of people throughout the world wear something pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many organizations, hospitals and charities work for the fight against the fatal disease. Pink flags, ribbons, and people donning pink attire are seen everywhere.

The United States Postal Service is no exception by supporting the cause with the sale of the semi-postal stamp for Breast Cancer Awareness. Since its issue on July 28, 1998, the stamp has raised over $70.7 million for breast cancer research.

The stamps are available at your local Post Office or online at USPS.com for $11 per sheet of 20 or .55 cents each. The price of the stamp pays for the first class single piece rate plus an amount to fund the cause.

Designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Md., the stamp features the phrases, “Fund the Fight” and “Find a Cure” and an illustration of a mythical “goddess of the hunt” by Whitney Sherman, an illustrator, designer and educator from Baltimore.

published October 10th, 2010

Postmasters are hoping to see pink bracelets everywhere in their communities throughout the US which will indicate even more funds raised for breast cancer research during the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To date the U.S. Postal Service has contributed 70.7 million dollars in voluntary contributions for breast cancer research through sales of the Breast Cancer Awareness postage stamps. The special stamps, called “semi-postal” stamps sell for $.55 each with $.11 from each stamp going to breast cancer research. The stamps are valid for First-Class postage.

A Breast Cancer Awareness promotion at post offices located in the US will include an inspirational pink bracelet with every two sheets of Breast Cancer Awareness stamps purchased at local post offices or through a special mail in offer.

published September 22nd, 2010

All the net proceeds of a 2010 stamp issue commemorating the 1,500th anniversary of the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace, more commonly known worldwide as the Shrine of Our Lady of Mentorella will be donated to help the recovery of Haiti that as we all know was destroyed earlier this year by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

According to official sources in the Vatican Philatelic Bureau, it was very difficult to release an additional stamp during 2010 and as the Haiti people needed the financial and moral help immediately, it was decided that one of the issues already planned to be released prior to the quake, could be used to raise the much needed funds. (read more)

published May 22nd, 2010

PIMCO’s Bill Gross, manager of the world’s largest mutual fund, sold USD 1.5 million worth of his rare European stamps on Wednesday to benefit Doctors Without Borders.

A pair of 1849 French stamps, with one of them printed upside down, drew the biggest single bid of USD 190,000 from an unknown buyer during an auction in New York. Only four such “tete-beche” pairs are known to be in mint condition.

Gross, founder and co-chief investment officer of Pacific Investment Management Co (PIMCO), a unit of Munich-based insurer Allianz, Europe’s biggest insurer, has held on to the collection for about 15 years, he said.

 ”I’m selling my fabulous French and French colonies collection,” Gross said prior to the auction. “I’m parting with old friends but for a good cause.” (read more)

published May 20th, 2010