In the last two nights I went to events that were about as different as they come. What they had in common, however, was what they both said about the generosity of the Canadian people. On Friday, Julie and I attend the annual black tie fundraising dinner for Habitat for Humanity called “Steel Toes and Stilettos.” Habitat is an organization we are proud to support. Earlier this year, Julie and I were part of a US Embassy team that helped renovate a house in Orleans so a family could have a good, safe place to live. I was particularly proud of Julie. Not only did she look great. She gave a great speech about how much Habitat means to us and how we are excited to expand our participation next year.

Last night my daughter Wynne (the biggest hockey fan in the family) and I went to the 8th Annual Canadian Forces Appreciation Night put on by the Ottawa Senators. While the Sens lost 3-2 in a shootout, the night was a great success. 3300 members of the military and their families attended in seats donated by sponsors and Senators season ticket holders. Before the game we attended a dinner at which General Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defense Staff, and Senators President Cyril Leeder thanked the members of the Canadian Forces – and particularly their families – for their service and their sacrifice. Every time the Canadian Forces were mentioned by Sens PA announcer Stuntman Stu the crowd gave them a standing ovation. It was a nice night.