I\u2019ve long been interested in charity, but it wasn\u2019t until a recent conversation with my bookie that I realized I could actually become involved. Goran told me that there were many ways for me to give my money away besides gambling, and that one of the methods was to sponsor a needy child. Goran has connections at a Russian Orthodox Church here in downtown Toronto and was able to put me in touch with a priest, who in turn provided me with a foster child.<\/p>\n

The boy\u2019s name is Jurg and he\u2019s 12 years old. He lives in a city I\u2019ve never heard of (Prokhladny) in a part of the Russian Federation I\u2019ve never heard of (Kabardino-Balkaria), and by sending him $25 a month, I\u2019m helping to feed, clothe and educate him.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

What follows is my correspondence with Jurg.<\/p>\n

Dear Jurg:<\/p>\n

Well, it\u2019s nice to meet you! My name is Michael and I live in the city of Toronto, Canada with my wife and our little wiener dog Heidi. I work as a writer and my wife as a graphic artist. She\u2019s tall and I\u2019m not. Toronto is a pretty cool place, and if you ever get the opportunity you should come and visit. I hope the small contribution I make to you is of some use, and that we become best friends over the years. Please, tell me all about your life in Russia!<\/p>\n

Mr. Murray:<\/p>\n

My English is not expert so forgive mistakes please. My father, before he left he never forgave the mistake and would yell, \u201cJurg, Jurg, you are bad in the head!\u201d and he would hit me. I work in Tungsten mine to make bread. The money you sent is kind and I thank you. Send photograph of your tall wife?<\/p>\n

Jurg:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m so sorry to hear that your father beat you. That\u2019s awful, but I\u2019m sure that he loves you very much and was likely just having difficulties managing the stresses in his life. It\u2019s sometimes very complicated to be an adult. I am sending you a picture of our little family here in Toronto and hope you are well!<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Mr. Murray:<\/p>\n

Toronto is city where Maple Leaf hockey club play, right? They are the shits. Russia much better at hockey than Canada. Your wife not bad, though, much better than you. You have potato on face where nose should be! I say wife 8 out of 10. If you spare more money life be better for Jurg and maybe he get lucky with lady who 8 out of 10.<\/p>\n

Jurg:<\/p>\n

Ha-Ha, such a precocious boy! That line about me having a potato on my face is very funny! Maybe you\u2019ll grow up to be a comedian! The ladies like comedians, you know!<\/p>\n

Potato Face:<\/p>\n

We are very sorry to see you no send more money. We now have picture of your pretty wife and little dog and have many cousins living in Toronto. Would be shame if something happened to them.<\/p>\n

Something with brick happen to make blood.<\/p>\n

When 9, I drown a bear in Tambuken Lake.<\/p>\n

Jurg:<\/p>\n

I\u2019m afraid I cannot afford any more than $40 a month. I hope that this amount is able to help you and your family.<\/p>\n

Potato Face:<\/p>\n

That is better. Jurg now own pit bull for safety. In your sake I call him potato face. No more letters from you, just money assistance, understand?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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