Originally, I felt they were force-feeding guilt down their potential sponsors emotional throats. A definite turn-off. Ergo! I dropped into their office one day to tell them so. Why not? I had nothing to lose ... plus I wanted to help the kids they were striving to help.

By golly, as destiny would have it, they were in the midst of a Board Of Directors meeting. Thus, I was escorted into the big room. I said: "Hi! I'm not thrilled with your marketing. I have a great idea for you! If you're interested, I'll be back tomorrow morning to show you, ok?" (Truly, I had no idea logically, but I knew my GUT did.)

They said: "Great! We' were just sittin' around this big table struggling to brainstorm a new plan. We would love to see your ideas."

I said "Great! See ya tomorrow!"

Then: WOW! That nite I could not sleep. I painted this water colour image. To this date, no one knows whether the child is a he or she ....nor can they determine the nationality. Perfect!

When I arrived at their office building the next morning with my painting, I thought "Oh, Pooh!" I didn't write the copy for the campaign I envisioned. Major OOPS!!! So! I sat in the stairwell & channeled some words from my heart unto a pad of paper.

I arrived at the meeting on time ( I HATE lateness!) & showed them my painting, then read my copy off my paper scrap & said "OK, What do we do now?"

Mr. Minor Holiday (who was a major hoot!) was the Director of Foster Parents Plan of Canada. He viewed my art & listened as I read my copy sheet. He then addressed his staff by saying: "OK. This is it! No question. Not a single change to the copy. It's a WINNER! It's perfect. Let's run with it! Do you agree?"

The Board unanimously agreed & their printer was called to begin transit ads, POPs, brochures & stamps. The campaign was a tremendous record breaking success, thanks to their gut-trust in bypassing the ol' market research water-down.

In the first 18 months, the campaign doubled their sponsorship sign-ups. It also held as-is for the next 7 years. An advertising longevity record!

Eventually I got to write, direct & produce their TV & radio commercials. That was pure joy!

They were prepped to pay me big bucks, by I chose to reinvest in this project of passion by helping to fund a needed kid's clinic in Bali. I also got so involved that I sponsored 7 kids in various countries. Indeed, my relationship with Foster Parents Plan of Canada was a very enrichening experience for my heart & soul.