I AM MAKING A DONATION

Re: "Piping up for addicts" (Aug. 1).

I support Rideau-Rockcliffe Coun. Jacques Legendre in his
knowledgeable stance on harm reduction and the distribution of pipes.
I just can't picture someone thinking, "I'm going to become a crack
addict because I can get a free pipe." Nor can I imagine the first
time crack user seeking out the free pipes distributed by community
groups. It is too bad, as it would be better if they have a clean pipe
than contract AIDS.

To make up for the short-sighted position taken by the mayor and
councillors who withdrew the funding, I am making a donation to the
AIDS Committee of Ottawa today.

I also support a tax increase to allow the city to fund and expand
public health initiatives such as clean pipes, needles, outreach and
education.

Chris Ellis

Ottawa

(Your donation, no matter what organization it's going to, is a great
example for others)