"A modest life, a giving nature"*

This week’s Giving Back section of The Globe and Mail featured an Alberta philanthropist Frank Flaman.

At present, Mr. Flaman owns nine stores in two Western provinces in Canada that sell exercise and farm equipment. This 76-year old multi-millionaire lives modestly in a two-bedroom condo. Instead of a new Rolls Royce which he said he did not need, he drives an energy efficient smart car. But each year he gives generously in the tune of $1 mm to different charities. Last week, Mr. Flaman donated $500,000 to the Salvation Army and Oxfam for their relief works in Haiti.

The facts attract me to Mr. Flaman’s story are not only he is an ultra caring and generous giver but also the reason why he sells stationary bikes in a farm supplies store.

Twenty years ago after a bout with depression, Mr. Flaman learned the benefits of exercise. With this new discovery in mind, he "threw the Prozac away," and started the fitness equipment business. - Ayee

*Report on Business, The Globe and Mail, January 23, 2010