W h e t h e r it's smaller portions to whittle a waist, fewer drives to clean the air, or an extra loonie in a fundraising jar - as everyone knows, a little goes a long way.

Offering competitive pricing and focusing on green initiatives is how Digitech Renewable Printer Cartridges is changing things for the better, one renewable printer cartridge at a time.

"Since 1990 we've built our reputation on providing other businesses efficient and focused customer service," said Mike Karamanian, Digitech's VP. "We don't have voice-mail - when you call us, we pick up the phone. If you need technical support, 95 per cent of repairs are completed at our customers' locations within 24 hours. And we're determined to give the Earth a break. We use hybrid cars, all of our packaging is re-usable and we properly recycle anything that can't be used again. We're doing things differently because we want to do things right."

Doing things differently is a founding principle of the company. Their manufacturing processes are ISO certified, and they are recognized by the city of Vancouver as a corporate climate leader. Now, their latest venture is going to make a world of difference to children who have special needs. As of Sept. 1, Digitech is donating $1 from each sale of renewable printer cartridges to Variety - The Children's Charity.

Dave McConachie, Digitech's president, knows the importance of giving back to the community. He is also the current president of Variety and has worked for many years with a legion of volunteers and donors who give time, money and whatever support they can to the wellknown charity.

"I see the difference our donors and corporate sponsors make to the lives of children who have special needs every single day. I also know what it's like to have to tell a family, 'We're sorry - but you will have to wait until the next round of funding before we can help you'. That's unacceptable to parents waiting for a power wheelchair for their son, or speech therapy to help their daughter learn to speak, and we want to be able to give more."

Variety has a long tradition of serving a need across the province. In the last year alone, the charity provided grants to families and organizations in over 150 communities in B.C. The funds cover costs for things like emergency transportation to out-of-community hospitals, expensive medications, mobility and communication devices, and therapeutic programs to provide the same chances in life as other children. Partnering with a business that is dedicated to service is a natural fit says Barbie Hislop, Variety's executive director.

"We were thrilled when Digitech came to us with their proposal. They definitely are the kind of company that 'walks the walk'. By helping Variety to help children who have special needs, Digitech is offering its customers yet another level of service - one that will impact every community in our province.

For more on using renewable printer cartridges for your business, visit Digitech at www.digitechlaser.com or call 604-322-5433.