Shortcut or Icon to Character map

[Jim]

I would like to create a shortcut key to the Windows
Character Map (%SystemRoot%\System32\charmap.exe).
However, the existing shortcut (C:\Documents and
Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Accessories\System
Tools) does not allow me to enter a shortcut key.

Is a shortcut key possible?

If not, how can I put an Icon on my Quick Launch part of
the task bar to do the same thing.

I use the character map constantly in doing data entry in
Excel, and having to go through
Start>>Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>>Character Map
is a royal pain.

Thanks for the help.