Friday, December 31, 2010

SCAW lit up my world in 2010

As published on the blog Geezer Online, December 31, 2010.
For the complete post, click the link above.


Another year tucked away in a life that has seen 68 New Years Eves, and reflections on a few folks who distinguished themselves this year in my own little corner of the cosmos.
...

• The gang at Sleeping Children Around The World, the only charity I know that uses 100% of donor dollars to fund its program. Its travelling volunteers pay for their own trips to distribute bedkits to kids in underdeveloped countries, while its volunteers back in Canada make sure the operation continues to run smoothly. More than a million kids have received the gift of a good night's sleep so far. How about giving them a hand?

• Elizabeth, a wonderful woman in Zimbabwe who repeatedly went the extra mile to help our Sleeping Children team get the job done this summer, in very trying circumstances. Thanks also to her for trusting me with her own story of childhood hardship and triumph. It was a treasured gift. My first Christmas card of the 2010 season came from her.

• More friends doing selfless work at home and abroad --- Marg and Mike, Clarence, Grant and Leslie, Doug M., Linda, Helen, Hilda, Sidney.

It is a privilege to know them. Happy New Year, to all.

...

You can see Dougs's entire list of people who lit up his world in 2010 at his blog post.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Couple’s gift is simply giving

Although they are not wealthy, Fairview couple Bud and
Muriel Matthews share what they have by giving to charity
instead of buying each other presents at Christmas.
(Eric Wynne / Staff)
Children in Nicaragua show the impact Bud and Muriel
Matthews have had when they donate to Sleeping Children
Around the World.
As published in the Halifax Chronicle Herald, December 24, 2010

They buy nothing to put under their own tree, but theirs is the true spirit of Christmas


By KELLY SHIERS Staff Reporter

Bud and Muriel Matthews’ neat little bungalow is festive with Christmas lights.

Inside, living room shelves are filled with Santas, snowmen and red bows. Mistletoe hangs from the ceiling and a tree is laden with decades-old ornaments.

But there are no gifts.

Well, by Christmas morning, there may be one or two under the tree from someone they’ve helped — maybe the refugee family they befriended years ago or one of the "old people" the Matthews take shopping.

But there really haven’t been gifts for years, not since their grandchildren got older.

And except for those sheets Muriel gave Bud as a Christmas present when they were married more than half a century ago, there’s never been a single birthday, anniversary or Christmas gift exchanged between them.

Still, it’s here in Halifax — in their home of 47 years where they raised two children and watched five grandchildren grow — that the spirit of Christmas lives, a generosity, compassion and faith that took root eight decades ago and blossomed.

And a spirit of giving that runs all year long.

"When she was about 13, (granddaughter) Elizabeth was looking underneath the tree and said, ‘Doesn’t Poppy give you anything, Nanny?’ " 79-year-old Muriel remembers.

" ‘No,’ I said.

" ‘But you close your eyes, Elizabeth. Underneath Nanny’s tree there are people now who can see and there are people now who have food and there are people who now have things they didn’t have before.’ "

It’s an answer that satisfied the young girl, who today says she’s lucky to have such "caring and giving" grandparents.

And it’s the best explanation they have for a lifetime spent, as Bud calls it, as their brother’s keeper.

"We were never rich growing up, but there was always something to share," he says, recalling how his mother used to pack an extra sandwich in his father’s lunch to give to homeless men living in tunnels near where he worked.

"It was born into us to look out for other people," he says.

The Matthews’ story begins in Halifax’s north end, where six-year-old Muriel and eight-year-old Bud lived across the street from each other.

They were teenage sweethearts.

She quit school and gave up her dream to become a nurse in order to care for her newborn brother when their mother died in childbirth. He took that baby every Saturday to give her time to bake and, at 15, asked if she would teach him to dance.

"But he didn’t want to learn to dance," she laughs. "He just wanted to come over to me."

"Well, there’s not too many females around my size," says Bud, sharing the sofa and this story with his wife. "I’m five-foot-two and she’s four-foot-six."

"Four-foot-six-and-a-half," she interjects.

"Actually, she’s six-foot-10 inside," he says.

"And he’s a sweetheart, I tell you," she replies, in the kind of banter that comes from being married 58 years.

Those early years were tough. When they married, Bud was earning $1.25 an hour at the Halifax dockyard, where he stayed for 45 years. He had loaned a workmate $250 on a promise he would repay before the couple wed. He didn’t, so the Matthews began married life "scraping the bottom of the barrel."

"But he needed that money. That’s the way to look at that," Muriel says.

And there’s been a great deal of need since.

It’s not that they set out not to give to one another. It’s just that there always seemed to be someone who needed their help more.

Over the years, they’ve come to the aid of friends and neighbours, people they met through church — where every five weeks they still take their turn scrubbing, vacuuming and dusting — or through their volunteer work. Sometimes, they reach out to strangers when they hear a story that touches their hearts.

Rarely — very rarely — have they been taken advantage of, they say.

And they’ve never soured on giving "because other people would just suffer for it," Muriel says.

Today, they regularly donate to at least 10 charities, including Operation Eyesight Universal, a group that helps people blinded by cataracts and other avoidable causes. Not long ago, the Matthews, whose donations over the past 30 years have helped about 60 people to see, were honoured by the organization

For their 55th wedding anniversary, the couple donated to Sleeping Children Around the World, providing six kids in developing countries with bed kits, including mattresses and mosquito nets to prevent malaria. Later, they received pictures of the children holding signs that read "Happy Anniversary."

These days, Bud has cut back on his door-to-door canvassing, but still goes out each February for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

"Some of them are misers — they don’t even give," Muriel says of the people Bud sees on his walkabouts.

"But sometimes they’re a little more generous when they see how frozen you are," Bud says, with a grin. "I think my age contributes to that a little bit."

But while Muriel admits to getting "a bit angry" by those who claim they can’t afford to give anything at all, Bud reacts differently.

"Actually, I feel sorry for them," he says. "They’re denying themselves the opportunity to participate in something bigger than their individual lives. They actually lose in the process."

The Matthews, who only agreed to tell their story in the hope others may be inspired to help whatever way they can, say they take great delight knowing their children and grandchildren are also givers.

Granddaughter Elizabeth Isenor, home from Calgary to get married on Wednesday, has asked wedding guests not to buy gifts but to donate to charity instead. Shower guests were asked to donate money that she will give to a shelter for abused women and their children.

"A lot of our ideas are the same," says Isenor, a medical student. "It’s hard to look at someone else who has nothing, to sit there and enjoy what you have when there’s somebody else out there who isn’t as well off."

The Matthews say they’ve always lived frugally but want for nothing. And with Muriel having been diagnosed with — and beaten — breast cancer, skin cancer and cervical cancer, they know what’s truly important.

"I have the thing I ever wanted most in my life," Muriel says, reaching for her husband.

"That’s him. That’s all I want. As long as he’s by me, I’m the richest woman in the whole world."

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Knox News - Local News

As published in the Stratford Beacon, December 23, 2010

By KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Many interesting and exciting things have been happening at Knox over the past month. On Nov. 14 we welcomed Rev. Sandy McDonald to our pulpit for the morning service. Rev. McDonald attended Knox as a youth and was ordained here. He currently serves a church in Nova Scotia.

On Nov. 21 the annual Ease Into Christmas was held. This event helps get us into the Christmas spirit with great ideas on decorating, food for Christmas parties and fashion trends. Proceeds from this event go to support youth.

During the Santa Claus parade a troop of Knox members could be seen outside the front of the church with large urns of hot chocolate that was enjoyed by those watching the parade. Three hundred and seventy cups were served.
On Dec. 6 the Kid's Christmas Shopping Spree took place. Large tables of gifts for the whole family quickly depleted as the kid's filled their shopping lists. The kids left with their gifts brightly wrapped and bagged by the wrapping elves. Money from this event will go to Sleeping Children Around the World.

The new accessible wash-room on the third floor is nearing completion. This will be a great asset to Sunday School and Wig Room clients. The refurbishing of the nursery continues.

Want to hear the Knox Choir sing? Go to the following web-site and click on the red virtual choirs box and you can hear the choir singing as well as the Praise band.

The Alley Thrift Store Mission has had a very busy December. We are pleased that we have been able to help many local needs. Donations have been given to the House of Blessing, the Salvation Army, To Stratford with Love, Simple Dreams, the Children's Aid Society and the Rotary Club for Aquaboxes for Haiti.

Our store hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. We will close on Dec. 23 and reopen Jan. 13.

On Sunday, Dec. 12 the annual Sunday school and Youth Group Christmas Pageant was presented during the morning service. The pageant was written by David Strahan and directed by Colleen Rothwell. The Praise Band provided music for the service. The worship service was led by Allan and Nancy Rothwell A potluck lunch was enjoyed after the service.

On Christmas Eve a Family Service planned with children in mind begins at 6 p.m. followed at 7:30 p.m. by the Community Service of Lessons and Carols with special music by the Praise Band and Senior Choir. Refreshments will be served in the banquet hall after the service.

The Knox family wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Blessings for the New Year.

Gore Mutual donates over $470,000 to charities across Canada

As published in Exchange, December 23, 2010

CAMBRIDGE - Gore Mutual is pleased to announce that, together with their Foundation, they have supported over 125 organizations across Canada, with over $470,000 in donations.

“We are proud of our Canadian heritage and the role we play in all the communities where we do business,” said Kevin McNeil, President and CEO, Gore Mutual. “We work closely with our broker partners to determine ways that together we can have a positive impact on their community.”

The Gore Mutual Foundation’s mission is to support the communities where Gore Mutual operates. The Foundation provides funds to social services, education, health, cultural and environmental activities that are in the best interest of these communities.

“Our goal is to make our Foundation one of Canada’s largest,” said Charlie Cipolla, Chairman, Gore Mutual Foundation. “We look forward to supporting many more organizations in years to come.”

Recipient organizations include Bridges To Community Canada Inc., Canadian Cancer Society of Ontario, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Canada, Sleeping Children Around the World, Special Olympics British Columbia Society, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada and several United Way agencies across the country.

Monday, December 20, 2010

We're Julia's Item 27

As promoted by Julia in her blog: The World is My Oyster

The holidays (between the thankfulness of Thanksgiving and gift-giving of Christmas) are a time for us to realize not only how lucky we are (and if you're reading this, just by having access to a computer you're luckier than probably about 90% of the world's population), but how many other people need a hand just to make it from day to day. Especially now, when those in need are no longer just abstract starving children in the third world (which sounds insensitive, but that's actaully the way many of us perceive problems in the third world - as abstract), but an increasing number of people in our very own "developed" nations, with whom we have contact every day, who find themselves in dire straights, it's a time to think about what we can be doing for others to try to improve their situation in the little ways we can, and to make the world a better home for everybody.

I got this wonderful list of outlets for your inner philanthropist from JennyMac over at Let's Have a Cocktail (so I can't take credit for compiling the list of sites), and I thought it would be a good idea to try to pass around these resources to as many people as possible so we can all try to do a little bit for someone else. Feel free to copy the list and post it yourselves; the more this information gets around, the more people will do it. And for even the most cash-strapped among us, there's an option to make a loan (see number 25) that you'll get back So there's no excuse to not make a effort for the greater good :). (And for those without even the liquidity to make a loan, you can donate your used books, clothes, time, or even your blood!)

Here's a list of different ways you can make your contribution. As a Scottish proverb says, "charity begins at home, but shouldn't end there." So get outside your homes and give some charity.

Small Donations and Related Goodness

...

27. A $35 donation to Sleeping Children Around the World www.scaw.org provides a BedKit that consists of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies for a needy child.

...

You can see Julia's entire list of philanthropical causes at her blog post.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Project for Awesome 2010, SCAW: Sophia's letter to Santa



As posted by Mugglesam on Hot Videos.

Please Click to tweet!!

Every year we pick the charity Sleeping Children Around the World for our Project 4 Awesome!! (P4A) This year we ask that you ask Santa for a bedkit from the SCAW charity to be giving to a little boy or girl who doesn’t have a bed to sleep on. We love this charity because it’s all run by volunteers and 100% of the money that you donate goes to the child.

7 year old Sophia reads her letter to Santa where she asks for a bed to be given to a child who has no place to sleep instead of a present for herself. She also suggests you do the same. Not only will you be helping a child less fortunate then yourself, but you will be impressing Santa and your parents. Wink Wink. She has made this a tradition every year. This is our Project For Awesome for 2009 and 2010

Dec 10, Update: Sophia’s class wrote letters to Santa and Sophia asked for a bedkit and nothing else. No I did not tell her to do this! Santa wrote her back!! He was so impressed he IS going to get her a present along with the bedkit. She is so happy!

Sophia has been helping bring awareness to this charity ever since a friend gave a bedkit on her behalf for her first birthday. Sophia made a video for the charity when she was 5 years old where she interviews someone from SCAW’s heard office. You can watch that video for more info here.

So yes, every year Sophia asks Santa for a bedkit.

In 2009 a toy company World’s Apart invited Sophia to London England to promote the SCAW charity and the program Ready For Bed Week. She was only 6 years old!! The charity is not as well known in Canada even though it was formed in Oakville, Ontario and Sophia suggested she go on TV to promote it. Seriously, she said that

The Canadian charity Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) gives out bedkits to children with no place to sleep. Their are no administration fees, the charity is run by volunteers and 100% of your money goes into the making of the bedkit. For more info please visit www.scaw.org

Visit Mugglesam's YouTube Channel.

© by Mugglesam. All rights reserved. Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording will constitute an infringement of copyright.

Fundraiser helps children's charity

Up for grabs. Jim and Lisa Browne, with friends, check out
some of the raffle prizes for their annual fundraiser at the
Rosewood Bistro on Thursday night. The Brownes have been
hosting charitable evenings for almost a decade, with all
proceeds from the last four years going to Sleeping 
Children Around the World. Staff photo by Rob Beintema
Published in mississauga.com

By Iain Colpitts

A Mississauga couple hosted a cocktail fundraiser that raised over $5,000 Sleeping Children Around the World Thursday night at an Erin Mills restaurant. Lisa and Jim Browne were joined by some 80 people at the Rosewood Bistro, where they held a raffle with over 40 items up for grabs.
The fourth annual event raised enough money to buy 145 bed kits - valued at $35 a kit - for its charity of choice. Last year, they raised enough to purchase 138 bed kits for needy children in Africa and India.

icolpitts@mississauga.net

Friday, December 17, 2010

Project for Awesome 2010: Another Nomination



As published on Julia Michelle's YouTube Channel

It's my first year participating in P4A, because I've finally found a charity I really want to support :)

Sleeping Children Around the World website

P4A website

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Raymond James supports SCAW


Investment dealer Raymond James has raised more than $40K to support the activities of SCAW in recent years. Raymond James employees raised $10K this year from the sales of Holiday Cards drawn by children and friends of Raymond James Associates. What follows is from the company’s internal website.

The spirit of giving is alive at Raymond James. For the fourth consecutive year, our holiday card contest has raised more than $10,000 thanks to all the children and staff members around the firm who participated. The money raised from the contest will help support Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) - a charity that provides bedkits to children in need. Each bedkit includes a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes, towel and school supplies. Since its founding in 1970, SCAW has provided more than 1.2 million bedkits for children in 33 countries.

Listen to an interview with Warren Wagstaff, Financial Advisor from the Vancouver Cathedral office in which he talks about his involvement with SCAW organization and some volunteer experiences.

This Take 5 Interviewwith Warren Wagstaff was posted this week on the internal website for Raymond James employees.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

‘Snow Queen’ charms audiences

As published on Simcoe.COM December 14, 2010

MIDLAND – Students in the School of Dance and Musicianship staged ballet performances Dec. 3 and 4 of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen.”

Patricia Stenton directed, produced and choreographed the ballet, which was set to music by Boccherini, Debussy and other composers.

“The Snow Queen” was the 11th ballet Stenton has put on over the years in support of Sleeping Children Around the World, a Canadian charity that provides bed kits to youths in impoverished countries.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Generals end Majors home streak

Let the bears fly. The Mississauga St. Michael's Majors
hosted the Oshawa Generals at the Hershey Centre tonight.
It was teddy bear toss night at the game with proceeds
of teddy bear sales given to Sleeping Children Around
the World represented by Dave Dryden, former Major
goaltender the last time the team won the Memorial
Cup in 1961. All bears thrown on the ice after the Majors'
first goal were donated to Boys & Girls Club of Peel.
Staff photo by Rob Beintema
As published on Mississauga.COM December 10, 2010

by Gary McCarthy

Corey Bureau did his best to try and launch the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors to another victory tonight. It didn’t quite work out that way but perhaps more importantly, he created an avalanche that will benefit needy youngsters in Peel region this holiday season as well as underprivileged children in developing countries.

The Mississauga forward scored the first goal of the game but it wasn’t enough to lift the Majors to a win as Mississauga went down 3-2 to the Oshawa Generals in front of 3,425 spectators at the Hershey Centre, suffering their first loss on home ice in regulation time this season.
But what the goal did was produce a flood of stuffed toys that littered the ice in the Majors’ fourth annual Teddy Bear Toss.

The toys, donated by local Canadian Tire stores, will go to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel to distribute to needy children in the region over the Christmas holiday season.
The money raised from the sale of the stuffed animals will go to the Sleeping Children Around the World, a foundation that provides bed kits for needy children in third-world countries.
“Kids are kids, no matter what part of the world they are in,” said Dave Dryden, a former National Hockey League goaltender who administers the Sleeping Children foundation that was founded by his father Murray more than 40 years ago.

“The Teddy Bear Toss is just such a logical connection because it involves toys and kids,” continued Dryden, who was the backup goaltender to Gerry Cheevers 50 years ago when the Majors last won the Memorial Cup.

“I’m excited by this because of the Majors connection too,” said Dryden. “It’s all about sharing. We’re such a grassroots organization. We’re not dependent on advertising. We’re about people talking to people and that has never changed so you get a lot of energy from something like this.”

Team officials say that 1,614 stuffed toys were thrown on the ice after Bureau’s goal near the 10-minute mark of the first period and that should help make Christmas a little happier for needy children in the region. It is the largest total the Majors have reached in the four years of the event.

It didn’t provide the Majors with the inspiration they needed to handle the Generals, who got goals from Boone Jenner, Christian Thomas and Andy Andreoff en route to snapping a two-game losing streak.

Thomas, the son of former Toronto Maple Leafs star Steve Thomas, tied the game 2-2 early in the second period with his 22nd goal of the season and 10 minutes later, Andreoff scored what proved to be the game winner when he pounced on his own rebound and batted the puck in mid-air past Mississauga goaltender JP Anderson.

After Bureau opened the scoring, Jenner tied the game with a power-play goal. Majors forward Riley Brace was serving a minor penalty for slashing when Jenner beat Anderson with a low bullet shot from the top of the faceoff circle to the left of the Mississauga netminder.
Joseph Cramarossa put the Majors back on top when he scored his seventh goal of the season with just over a minute remaining in the opening frame.

But that would do it for the Mississauga offence as Oshawa goalie Peter Di Salvo, acquired by the Generals earlier in the week in a trade with the Barrie Colts, closed the door on the Majors.

Di Salvo, who was beaten for seven goals by the Majors back on Nov. 26 when he played for the Colts, stopped 28 of 30 shots.

Anderson turned aside 21 of 24 shots.

It was the last regular-season game for a while for Anderson and Casey Cizikas of the Majors as well as Oshawa defenceman Calvin de Haan.

All three will be at the Team Canada selection camp that begins on Sunday in Etobicoke as they try to earn a spot on the Canadian squad that will compete at the World Junior Hockey Championships. The world tournament gets underway on Boxing Day in Buffalo.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Two Renison Students Receive President’s Circle Award

As published in Exchange, December 9, 2010

WATERLOO – Two Renison students have received the 2010 President’s Circle Award for Volunteerism. Laurie Guay and Julia Read were honoured at The President’s Circle Award Banquet in recognition of their volunteering experience and contributions to the University of Waterloo and other communities (both local and international).

Established in 1997, the President’s Circle Award honours 10 uWaterloo students annually for their extra-curricular contributions - 5 for leadership and 5 for volunteerism. Students are typically nominated by staff or faculty for their ongoing commitment to improve the quality of life for others.

Laurie, a fourth-year Social Development Studies student, traveled to Uganda this summer to distribute bed kits to children in need with the organization Sleeping Children Around the World. She was a Don at Renison in her third-year and is still actively involved with the Renison Institute of Ministry, welcoming students to the community. She also teaches Sunday School at South Kinloss’ Presbyterian Church. In June 2010, she was also awarded the Principal's Merit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Life at Renison.

For Laurie, volunteering is an opportunity for her to connect with others. “I like being able to be involved with other people and learning about their stories. I find that I learn way more and this makes me a better person.”

Julia, who is currently enrolled in Renison’s Bachelor of Social Work program, volunteers with children in First Nations communities, works as a community garden organizer, and sits on the Board of Directors for Stonehenge Therapeutic Community. She also volunteers at the Renison Institute of Ministry and is a member of the Renison Academic Student Council.

Julia’s inspiration for volunteering comes from her father who was involved with the Coast Guard and St. John’s Ambulance. “He taught me that life is about sharing our knowledge and experiences with each other.“

Renison’s principal Glenn Cartwright is proud of the impact Renison students are making in the community. “It is a remarkable achievement to develop well-rounded individuals with a deep concern for their community and an understanding of the pressing need to give back to society.“

Monday, December 6, 2010

Bangladesh: Trip Reports Posted

The donor newsletter for the Bangladesh bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Bangladesh 2010
Photos are available in the Bangladesh 2010 Photo Album. You can view them by clicking the link above.
If you would like to read the reports on the web, you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Nicaragua: Trip Reports Posted

The donor newsletter for the Nicaragua bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Nicaragua 2010
Photos are available in the Nicaragua 2010 Photo Album. You can view them by clicking the link above.
If you would like to read the reports on the web, you can read them in their entirety here.
Here is a download link for the PDF version of the newsletter.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Retired Women Teachers Christmas dinner

Submitted by Ken Graham, SCAW Volunteer.

The Guelph Wellington Retired Women Teachers held their annual Christmas dinner and program Wednesday December 1st. Each year at this event individuals are given the opportunity to donate to Sleeping Children Around the World.

130 retired teachers were there and when the donations for bedkits were tallied they had contributed $6,338.50! That's right six thousand three hundred thirty eight dollars and fifty cents!

That translates into 181 children that will have a better chance in life from here on. Thanks and congratulations to those retired teachers who continue to do good things!

This was done in memory of Ann Graham, a former teacher, who passed on almost six years ago.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Snow Queen has local ballet students en pointe

As published in the Midland Free Press, December 1, 2010

After many months of preparation, the Snow Queen is ready to hit the stage in early December.

The ballet will be performed by approximately 45 children and youth, ages three to 17, plus one young adult, who are students at the School of Dance & Musicianship.

Patricia Stenton, director of the school, also took on the role of producer and choreographer for the production.

"I started thinking about The Snow Queen as a ballet in the spring of 2009. When I discussed it with my senior dancers and saw their enthusiasm, my work could begin in earnest," she said.
After deciding the theme, she had to familiarize herself with the fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson by reading it many times and selecting the essential aspects of the story in order to arrange them into dance scenes which would create a full-length ballet.

"As for the choreography itself, that's a process that evolves over a long period of time like a mosaic that slowly becomes a work of art, one piece at a time," Stenton explained. "Since there was no suitable musical score I had to spend a lot of time listening to all kinds of music to find pieces that would help us tell the story through dance."

In addition to the hours Stenton has spent organizing this production, the dancers have been very dedicated to rehearsing. Among the 45 performers, there are 10 girls, ages eight and up, who form the "Huronia Ballet Theatre, The Young Company" and who have made a particularly strong commitment to ballet performance by training and rehearsing several times a week.

"This past spring all the major roles were cast and a good number of dances were set before the summer break. All senior students attended summer school to be back in training early," said Stenton. "In September, we welcomed quite a few new students who have had only two-and-a-half months to get ready for their performance. The youngest are only three-years- old and had a great time at the first stage rehearsal last week."

Stenton says that by participating in a large dance project, everyone becomes part of one big "ballet family."

"Our senior dancers feel proud to be role models for the rest of the cast while enjoying the admiration of the younger cast members," she explains. "The junior dancers are excited about being on stage with the older girls. A wonderful bond becomes visible between all students."

This production is also made possible with the help and support of volunteers and parents.

"It's impossible to count how many hours went into preparing this production. I know that my set designers, Scott Hook and Sue Laliberté, have put well over 100 hours into creating the scenery. Rick Ferguson and Conrad Stenton have spent several afternoons on getting the Magical Mirror to work," she said, noting there are about 120 costumes in this production and their creation was equally time-consuming.

Despite the amount of work involved, the school has put on a production every two years since 1985, including full-length ballets such as The Nutcracker, Hansel and Gretel and C i nderella.

This year the story of the Snow Queen is of two best friends, Gerda and Kai, who are separated when the Snow Queen takes Kai with her to her icy domain.

A magical mirror adds to the dramatic events and Gerda must brave many adventures when she sets out in search of Kai. The ballet is filled with the many colourful characters Gerda meets along the way to the story's happy ending.

In addition to featuring the talents of the dancers, all profits realized will benefit Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), which has been the charity of choice for all of school's public performances since 1991.

Stenton selected this Canadian charity for several reasons, including the fact that 100 per cent of donations reach the poorest children in the world and each $35 donation provides a bed kit for a child containing a mattress, bedding, clothing and sometimes school supplies, dishes or a layette for a baby. The items in the kit are produced, as much as possible, in the countries receiving the donations, creating work opportunities.

"Our students learn about these children who will probably never enjoy a ballet lesson in their lifetime and who are lacking the very things we all take for granted," said Stenton. "It's no longer just about us working hard towards our best performance ever, but the focus becomes Children Dancing for Children.'"

"We would love to raise 50 bed kits for SCAW with our ballet. Unfortunately, this year the overall expenses of putting on the shows are much higher than ever before which makes it harder to raise the funds" said Stenton, adding that some in the community have come forward and donated money for bed kits and donated two gift baskets which will be raffled at the shows in support of SCAW.

"All our productions have been well received by the audience. We have a mailing list of patrons that reaches well beyond the parents and friends of our students. There are people in our community who have never missed a production in all those years," said Stenton.

The Snow Queen will take to the stage at Monsignor Castex School in Midland on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and during a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Dec. 4.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for those 18 years of age and younger and are available at Johnstones Music Land, The Explorers Café, Karma Marketplace and through the School of Dance and Musicianship at 526- 5256. For more information about Sleeping Children Around the World or to make a donation, visit www.scaw.org.

Max hosts Christmas party for SCAW

To the Max. Mississauga singer Johnny Max nominated for
three Maple Blues Awards – including Entertainer of the Year
File photo
As published on Mississauga.com website, November 30, 2010

With his fifth record, It’s A Long Road, nominated for three Maple Blues Awards – including Entertainer of the Year – Mississauga singer Johnny Max hosts his second annual Christmas party at The Harp this Saturday.
And he hopes to prove the album title true, by touring further afield.
“I want to travel,” he says, over coffee. “There’s more to Canada than southern Ontario. And this CD is getting some good responses in the U.S. and Europe.”
Stylistically, it’s an extension of his previous (Juno-nominated) A Lesson I’ve Learned, with swampy N’Awlins grooves coloured by sweet B3 organ, barrelhouse piano, roadhouse guitar, a full horn section and, of course, Max’s trademark wit. He still falls back on the blues clichés in places, but elsewhere he stretches out, reminding favourably of Tom Waits on the lilting Song Of New York.
And this disc has more of a band feel, with the material co-written and co-produced by Max and bandmates Vince Maccarone (drums), Wayne Deadder (bass) and John Findlay (guitar). It was recorded at the local Metalworks Studio and mixed and mastered by Nick Blagona (The Police, Cat Stevens, etc.).
“We decided to go a bit bigger on the production,” Max says. “I guess it’s more soul, more of the '70s FM radio I grew up on – Stax, Leon Russell and Joe Cocker.”
At this point, Max fronts four different bands, promotes concerts, hosts an internet radio show (Sunday Morning Soul, on The Haze FM in Mississauga), paints houses and refs hockey games to keep the bills hounds off his back.
“This is the Canadian music industry. You’ve got to do something else,” he muses. “I can show you Juno-nominated dog walkers.”
The amiable father of two laments that, “There’s no organic music on the radio (any more).
“It’s all electronic, it’s all samples. It’s a sad, sad thing. It’s a producer’s game.”
The party kicks off at 4 p.m. at The Harp, 55 Lakeshore Rd. E., with performances by both the Johnny Max Band and Johnny Max & The Heart Attacks.
Admission is free, but they’re requesting a $5 donation to the Sleeping Children Around The World charity.

Tansley Woods Holiday Shopping for SCAW


Tansley Woods Holiday Shopping Spectacular

in support of
Sleeping Children Around the World

Sunday December 5th
9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Tansley Woods Community Centre
1996 Itabashi Way
Burlington, ON

  • Hand crafted writing instruments
  • Children’s toys’ & family games
  • self inking stamps that you design
  • scented flameless candles
  • hand forged wrought iron
  • quilts
  • wreaths
  • home decor
  • Children’s clothes & accessories
  • Olive Oils from around the world
  • Children’s books
  • and so much more!
Click on graphic to see larger version

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Ballet students ready to present ‘The Snow Queen’

Ballet students ready to present ‘The Snow Queen’. Students
at the School of Dance and Musicianship are gearing up for
“The Snow Queen.” From left to right are Holly Frey, Gaby
Desroches, Heather Hough, Gillian Kopeschny,
Genevieve Lefaive, Marie Duffy, Nikita Grise, Victoria
Blais and Erin Frey. Submitted photo
As published on the Simcoe.com website, November 30, 2010

Performers range in age from three to 17

MIDLAND – Months of preparation by approximately 45 young ballet students will come to fruition this week with a performance of “The Snow Queen.”

The children, ages three to 17, are students at the School of Dance and Musicianship in Midland.

Patricia Stenton, director of the school, also has the role of producer and choreographer.

“I started thinking about ‘The Snow Queen’ as a ballet in the spring of 2009. When I discussed it with my senior dancers and saw their enthusiasm, my work (began) in earnest,” she said.

She read the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale over and over, selecting the essential elements in order to arrange them into dance scenes.

“As for the choreography itself, that’s a process that evolves over a long period of time, like a mosaic that slowly becomes a work of art,” Stenton explained. “Since there was no suitable musical score, I had to spend a lot of time listening to all kinds of music to find pieces that would help us tell the story through dance.”

The school has staged a production every two years since 1985, including full-length ballets such as “The Nutcracker,” “Hansel and Gretel” and “Cinderella.”

“The Snow Queen” is a story about two friends, Gerda and Kai, who are separated when the Snow Queen takes Kai to her icy domain. A magic mirror adds to the dramatic events, and Gerda must brave many adventures when she sets out in search of her friend.

The ballet is filled with many colourful characters Gerda meets along the way to the story’s happy ending.

All proceeds of the production will go to Sleeping Children Around the World, which has been the charity of choice for all of school’s public performances since 1991. The Canadian organization provides bed kits containing a mattress, bedding, clothing and sometimes school supplies, dishes or a layette for a baby.

“The Snow Queen” will take to the stage at Monsignor Castex School on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $9 for those 18 and under. They are available at Johnstone’s MusicLand, The Explorers Café, Karma Marketplace and through the School of Dance and Musicianship at 526-5256.

For more information about Sleeping Children Around the World, or to make a donation, visit www.scaw.org.

Majors Announce Details of Fourth Annual Teddy Bear Toss

As published on the St. Michael's Majors website, November 30, 2010

MISSISSAUGA, ON – The Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors are pleased to announce the details for the teams fourth annual Teddy Bear Toss. Children locally and abroad will once again benefit from this years event as the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region will be receiving the bears that are tossed on the ice and Sleeping Children Around the World will receive funds through stuffed animals that are sold at the game. Fans are encouraged to bring a new or lightly used stuffed animals to the game to toss onto the ice after the Majors first goal of the game. The team is also encouraging fans to purchase a stuffed animal when they arrive to further support the cause. Canadian Tire stores in Mississauga are donating 2000 stuffed animals to the event.

The Majors have hosted a Teddy Bear Toss every year since the team arrived in Mississauga for the 2007-2008 season. Their first toss was on December 14th, 2007, when then rookie Casey Cizikas scored at the 16:43 mark of the first period, giving the Majors a 1-0 lead, and giving the fans reason to let their teddy bears fly. A total of 746 bears were collected in the inaugural toss. In 2008, the game was played on December 12th, against the Majors old rivals, the Niagara IceDogs. This time, Captain Jesse Messier got the Majors first goal and sent 963 stuffed animals flying on the ice. Last season, the Majors took on the Ottawa 67’s and set a new record for Mississauga Teddy Bear Tosses once again. This time is was Kelly Geoffrey who opened the scoring for Mississauga and 1013 stuffed animals flooded the ice.

The ceremonial puck drop on December 10 will include representatives from the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region, Canadian Tire and Sleeping Children Around the World. Sleeping Children Around the World will be represented by Dave Dryden who played for the Majors the last time the team won the Memorial Cup in 1961. After winning the Memorial Cup with St. Mike’s, he went on to a solid 14 year career in the NHL and WHA. He now devotes his time and energy to Sleeping Children Around the World.

Fans also have the opportunity to get discounted tickets to the game. Beginning on Saturday, December 4, Canadian Tire stores in Mississauga will be handing out a coupon for $4 off a ticket to the December 10 game with purchase. Vouchers are limited so make sure to stop in at your closest Canadian Tire store. All five Canadian Tire stores in Mississauga will be participating (Canadian Tire Meadowvale - 6670 Meadowvale Town Centre Circle, Canadian Tire Heartland – 5970 Mavis Road, Canadian Tire Southdown – 900 Southdown Road, Canadian Tire Dixie/Dundas – 1156 Dundas St. E and Canadian Tire Mavis/Dundas – 3050 Mavis Road).

The Majors, Sleeping Children Around the World and the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region thankful to have the support of the five Dealers of the Mississauga Canadian Tire stores. The Canadian Tire stores in Mississauga help children participate in sports through their JumpStart program and are giving back to the community with their continued support of the Toys for Tots initiative again this year. This opportunity allows them to continue on with their community support of the Boys and Girls Clubat this important time. Being able to assist the Dryden family with their worthy charity is an added bonus of this fun event.

Tickets to the game are available at the Hershey Centre box office or online at ticketmaster.ca. Fans can also purchase tickets by calling 905-502-7788 x. 1.

New MasterCard Memorial Cup Six Game Flex Packs are now available as well. Fans can get tickets to the entire MasterCard Memorial Cup and six flex pack vouchers as well for as little as $549 (plus applicable taxes and fees). Call 905-502-7788 x. 1 or visit stmichaelsmajors.com for more information.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Aktion Club Service Initiative for SCAW

As published on the Kiwanis Aktion Club website, November, 2010


Working together to make the world a better place. This is what Aktion Club members are striving to do one project at a time. Aktion Club members have united together in an effort to support an international Service Initiative.

The focus of the Aktion Club Service Initiative is Sleeping Children Around the World, a nonprofit organization located in Toronto, Ontario.

The mission of SCAW is to provide bed kits to children in need throughout the developing world. This is carried out through free-will donations and partnerships with volunteers around the globe. A bed kit donation of $37 provides a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies.

Kiwanis family members are asked to support this initiative by making monetary donations to Aktion Clubs for Sleeping Children Around the World.

Click on the graphic to see it in larger size. For more information and for resources, please go to Aktion Club website.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Santa Experience at Sherway Gardens

The Award Winning Santa Experience
Returns to Sherway Gardens!

Presented by Sherway Gardens
Starts: November 15, 2010 | Ends: December 24, 2010
Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at the award-winning Santa Experience, an exciting, interactive visit with Santa at Sherway Gardens weekdays and Saturdays. The Santa Experience consists of a thirty-minute activity period with marching, dancing, singing and story reading with Santa and his elves. Parents are invited to take their own photos at the end of each session when every child gets a special moment with Santa. This program is designed for children aged 2 - 6 years. 
Registration is accepted in person only at the
Holiday Booth near the entrance to Sherway Square.
100% of the $5 per child ticket price goes to
Sleeping Children Around the World.
Weekdays and Saturdays
There are no Sunday sessions.
For more information and schedules,
please go to the Sherway Gardens website.

Friday, November 12, 2010

SCAW at the Owen Sound Heritage Mall

For the 17th year in a row, St. Thomas and St. George's Anglican Churches in Owen Sound have set up their display at the Heritage Mall in Owen Sound
to promote Sleeping Children Around the World and sell bedkits.

Looking after things on Friday morning were (Left to right) Lynda Douglas and Barb Dilworth.

The campaign is on until Christmas.

Potential donors in Owen Sound can contact the churches for more information or a donation form.

If you're not in Owen Sound, you can always download a copy of the donation form from the Sleeping Children website at this link.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Helping sweet dreams happen

As published by the Stratford Citizen November 11, 2010
By Adam Gardiner

MacDougald on a previous trip to Bangladesh,
surrounded by some of the children he came to help.
Contributed photo
While those on this side of the world are going about their daily business, Doug MacDougald is miles away helping make thousands of children’s lives better.

The local veterinarian is in the middle of a three-week tour in Bangladesh, where he is helping deliver bedkits to 6,000 children through Canadian charity Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW).

“The kids that we give these to often don’t even have a place to sleep,” MacDougald told the Citizen October 21, two days before he and five other volunteers from the area departed. “So receiving this is phenomenal for the child and their family.”

The charity sends volunteers in teams of six to countries with low GDPs per capita, such as India, the Phillipines and various nations in Africa and Central America.

The volunteers use fundraising money to purchase materials for bedkits – including sleep mats, mosquito nets and bedding, as well as clothing and school supplies – at a cost of $35 per kit, and help assemble and distribute them to children in need. A charity trust fund back home pays for the volunteers’ travel and administrative costs.

“It’s a very low-cost system,” MacDougald said. “You get a lot of stuff for $35 in Bangladesh.”

This is MacDougald’s third SCAW trip – his last was a year ago – and for the first time, he’s going as team leader.

SCAW is “a longtime favourite charity” of his parents, he said, with many of their donations over the last 20 years made in his name as well as those of his children and grandchildren.

“It’s been a family charity that I now am more actively involved in through volunteer work..”

But the missions are often “gut-wrenching,” he says, because in spite of the thousands of kits teams hand out, there are always so many more poverty-stricken families to assist.

“We’re helping 6,000 kids get a little better sleep with healthier mosquito nets, and the clothing is often school clothing so we support education in that basic way. But there’s so much need.”

For his current trip, MacDougald’s team is supported by the Rotary Club of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital city. The club also coordinates with other Rotary Clubs there for support, enabling the team to carry out their work in communities across the country.

“They’re a tremendously supportive organization,” he said.

It’s a similar story back home too.

“Several people in our community are supporters of SCAW and actively volunteer and travel,” said MacDougald, adding that local resident Sue Orr will be making a SCAW trip to India next year.

Anyone interested in purchasing a bedkit can make their $35 donation through scaw.org, either in their name or that of a loved one (donations make a great Christmas gift, MacDougald says). Donors will receive a photo of the child their bedkit was given to, taken by the volunteers who make SCAW’s work possible.

“The charity operates by word-of-mouth; there aren’t mailings or follow-up calls,” MacDougald said. “It’s freewill giving…

“Like I say, $35 is real money, but boy, the amount that it actually contributes to an individual child’s well-being is significant.”

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Eileen Rademacher supports SCAW

Click on graphic to see larger version.
Submitted by Eileen Rademacher


Sunday, November 28th 2010

Christmas in the Bag
CRAFT SALE
Applewood
The Shaver Homestead

450 The West Mall
Etobicoke, M9C 1E9
10am to 3 pm
I will have a table at this event selling my art work.
All proceeds will be donated to SLEEPING CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD


Eileen sent out this report on Tuesday, November 30th
Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you so much for the great support you gave me on Sunday at the craft show. Because of you all, 10 children will receive bedkits through SCAW. I will send you a photograph of them in about four months after they have been distributed.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Eileen




Eileen sent out this report on February 22nd, 2011


I recently returned from the Chennai distribution of 6,000 bedkits. These are the children who received the bedkits from the proceeds of my art sale.

They were very special. Thank you so much for your support.

Eileen Rademacher

Monday, November 8, 2010

Grant Clark -- One of fifty "Champions of Change"


COMING NOV 15TH - TUNE IN FOR THE TOP 10

On November 15th at 8:00 ET on CBC News Network's Connect with Mark Kelley Mark will announce the Top 10 finalists. Then, you get to vote for your two favourites!


Grant Clark
As published on the CBC Website

NAME: Grant Clark

AGE: 64

VOLUNTEERS IN: Africa

CATEGORY: International - Health & Wellness

ORGANIZATION(S): Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW)

ABOUT THE CANDIDATE:

Grant, a retired principal with the Peel School Board, started volunteering in 1991 with the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), an organization which aims is to provide comfortable bedding and bed nets - or "bed kits" - to children between 6 and 12 years old. He got involved with SCAW after hearing about a fellow teacher's trip to Columbia. He invited the founder of the group to his school to speak about the issue, and found himself transformed to the cause.

For the next 10 years he raised money through the students at his school before going on his first mission to Lima, Peru in 2001. He has since been responsible for distributing bedkits to 54,500 children primarily in Africa, including Uganda, Togo, and Zimbabwe. Since then, Grant has presented the story of Sleeping Children Around the World to thousands of school children in Canada to demonstrate the contents and uses of bed kits and speak about the impact of Malaria on Sub-Saharan Africa.

His nominator, Albert says: "Grant and his wife use all their own money to cover travel expenses related to their volunteer work," and he adds, "travel to many of these countries is often dangerous."

HOW YOU CAN HELP: FURTHER INFORMATION AND LINKS

For more information about the Sleeping Children Around the World program, visit their website at www.scaw.org.

From Mark Kelly's blog post of November 4th.
"The next big day to watch out for is November 15th 2010. That's when you can tune into my show Connect with Mark Kelley at 8 p.m. EDT and watch our Top 10 special. We'll announce the 10 Canadians judges selected for Canada's Champions of Change. Now, voting begins. We need you to get involved."

"As of November 15th, you will be able to vote for the two nominees (one international, one domestic) that you feel have made the greatest impact, made the greatest difference, and should wear the crown as a champion of change. These two winners will each receive $25,000, while each remaining eight finalists will receive $10,000. All the money is donated to the nominee's chosen charity. Thank you Manulife!"

Midland School of Dance supports SCAW

The School of Dance & Musicianship

presents:

The Snow Queen

A magical story ballet based on the fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Friday December 3, 7 pm
Saturday December 4, 2 pm


Monsignor Castex School,
120 Penetanguishene Rd.
Midland


In support of
Sleeping Children Around the World


Click graphic to see a larger version and for ticket information.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Marsha's Museum Helps SCAW

Marsha Gormley is opening her archives and offering her original artwork at significant savings to support The Boys and Girls Club, SCAW, and to purchase an entire stable of animals from World Vision.

Frontenac Club Inn,
Kingston, ON


Sunday, November 14
from 4pm to 7 pm

Here’s how it will work ...

Browse through the catalogues and decide which category sparks your interest most. Purchase a ticket from either the $75 or $150 range. The day of the show the tickets will be drawn randomly and then you can enjoy the excitement as you choose the piece you want.

Treat yourself to a piece of “art from the heart” or give a “gift that gives” to someone you love.

There are two catalogs of the art pieces available:

Click to download $75 catalog.
Click to download $150 catalog.
Refreshments will be served

For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Marsha directly:
Email: marshamouse@usa.net
Phone: 613.544.2508

Click on the photo to find out more about Marsha's Museum.

Pasta supper buys bedkits

The Sunday School Kids of Gilford and Churchill
United Churches, served up a fundraising
Pasta Dinner on October 29.
As published in the Bradford West Gwillimbury Times, November 4, 2010.

By Miriam King

The Churchill and Gilford United Church Sunday School Children first started raising funds for Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) in 2000. They brought pennies from home, and collected loose change from the congregation, and made enough money to purchase two bedkits for children in Uganda.

SCAW, founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden, uses 100% of donated funds to put together bedkits for children in developing and impoverished nations. Each $35 bedkit includes a matt or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito netting (if applicable), outfit of clothes, towel, and school supplies. Since its inception, Sleeping Children Around the World has provided bedkits to children in 33 countries.

The Churchill/Gilford Sunday School Children have continued to raise funds for SCAW, purchasing 5 bedkits in 2003, 10 in 2005, 23 in 2007 - and expanding their fundraising efforts. Apple pie sales were introduced in 2007, and in 2008, the kids hosted their first Pasta Supper, raising enough to send 30 bedkits to India.

Last year - during the peak of the Recession - they could buy 25 kits.

This year, with the help of John's No Frills in Alcona, which donated the pasta, and the Alcona Sobeys, which donated buns, they hosted their Pasta Dinner at Gilford United Church on Oct. 29, hoping to raise enough for 40 kits, to mark the 10th Anniversary of kids helping kids.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Several mentions of Sleeping Children

There were several mentions of our charity on the Internet this past week.

Links of Interest

  • Toronto, October 26: Johnny Max Band raises money for SCAW
    The Johnny Max Christmas Party is coming up on Dec 4th. (We are at The Harp on both the 3 & 4 ) with both The Heart Attacks and The JMB playing all day, along with a number of special guests, this will be another great charity day. Last year we raised over $3500 for “Sleeping Children Around The World.”
  • Innisfil, October 29: The Guilford United Church
    Sunday School will host a pasta supper from 5 to 7:30 p.m., with proceeds benefitting Sleeping Children Around the World. The dinner will include homemade sauces, bread, coffee, tea and dessert. Sleeping Children provides kits containing a mat, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothes, towel and school supplies to children in developing countries. For more information on the program, visit www.scaw.org.
  • Barrie, October 31: Kiwanis Club celebrates 50 years
    The celebration was held Sept. 25 and 88 past and current members were there. Guest speaker Dave Dryden with Sleeping Children Around the World spoke about the program and thanked the club for its contributions over the years.
  • Peterborough, November 1: Larry Gillman addressed the Rotary Club
    The Rotary Club of Peterborough made a donation to the charity Sleeping Children Around the World in honour of Larry Gillman's speech, said Rotarian Doug Armstrong. The charity provides bedkits - including a mat, pillow, blankets, mosquito net, sheet, towel and school supplies - to children in underdeveloped and developing countries.
  • Blogger, November 3: LinsBabyGifts supports SCAW
    To do our part LinsBabyGifts gives a portion of our profits to children’s charities, so purchasing a Christmas baby gift such as a plush animal or holiday outfit from us ensures some other child can receive a little love and security also. Among the charities we may support this year are Sleeping Children Around the World
  • Collingwood, November 3: High School kids help SCAW
    Jean Vanier Catholic High School raises money for disasters, organizations, and tragedies around the world. All of these fund-raising activities are organized and put on by a committee of around 20 students. The committee's unofficial motto is "Focus on being the change."

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Local man's efforts help kids sleep

The Canadian team: (Left to right): Steve Allen, Kathy Greiner, Doug MacDougald (Team Leader), Mike Foster, Danielle Lalonde, and Andy Greiner.
As published in the Stratford Beacon Herald, October 23, 2010

By MIKE BEITZ STAFF REPORTER

Doug MacDougald is helping the world, one child at a time.

The Stratford man is leaving for Bangladesh today to help distribute some 6,000 bed kits through Sleeping Children Around the World, a Canadian charity that believes every child -- no matter how impoverished -- has a right to a comfortable night's sleep.

Included in the bed kits are sleeping mats, bedding, mosquito netting, clothing and school supplies.

The $35 kits, paid by donations, are desperately needed in Bangladesh.

"These are some of the poorest children in the world," said MacDougald, who has travelled to the South Asian country twice before to distribute the kits.

Each time, it inspires mixed emotions, he said.

"It's very rewarding on the one hand, but it's also very conflicting on the other hand," he said. "We have so much here, and they have so little. So you see how fortunate we are, how far $35 goes in Bangladesh and how important it is to a child and their family and their community to receive this kind of donation from folks in North America."

What's "heartbreaking" is that for every child who gets a bed kit, countless others are still in need, he said.

Stratford's Doug MacDougald is shown in Bangladesh on a 2008 volunteer effort with Sleeping Children Around the World. MacDougald is heading back to Bangladesh today to help distribute bed kits to needy children.

But seeing the look on the children's faces as they receive their kits is gratifying, said MacDougald.

Volunteers also ensure there's a personal connection between donor and recipient.

A photo is taken of each child who receives a kit, showing the donor's name and country on a label. Each photograph is then mailed back to the donor.

MacDougald pointed out that Sleeping Children Around the World is a so-called "100% charity," meaning there is no overhead.

"One hundred per cent of your donated money goes to the child," said MacDougald, noting the charity gets its message out mainly by word of mouth and donors don't receive letters or phone calls or followup requests for donations.

Participants pay their own expenses to travel abroad and distribute the bed kits with the help of overseas volunteers.

MacDougald will lead a six-member team of travelling volunteers during his time in Bangladesh, which is expected to last just over two weeks.

More information about the initiative, including regular blog updates, can be found at www.scaw.org.

Note: You can also read and/or subscribe to the Live Reports Blog.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

“An Evening With Lynette and Friends” Concert

Click to see larger version.
Submitted by Lynette Jenkins

On the 27th November 2010 from 5 to 7 p.m. we will be having our fund-raising event at St. Paul’s Church at 227 Bloor Street East.

There is also a shift in the program content. As well as using some of our regulars – we are hoping to add the international flavour of music and dancing from some of the countries we supply bedkits to.
For the past 9 years, we have been able to have our fundraising concert at St. James cathedral and they did not charge us any rent. This then meant I could assure everyone that 100% of all monies raised went to SCAW, as we have a sponsor who covers the cost of printing of flyers, tickets, flowers and honoraria for the performers.

Last year things changed and St. James charged me $1,600. This meant that I then had to raise the ticket price from $10 to $15 to cover the cost of rental. For our concert this year we have moved to St. Paul’s and the rental is $1,000 plus $200 to cover insurance costs.

Also, the cost for the 2009, 2010 editions of our calendar was covered by 2 donations I made -- first in the memory of my Mother and then my two Fathers. Last year, some of the money raised at the concert went towards funding the 2011 calendar. That process will now be repeated until another sponsor for the calendar comes forward. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars go to buy bedkits.

I thought it important that you knew what was happening and I do hope you, your families and friends will be able to join us on the 27th of November from 5 to 7 pm. Please ask your friends to post this info on Facebook or Twitter.

Our great SCAW 2011 calendar will also be on sale at the concert!

Hope to see you there.

Lynette Jenkins

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Stars Unite helps Sleeping Children

The StarsUnite for Charity website is currently hosting an auction of a pillowcase signed by American Idol winner Lee DeWyze and American Idol contestant Aaron Kelly.

About the Lee DeWyze pillowcase they said: "Lee DeWyze American Idol Winner won the hearts of many fans during Season 9. While touring in Philadelphia, Lee generously signed a pillowcase. As an added bonus, Season 9 contestant Aaron Kelly signed it too!"

A second auction is of a pillowcase signed by American Idol contestant Tim Urban.

About the Tim Urban pillowcase they said: : "Tim Urban, American Idol contestant autographed this Pillow Case and the proceeds will benefit the wonderful charity "Sleeping Children Around the World" (SCAW). SCAW has been helping children around the world for 40 years!"

You can go to the Stars Unite website and bid on the items to help Sleeping Children around the World.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Hitherfield School helps Sleeping Children


On Saturday, November 20th from 10 am to 4 pm you can help Sleeping Children Around the World and experience the magic of the fifth annual Christmas Bazaar and Open House at Hitherfield School.

Proceeds to support Sleeping Children Around the World.

Hitherfield School
2439 10th Side Road,
Campbellville, ON


With over forty vendors offering
  • gift baskets,
  • toys,
  • woodworking,
  • jewelry,
  • crafts,
  • baked goods,
  • and so much more.
Directions: 401 to Guelph Line, North to 10th Side Road, west 1/2 km to school gates.

Click on graphic to see a larger version.

School's website: www.hitherfieldschool.com

Saturday, October 2, 2010

ArjoHuntleigh: Old or Young: Sleep is Important

ArjoHuntleigh announces a strategic partnership in support of the Toronto based charity Sleeping Children Around the World.

As published on PRWeb
Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) October 1, 2010

To download the press release, click graphic to right.

ArjoHuntleigh Canada Inc.: ArjoHuntleigh Canada Inc. announces a strategic partnership in support of the Toronto based charity Sleeping Children Around the World.

Whether you are in the twilight years in a Canadian long term care facility or the formative years across the world in a developing country the importance of a secure and comfortable night sleep cannot be overstated. Realizing the importance of sleep, ArjoHuntleigh is proud to support Sleeping Children Around the World. The local Toronto based charity provides bedkits to needy children in developing countries.

General Manager of ArjoHuntleigh, John Thiessen, commented, "Sleeping Children Around the World stood out to us as one of very few charities who ensure that 100% of their donations reach a needy child. We applaud their passion and volunteers. We plan to donate bedkits related to our success with bed sales in the long term care market".

ArjoHuntleigh will soon celebrate 100 years as a developer of medical beds for healthcare facilities worldwide and in its 50 years in Canada has become recognized as a market leader in providing solution to long term care facilities. ArjoHuntleigh has launched the Pro-Contour Advance Minuet 2 bed to long term care facilities in Canada. There are over 170,000 long term care beds in Canada and despite new standards for fall prevention, pressure ulcer prevention, entrapment and occupational health and safety the vast majority of long term care beds in Canada are in excess of 15 years old which lack the modern safety for the resident or caregiver.

Dave Dryden, Chair of Sleeping Children Around the World said; "This corporate sponsorship represents an important step in our charity's evolution. We applaud the culture of social responsibility being demonstrated by ArjoHuntleigh. In 2009 we reached our goal of one million children receiving a bedkit. ArjoHuntleigh's support of Sleeping Children helps us on our way to assisting 2 million children and raises the publics' awareness of our organization".

ArjoHuntleigh offers integrated solutions for the care of patients and residents with reduced mobility and related conditions in virtually all types of care environments covering other interrelated areas of care: Hygiene Systems, Patient Lifters, Disinfection, DVT prophylaxis and Therapeutic Support Surfaces.

For more information about what ArjoHuntleigh can offer, please visit www.ArjoHuntleigh.com or contact ArjoHuntleigh at Info(dot)Canada(at)ArjoHuntleigh(dot)com. To learn about the work of SCAW visit www.scaw.org

For more information about ArjoHuntleigh and SCAW, click the graphic to the right.

References on the web and blogs

The ArjoHuntleigh press release was recently referenced at these sites:
Old or young: sleep is important « UNIX Blog
By admin
"Realizing the importance of sleep, is ArjoHuntleigh proud to support the Sleeping Children around the world. The local Toronto-based charitable giving bedkits to needy children in developing countries. General Manager of ArjoHuntleigh, ... "

Old or young: sleep is important | Urdu Qlm
By admin
" General Manager of ArjoHuntleigh, John Thiessen, commented, “Sleeping Children around the world stood out to us as one of very few charities to ensure that 100% of their donations reach the needy children. We applaud their passion and ... "

Old or Young: Sleep is Important at AllVoices
"ArjoHuntleigh Canada Inc. announces a strategic partnership in support of the Toronto based charity Sleeping Children Around the World. ... "

Friday, October 1, 2010

10th Anniversary of Kiwanis Aktion Club!

As published on the Kiwanis International Blog on October 1

by: Katie Griffen
Aktion Club Specialist


Ten years ago today, October 1, 2000, Aktion Club officially became a program of Kiwanis International. The first Aktion Club was organized in Putnam County, Florida by George D. “Jake” Swartout, 1988-89 Kiwanis Governor. The Aktion Club concept spread throughout the Florida District and throughout the Kiwanis world.

Currently, there are 467 clubs and 9,425 members worldwide. Thanks to all who have been involved including members, advisors, sponsoring clubs and agencies that support individuals with disabilities. Aktion Club would not be where it is today without all of your dedication, service hours and fundraising efforts! The affects of Aktion Club on our members and communities is one of true value.

Aktion Club members give an estimated 92,484 hours of service each year, performing a variety of community services, such as environmental projects, park beautification, food drives, nursing home visitations and assisting Kiwanis clubs with their projects.

Sleeping Children Around the World is Aktion Club’s service initiative that has kept Aktion Club members focused on their fundraising efforts. Members, along with the Kiwanis International Foundation, have provided thousands of bedkits to children in underprivileged countries. Aktion Clubs support and uphold the Kiwanis mission of Serving the Children of the World.

Congratulations, Kiwanis Aktion Club! Here’s to many more years of service.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

2011 SCAW Calendar Available


Our 2011 calendar has arrived. The calendar for 2011 is a thirteen-month calendar that starts with December, 2010.

The calendar sells for $10 and contains photos from past years' distributions in some of the countries we visit. 100% of the amount you pay for this calendar goes to buy bedkits for children. It was printed using proceeds from the 2009 "An Evening with Lynette and Friends" concert.

For each month, the calendar shows children who have received bedkits from Sleeping Children Around the World in the past. If you don't need a tax receipt, why not buy some calendars. You'll have something to remind you about Sleeping Children all through the year, and you'll be providing bedkits for some deserving children. It makes a great gift for someone else too.

You can buy it online on our website.