Thursday, December 22, 2011

Mall raises $30K

The Santa Experience.
Sleeping Children Around the World chair Dave Dryden, left, receives a cheque for $32,309 from Sherway Gardens general manager Andy Traynor while Santa Claus looks on. Photo by Marnie Bonnett

Sherway Gardens has raised over $32,000 through a popular Santa Claus attraction to donate to an organization that provides bed kits for children in developing countries.

The mall began selling tickets to the Santa Experience in November and throughout December. It raised $32,309 that was donated during a ceremony this morning at the mall to Sleeping Children Around the World.

"Since 2002, Sherway Gardens has proudly donated 100 per cent of the proceeds from the Santa Experience to Sleeping Children Around the World," said Sherway's general manager Andy Traynor. "To date, $204,825 has been raised through ticket sales for the Santa Experience which has gone toward helping over 5,000 children worldwide."

The Santa Experience allowed children to join Santa Claus for an interactive play session that included sing-a-longs, dancing and story time. Children also got to share with Old Saint Nick what they wanted for Christmas and pose for a photo.

"It's such a great thing to think that a happy time such as Christmas, where our children are celebrating and having their pictures taken with Santa, can lead to many kids overseas getting bed kits," said Sleeping Children Around the World chair Dave Dryden. "As a result of the support (we have) received from Sherway Gardens, we have been able to provide approximately 6,000 bed kits to children in countries around the world including India, Kenya, the Philippines, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Honduras and Bangladesh. We can't thank them enough."
cclay@mississauga.net

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

SCAW Mentions: The past month

As published in The Toronto Star, December 18, 2011.

Goar: Life after politics

...
Peter Adams represented Peterborough for the Liberals from 1993 to 2006, threw his energy into Sleeping Children Around the World, which distributes bedkits (a mat, a sheet, a blanket, a mosquito net and 20 other items) to children in poor nations where thousands die of malaria. He and his wife Jill have travelled to India, Bangladesh and Honduras on Sleeping Children missions.
...

As published in The Barrie Examiner, December 20, 2011.

Thanks for making gift fair a huge success

Thank you to all those who supported the 2011 Gifts That Give Fair which took place Nov. 26 and 27 at St. Mary's Church Hall. The diversity of initiatives in social justice, environmental awareness and aid and development being undertaken in our community and in the developing world was enthusiastically represented by the Elizabeth Fry Society, Barrie Fair Trade Working Group, Hospice Simcoe, Simcoe Sojourners Friends of L'Arche, Sleeping Children Around the World, Birthright, Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Canadian Food for Children, Candlelighters Simcoe, Parents of Children Living with Cancer, Kids for Turtles, One Tribe Wasafiri, Bridget Gallagher's Fair Trade Co., Chalice, DreamyZ's and Ten Thousand Villages.

Thanks also to these participants and their volunteers for providing us with the opportunity to purchase gifts while supporting some of the good work happening in our community and around the world.

Rebecca Johnson Orillia

As published in the Listowel Banner, December 28, 2011.

Students pull together for children in need

...
By looking at issues in Somalia, Attawapiskat and Sleeping Children Around The World, the students discussed themes of giving and not taking things for granted. They said they realized how lucky they are and chose to do something nice for those without. The students then collected 29 new toys for boys and girls and $110.68 for the local Salvation Army.
...

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Majors victorious against Kingston

As posted on mississauga.com, December 16, 2011.

Bears everywhere. The Mississauga St. Michael's Majors hosted the Kingston Frontenacs at the Hershey Centre Friday evening. Hundreds of teddy bears were thrown onto the ice after the Majors' first goal in the second period. The bears will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region with proceeds from bear sales to be given to Sleeping Children Around the World. Staff photo by Rob Beintema

Spencer Cobbold has only scored three goals in his Ontario Hockey League career, but the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors rookie's most recent goal, scored tonight at the Hershey Centre was the most significant.

Not only did it open the scoring in a 3-1 win over the Kingston Frontenacs, but it also sparked an avalanche of stuffed toys thrown onto the ice in the Majors' annual teddy bear toss game.

All bears that hit the ice will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel and proceeds from bears purchased tonight will be donated to Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that sends bed kits to children in developing countries.

"It was a big game for us," said Cobbold, who broke a 19-game goalless drought. "Getting the goal was good and then all these teddy bears coming down was pretty cool so it was definitely a big goal."

The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Majors (15-14-1-3) and occurred three weeks after the Frontenacs came back from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Majors 4-3.

The Majors are eighth in the OHL Eastern Conference while the Frontenacs sit in last place. However, Majors coach/general manager knew what to expect from the Frontenacs, who he feels are playing better than their 9-20-2-2 record indicates.

"We knew coming in Kingston has been playing a lot better lately," Boyd said. "They got a big win in Belleville Wednesday so we knew they were going to play hard. We had to bring our competitive level up and I thought we did a good job of that."

Cobbold's goal, scored 2:11 into the second period, was also the most bizarre of his short career.

He fired an innocent-looking point shot towards Kingston goalie Igor Bobkov, but Bobkov caught it and accidentally threw it into his own net.

Other than that blunder, Bobkov was solid with 32 saves on 35 shots, but Mississauga's J.P. Anderson had an even better outing. He stopped 34 of 35 shots.
Shortly after the opening goal, Majors centre Brett Foy was hurt by an elbow to the head by Conor Stokes, who was slapped with a game misconduct. He was helped off the ice and didn't return.

"Anytime you lose a player who plays regularly and kills penalties, it's going to make a difference," Boyd said. "Hopefully Brett's alright. That's our main concern."

The hit will be reviewed by the week within the next few days and a suspension for Stokes is possible.

The Majors have lost two players to injury in the past three games. On Sunday, Mississauga captain Stuart Percy was hurt after he went head first into the boards following a hit from Ben Thompson of the Kitchener Rangers.

Percy suffered a sprained wrist, whiplash and a cut on his cheek requiring stitches. He isn't expected to be out of the lineup for a long time.

Kingston's Darcy Greenaway tied the game midway through the second with a one-timer past Anderson, but Mississauga defenceman Dylan Demelo restored Mississauga's lead with a shorthanded marker 1:10 later.

Demelo, who picked up an assist on Derek Schoenmakers' third-period goal, one-timed a pass from Jamie Wise with teammate David Corrente serving an interference penalty. Defenceman Alex Cord contributed to the Majors attack with two assists.

Both teams went scoreless on the power play. Mississauga was shutout on four chances while Kingston failed to capitalize on six opportunities.

The Majors will host the Sudbury Wolves Sunday at 2 p.m. in their final game before the league's Christmas break.

The Wolves, winners of eight out of their last 10 games, sit one point ahead of the Majors for seventh in the Eastern Conference.

icolpitts@mississauga.net

Friday, December 16, 2011

Holiday party helps kids

As posted on mississauga.com, December 16, 2011.

For the Browne family in Sherwood Forrest, what started out a decade ago as a holiday get-together with neighbours and friends has developed into a fundraising juggernaut.

At first it was just having drinks with the neighbours at Christmas. The Brownes would collect a few toys and some cash for a good cause.
It was five years ago that Jim Browne heard of the great work being done by Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that donates bed kits to children in underdeveloped and developing countries. Each bed kit contains a mat, pillow, sheet, blanket, clothing, towel, school supplies and a mosquito net, if needed.

The family adopted that cause and moved their Christmas cocktail fundraiser to the Rosewood Bistro in the nearby Sherwood Forrest Village Shopping Centre.

Last night, the party took over the entire top floor of the restaurant.

The Sleeping Children program was founded in 1970 by Murray Dryden. While on a trip in India, Dryden tripped over a sleeping child in the streets. He realized that while he may not be able to end world hunger, he could provide a child with a good night's sleep.

"If these kids don't have the money for a school uniform, they can't go to school," says Browne.

"We do this because you've got to give back," he said in an interview this morning. "These kids have nothing."

Last year, the annual Holiday Cheer gathering raised enough money to buy 150 bed kits for the program. After last night's event, another 168 new kits will be purchased with the almost $6,000 that was raised.

Not bad for a giving tradition that Browne notes, "just started with getting a few neighbours together for drinks at Christmas."

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Palgrave PS helps SCAW

A letter sent to Palgrave Public School parents.

Dear Palgrave Parents and Guardians,

Once again, Palgrave Public School will be involved with the Sleeping Children Around the World charitable drive. 'SCAW' donations provide bedkits to children of all races and/or religions, typically those living in 'underdeveloped and developing countries.

Last year, our 20th Anniversary of fundraising for this charity, we purchased a record number of bedkits -- 159 from the families of Palgrave PS, generously topped up by another 115 bedkits from the Palgrave Rotary. Palgrave PS has the distinction of having contributed to this charity for longer, and purchased more bedkits, than any other school - anywhere.

The bedkit photos make great Christmas gifts for those 'hard to buy for people on your list. Think ahead and use them for birthday and anniversary gifts too. Each recipient child holds a small sign printed with your personal message - so please allow a few months for the photos to reach you.

No portion of a bedkit donation is spent on administration - 100% of your $35.00 donation reaches a child in need. These bedkits consist of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothes, towel and school supplies. Bedkit contents vary from country to country depending on local needs. Where possible, bedkits are produced in the country for which they are destined, giving much needed skills and employment to the local workforce.

To read more, click on the graphic.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Another mention on the Internet

Sleeping Children is still being mentioned on the Web as one of many worthwhile charities.
  • As published by The Montreal Gazette, December 14, 2011.
    Wilder Penfield Elementary: Wilder's spiritual animator, Rosalie Shewchuck, will be visiting each class creating awareness of important topics like poverty and how to best connect with the families students will be helping this year. Students will also learn to reflect on the many benefits that giving offers to others and to ourselves. For many years Wilder Penfield has supported the Sleeping Children Around the World Campaign. Every year, each class collects money to help provide a safe, comfortable night's sleep for children around the world. This money is used to purchase items like sleeping bags, pillows, mats, mosquito netting, pyjamas and toiletries.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Several mentions on the Internet

Sleeping Children has been mentioned several times on the Web these past couple of weeks.
  • BuySell.COM, November 28, 2011
    "Sleeping Children Around the World

    This organization was founded by Murray and Margaret Dryden in 1970. It provides bed kits to children in developing countries. Each $35 donation provides a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes, towels and school supplies. No portion of a bed kit donation is spent on administration. Traveling volunteers, at their own expense and without benefit of a tax receipt, go to countries to supervise the distribution of bed kits, photograph children with their bed kits and write articles for the donor newsletter.

    Cost: $35 for one bed kit.

    Visit: scaw.org/index.html"
  • Busch Systems International, November 30, 2011
    "The “Lip Charmours” have set a team fund-raising goal of $3600 and Busch Systems also is involved in various charitable efforts such as Christmas Cheer, United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Barrie Food Bank, Red Cross for Haiti Relief and Sleeping Children Around the World."
  • The Toronto Star, November 30, 2011
    "The interactive Santa experience is nothing new for Etobicoke’s Sherway Gardens mall, also a Cadillac Fairview property.

    It’s been offering a six-day-a-week, 45-minute pre-registered session for children with Santa since 2001. About 6,500 children signed up for this year’s sold-out Santa Experience sessions, which include storytelling and games and take place in full view of shoppers. It costs $5 per child, with all proceeds going to a charity that provides bed kits to kids in developing countries, called Sleeping Children Around the World.

    Since the interactive Santa experience started, Sherway has raised more than $200,000 for the charity, says Lisa Resnic, senior marketing director at the mall.

    And get this: It was Santa himself who suggested getting rid of the typical mall approach.

    It was taking up to 3 ½ hours of standing in line before children got to see Santa.

    “He said, ‘By the time the children get to see me, they’re not very happy,’’’ Resnic explained. “He came up with the idea that we should do something interactive, be more engaged.’’"
  • Smith Falls EMC, December 8, 2011
    "Sleeping Children Around the World (SCATW): A workshop outlining the efforts of SCATW to provide bed kits and school uniforms to children in struggling societies around the world. "

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Honduras: Trip Reports Posted

Honduras Reports

The donor newsletter for the Honduras bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Honduras 2011
Photos are available in the Honduras 2011 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.

Delmanor Glen Abbey Support Sleeping Children Around the World

As published on the Delmanor Blog, December 5, 2011

The random acts of kindness philosophy was continued at Delmanor Glen Abbey as Betty Fry, a Delmanor Glen Abbey resident, challenged the Delmanor seniors to raise funds for The Sleeping Children Around the World organization. The S.C.A.W raises funds to provide bed kits to the neediest of children in underdeveloped and developing countries.

The Glen Abbey residents wished to continue the fantastic work of the Ken Dryden family and the United Church.

In the photo, from left to right back row: Helen, Peg, Jean
Front row: Betty Fry, Sleeping Children Rep, Myrtle

The Sleeping Children Representative was overwhelmed when the Delmanor Residents presented her with $300 collected over the month of November!

The residents of Delmanor Glen Abbey were honoured to help raise funds for this very worthy cause. They will always remember the heartfelt emotions that came with assisting underprivileged children around the world.

To obtain more information about Delmanor Glen Abbey, please contact Julie Shuster, Marketing & Community Relations Manager at (905) 469-3232 or visit them online at delmanor.com

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Gifts That Give Fair

As published on the Barrie Examiner website, November 26, 2011.

The 2011 Gifts That Give Fair will be held this weekend at St. Mary's Church Hall at 65 Amelia St. in Barrie. Representatives from numerous not-for-profit organizations will be there to discuss their work and visitors can purchase gifts from tables featuring fair trade items, arts and crafts, bedkits, cards, clothing, gift certificates, goats, chicks and more.

Visitors can help celebrate the 65th anniversary of Ten Thousand Villages with Hospice Simcoe, and learn about Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Kids for Turtles, Sleeping Children Around the World, Elizabeth Fry Society, Barrie Fair Trade Working Group, DreamyZ, Canadian Food for Children, Chalice, Birthright, Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer, Bridget Gallagher's Fair Trade Co., One Tribe Wasafiri and Simcoe Sojourners Friends of L'Arche.

The fair runs today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
...

Friday, November 25, 2011

Rotary Choral Concert Returns to Shaw Festival

As published by Niagara This Week, November 25, 2011

Annual Christmas event takes place Dec. 11

The Rotary Christmas Choral Concert will again be returning to the Shaw Festival.

This year’s event will feature 10 area choirs who will fill the Festival Theatre with the sounds and spirit of Christmas. The inter-denominational event features choirs from Bethany Mennonite Church (including the Niagara Bethany Handbell Choir), Evergreen Singers, Grace United Church, Niagara Star Singers, Niagara United Mennonite Church, Queenston Ladies Choir, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, St. Vincent de Paul Church, and the Young Singers of Niagara.

“This event really does define what our wonderful community is all about — bringing joy to the residents of Niagara through music,” said Ward Simpson, president of the Rotary Club of Niagara-on-the-Lake. “This year we welcome back some favourite choirs and we’ll see the addition of young singers from the community to carry on the tradition. This year’s massed choir, with almost two hundred voices, rejoicing on The Shaw’s Festival Theatre stage promises to be the highlight of the Christmas season — don’t miss it!”

The 11th annual Christmas Choral Concert will take place on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Shaw Festival. All proceeds from the event will benefit the community programs at Rotary House in Niagara Falls, Youth Unlimited in St. Catharines, Adrie’s House of Hope in South Africa and Sleeping Children Around the World — providing bed kits for children in underdeveloped countries.

Tickets for the fundraiser are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased in person at Simpson’s Pharmasave and Simpson’s Apothecary in Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as at the Shaw Festival Box Office and participating area churches. Tickets can also be purchased from any Niagara-on-the-Lake Rotarian. For more information, visit www.rotary-niagara.com. Tickets will not be available for purchase on the night of the concert so it’s important to purchase in advance.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Oakville Place helps SCAW too

As posted on the Oakville Place Event Guide, November 24, 2011.

Visit Santa in Centre Court


November 20 to December 24
Sunday – Monday: 11am – 5pm
Tuesday – Friday: 10am – 8pm
Saturday: 10am – 6pm
Christmas Eve (*Reservations Required)

Get your list ready and put on your brightest smile! Your memorable experience with Santa will be captured digitally by video and photo which you can download, print and send to friends – all free of charge! You’re invited to bring your own camera as well.

Photos with Santa on CHRISTMAS EVE will be available by reservation only. Visit Guest Services to reserve your time slot.

Donations are encouraged with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Sleeping Children Around the World. Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) donations provide bedkits to children of any race and/or religion who will benefit the most; typically being located in underdeveloped and developing countries.No portion of a bedkit donation is spent on administration - 100% reaches a needy child. Each $35 donation (Canadian Funds) provides a bedkit that consists of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket,mosquito net, clothing outfits, towel and school supplies. For more information about SCAW, visit www.scaw.org.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Give a gift to the world at North Street United Church

As published on the Goderich Signal Star website, November 22, 2011.

Our town has experienced the devastation of a natural disaster and is slowly recovering and rebuilding. In many parts of the world, famine, drought, poverty and disease are a constant reality of daily life.

North Street United Church in Goderich is hosting its fifth annual "Global Giving Mall" to raise funds and awareness for many worthy global relief projects. The Mall is an opportunity to purchase Fair Trade foods, gifts and crafts which support ongoing local and international aid projects.

The event takes place Saturday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday, November 27 from noon to 3 p.m. Displays from Ten Thousand Villages, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Sleeping Children Around the World, Friends of The Orphans Canada, Fair Trade Coffee and Tea and many other charitable groups will be available throughout the weekend. A " Caribbean-style Lunch " will be served on Saturday for a $5 donation to assist with African relief projects. Donations to the Goderich Disaster Relief Committee will be gratefully accepted.

You are invited to " Exercise your heart and give a gift to the world". We look forward to seeing you again this year.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Bangladesh Trip Reports Posted

Bangladesh Reports

The donor newsletter for the Bangladesh bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Bangladesh 2011
Photos are available in the Bangladesh 2011 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, November 20, 2011

Eileen Rademacher supports SCAW

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


Sunday, November 27th 2011

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




After the event, Eileen sent this message:


Dear Family, friends and patrons,

A sincere thank you to all of you who took time out to visit me on Sunday.
The proceeds from the sale of my work ($455.00), will be used to purchase 13 bedkits.
I am requesting that they be given to the children in Togo.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and all the best in 2012.

For the children,
Eileen

Friday, November 18, 2011

Gifts That Give Fair: Community Briefs

As published on the Barrie Examiner website, November 18, 2011.




GIFTS THAT GIVE FAIR

The 2011 Gifts That Give Fair will be held next weekend at St. Mary's Church Hall at 65 Amelia St. in Barrie. Representatives from numerous not-for-profit organizations will be there to discuss their work and visitors can purchase gifts from tables featuring fair trade items, arts and crafts, bedkits, cards, clothing, gift certificates, goats, chicks and more.

Visitors can help celebrate the 65th anniversary of Ten Thousand Villages with Hospice Simcoe, and learn about Grandmothers to Grandmothers, Kids for Turtles, Sleeping Children Around the World, Elizabeth Fry Society, Barrie Fair Trade Working Group, DreamyZ, Canadian Food for Children, Chalice, Birthright, Candlelighters Simcoe Parents of Children with Cancer, Bridget Gallagher's Fair Trade Co., One Tribe Wasafiri and Simcoe Sojourners Friends of L'Arche.

The fair runs Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For info, contact Becky Johnson at 705-325-4614, or send e-mail to beckerooski@sympatico.ca.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

Give a kid a clean bedkit this Christmas

As posted on the Belleville Intelligencer website, November 17, 2011.

By CHRIS MALETTE. AT LARGE

T'is the season, I guess.

The television ads have begun, the malls and stores are gearing up for Christmas and the annual assault on all of us to buy — or give — has begun.

On the giving front, there's no shortage of options. You can go big — the flat screen TIV, the latest electronic gee-gaw, gift cards, diamonds (not, I should add, on a newspaperman's pittance) — or you can go from the heart. There's a recent trend to give the gift in someone's name that can benefit the less fortunate in desperately poor corners of the globe.

One year, I bought my darlin' daughters goats on a farm in Kenya. At least I think the cheque I wrote eventually morphed into a cute l`il white goat hugged by some impoverished little African fellow like in the television ads.

As a guy who, over the course of my admittedly small-town journalism career, has been fortunate to hitch a ride on Hercs, Boeings and assorted other Canadian Forces aircraft, I can tell you there are some hellish places where kids are being raised in all pockets of the planet.

In one way or another, I've been brought to near tears or actually shed them in vacation hotspots such as Somalia, slums in Nairobi, Haiti — anywhere in Haiti — post-hurricane Honduras, a battered and tattered orphanage in Ciudad Obregon in Mexico's Sonora Desert and others.

It's far, far worse, kind reader, than the stuff you see from the bus shuttling you from the airport to your all-inclusive, believe me.

For that reason, one charity I can highly recommend is one I discovered some years ago when, as a reporter, I covered a speaking engagement by Murray Dryden, father of NHL puckstoppers Ken and Dave.

I've covered some inspiring speakers in my day, but the quiet, sincere Dryden convinced me his charity was the real deal and why I think anyone searching for some way to do a good deed in this season of excess could do no worse than to send some money for a "bed kit" to Sleeping Children Around the World.

Dryden, who started the charity in 1970 with his wife, Margaret, has since died, but the charity lives on and it's the kind I like — it's 100 per cent Canadian and it has another 100 per cent boast.

No portion of a bedkit donation is spent on administration — 100 per cent reaches a needy child, the charity proudly proclaims. Each $35 donation provides a bedkit that consists of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes outfit, towel and school supplies.

It's based on the premise that a child's life may be hellish and poor, but nothing can give him or her a better place to be at the end of a long day than a clean, warm, safe bed.

Since its founding by Murray and Margaret Dryden in 1970, SCAW has raised more than $23 million to provide bedkits for children in 33 countries. In 2009 the charity reached its millionth child.

One of Dryden's favourite quotes was: "There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping child."

Amen to that.

For more on Sleeping Children Around the World, visit their website at http://www.scaw.org/about/index.html

Take it from a guy who's seen enough kids in enough hell holes in the "vacation hotspots" of the world, this charity is one that can make an instant and tangible difference in a child's life.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

New Life Community Christian Church raises money for SCAW

As posted on the Innisfil Scope website,
THORNTON NEWS
by Cathie Miller


New Life Community Christian Church will be holding a bake sale on Saturday November 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Thornton Lions Hall.

By supporting the bake sale, residents will help contribute to New Life’s support locally of area food banks, Youth Haven and Christmas Cheer, and global initiatives through Compassion Canada, Samantha’s Purse and Sleeping Children Around the World.

The 41st annual Thornton Community Turkey and Ham Shoot starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday December 3. The event will be held at 6831 County Road 27, one kilometre south of Thornton, and is open to 12-gauge shotguns only. Turkey, ham and bacon can be won. Also, pie slices are being sold around the village, for chances to win a turkey or ham. For more information, call Mike at 705- 458-9279.

The Angus Santa Claus Parade will be held on Saturday November 19, starting at 10 a.m. The parade will run from Peacekeeper’s Park and head across Mill Street to the Essa Recreation Centre and Arena. Once there, children can visit with Santa and enjoy some refreshments. It's always a great little parade, full of community spirit.

St. John Anglican Church in Cookstown is hosting the Bon Accord, the Constable family of musicians, for a concert on Saturday November 19. A silent auction will be held along with the concert, to raise funds for the restoration of the church’s 130-year-old bell tower. Bidding will begin at 7 p.m., the concert will start at 7:30, and the evening ends at about 9:30. Light refreshments will be served. Tickets are available at the door, or by calling Jean Reynolds at 705-458- 9222.

If you have any news, announcements or coming events, e-mail me at thorntonnews@rogers.com, or call 705-458-0869. Bye for now.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Trip to Sri Lanka shows Seaforth couple the difference between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’

As reported in the Huron Expositor, November 14, 2011.

Chris and Gail Hills distribute bed kits for Sleeping Children Around the World

By Susan Hundertmark


Returned recently from the island of Sri Lanka off the southeast coast of India, Gail and Chris Hill, of Seaforth, are still reeling from the stark difference between the "haves" in Canada and the "have-nots" in Sri Lanka.

Working as volunteers with Sleeping Children Around the World, the Hills distributed 4,000 bed kits to seven schools in northern Sri Lanka during a two week visit at the end of September and beginning of October.

"We're just getting over the after effects of the trip. You come back here and everything seems so shallow. They have nothing there and yet, they're happy," says Chris.

While the couple has been contributing to the Sleeping Children organization for years by buying $35 bed kits as Christmas presents for their children and grandchildren, the Hills decided recently that they would like to see the communities that are benefitting from the donations and signed up for the volunteer training. While the organization serves underdeveloped and developing countries around the world, the Hills were offered the chance in April to go to Sri Lanka.

Sleeping Children Around the World was founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden, who wanted to see every child in the world benefit from the comfort of a good night's sleep. The bed kits provide a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothes, towel and school supplies and are made in the countries where they are distributed to support the local economy.

"It's the only charity that we know of where 100 per cent of your donation goes directly to the children themselves," says Gail.

The Hills say the typical school in Sri Lanka is a concrete building with a blackboard painted on the concrete wall. They were greeted at each school with balloons, flowers and a dance presentation by children whose parents had often borrowed an outfit they could wear for the day since their regular clothes are "rags and tatters," says Chris.

"The children, when they greet you, bow down and touch your feet to honour you and you feel so humble. We shed lots of tears," says Gail.

Most of the children live in two-room houses with dirt floors and everyone sleeps on the floor in one room. Cooking takes place outside "using pots and pans you and I would have thrown out years ago," says Chris. Many of the families live on subsistence farms where they grow the rice they eat during every meal, along with coconuts, pineapple, mango and bananas.

While the people speak Tamil or Sinhalese, the children learn some English at school and every visit made by the Hills included a speech of welcome by one of the children.

"It was in English and it was flawless," says Gail. "And, even though we didn't have the same language as a lot of people, we managed to communicate. Sometimes we needed two translators."

Some of the families walked eight miles to the schools to pick up the bed kits – others had bikes or took "tuck-tucks" which are motor scooter taxis.

In a warm climate, which ranges between 20 and 40 degrees Celsius, malaria is common so the mosquito nets can be a preventative tool.

The Hills could still see the effects of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that devastated the western coast of India and Sri Lanka, killing over 230,000 people with 30-metre high waves.

They spent time talking to a fishing family who lived in wooden-framed tents thatched with palm leaves on the beach. The mother, father and four children were squatting in the sand sorting fish, telling them about how relatives had been drowned during the tsunami.

They could also see the effects of 30-year civil war and were told repeatedly during their trip by Sri Lanka residents that the country is rebuilding now that the war is over. The Hills were part of Sleeping Children's first trip into Sri Lanka since the war's end.

"They want the West to know that the war is over and they're moving ahead now," says Chris.

One of the jobs they had was to interview the parents and children to make sure the bed kit donation would be of benefit to them. They learned that while the children had school uniforms supplied to them by the government, they were required to have shoes to go to school but didn't necessarily have access to them.

"Flip flops were part of the bed kits but we're looking at providing covered shoes," says Gail.

The Hills, who paid for their own trip as volunteers, say they would return to Sri Lanka "in a heartbeat" if they had the opportunity.

And, while they tried to prepare with an orientation session, the two say you are never completely prepared for the stark difference between North American plenty and the poverty you see on such a trip.

"The poorest schools just erupted with excitement when we walked in. They all said they needed more educational supplies for the children because they realize that education is the key," says Chris. "We see a lot more unhappy 'haves' in this country because they don't have the latest gadgets."

"They were just so grateful in Sri Lanka. It was an amazing adventure," adds Gail.

The Hills are available to talk to local schools, church groups and other organizations about their trip to Sri Lanka and the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. They can be reached at 519-522-1913.

Friday, November 11, 2011

The Santa Experience at Sherway Gardens

The Award Winning Santa Experience
Returns to Sherway Gardens!

Presented by Sherway Gardens
Starts: November 14, 2011 | Ends: December 23, 2011
It's that magical time of year again, when jolly old St. Nick makes his way to Sherway Gardens to entertain and interact with his young fans. This 30 minute interactive program includes magic tricks, storytelling, singalongs and more! And at the end of each Santa Experience session there is a special time for every child to visit with Santa while mom or dad snaps a photo. Admission is by ticket only and each session is limited to 40 children to ensure a quality experience. Tickets sell out quickly so we suggest you buy early to avoid disappointment. Tickets are $5 per child (CASH ONLY) and all proceeds go to Sleeping Children Around the World - a local registered charity that provides bedkits (containing everyday essentials) for children in developing countries. (www.SCAW.org). Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your session start time.
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 and there is no 10AM session on Wednesday, December 21st.
For more information and schedules,
please go to the Sherway Gardens website.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Sri Lanka Trip Reports Posted

Sri Lanka Reports

The donor newsletter for the Sri Lanka bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Sri Lanka 2011
Photos are available in the Sri Lanka 2011 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.

Monday, November 7, 2011

An Evening with Lynette and Friends

Click to see larger version.
Submitted by Lynette Jenkins

On the 3rd December 2011 from 5 to 7 p.m. we will be having our 12 th fund-raising event at St. Paul’s Church at 227 Bloor Street East.

As well as some of our regulars. last year we added the international flavour of music and dancing from some of the countries we supply bedkits to and that will be repeated this year.

Some of the money raised at last year's concert went towards funding Sleeping Children's 2012 calendar which will be on sale at the concert.

Please ask your friends to post this info on Facebook or Twitter.

Hope to see you there.

Lynette Jenkins

Friday, November 4, 2011

Delivering a good night's sleep

As posted on Mississauga.COM, November 4, 2011


Photo at right: Retired Peel District School Board principal Grant Clark was at Middlebury Public School on Wednesday to speak to students about Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), which donates bedkits to children in underdeveloped and developing countries. Photo by Ryan McCullough

Retired Peel District School Board principal Grant Clark was at Middlebury Public School on Wednesday morning to teach students about a charity close to his heart.

Clark, who worked at a number of Mississauga schools, was invited to speak to the kindergarten to Grade 5 students about Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), which donates bedkits to children in underdeveloped and developing countries. Each bedkit contains a mat, pillow, sheet, blanket, clothing, towel, school supplies and mosquito net, if needed.

The Erin Mills area school is already involved with the charity, but teachers wanted the students to learn even more about the organization.

Clark first heard about SCAW in 1983 while he was principal of Sawmill Valley Public School. In the years that followed, his involvement steadily increased until he himself travelled to South Africa to deliver the bedkits.

"We aren't just providing a bedkit to these children, we're providing jobs to the locals in each area we visit," said Clark, 65. "Everything in the kit is made within that community."

SCAW was founded in 1970 by Murray Dryden, who while on a trip in India tripped over a sleeping child in the streets. He realized that while he may not be able to end world hunger, he could provide a child with a good night's sleep.

To date, 1,750,000 bedkits have been delivered.

For more information, visit www.scaw.org.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

As posted on Mississauga.COM, November 2, 2011


Sherway Gardens is selling tickets to its popular children's holiday attraction, the Santa Experience.

Admission, at $5 per child, is limited to children aged 10 and under. Tickets aren't required for adults who are accompanying children.

The little ones taking part will join Santa Claus for an interactive play session that includes sing-a-longs, dancing and story time. Children will get to share with Santa what they want for Christmas and pose for a photo. The sessions are 30 minutes in length.

Dates are Nov. 14-19, Nov. 21-26 and Nov. 28-Dec. 23 (excluding Sundays).

Tickets can be purchased at the mall's holiday booth.

All proceeds go to Sleeping Children Around the World, a charity that provides bed kits for children in developing countries.

Sherway officials are encouraging visitors to the Santa Experience to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to The Salvation Army. Each toy donation before Dec. 18 will receive a ballot for a chance to win a special home visit from Santa on Dec. 21.

For more information, call 416-621-1070 or visit www.sherwaygardens.ca. Email:cclay@mississauga.net

Picton's oldest service club welcomes first female president

As posted in County Live Picton, November 2, 2011

The Kiwanis Club of Picton welcomed its first female president last month – one of three women who have been inducted into the popular service club.

Geri Claxton was installed into office by her father, Randy Claxton, a club past president.

“I was thrilled that the Picton Kiwanis Club even considered me for president,” said Geri, who has been a member since December 2008.
Past President Randy Claxton, with his daughter, Geri, on the occasion of her installation as the first female President of the Kiwanis Club of Picton

She has assisted with Kiwanis events almost as long as her father has been a member.

“I have been fully active with the club since moving back to the County in September 2008,” she notes. “My goals for the upcoming year include recruitment, increasing our visibility within this community, and taking the time to recognize the hard work and service of our exisitng members. It should be a fun and challenging year.”

The Kiwanis Club, founded originally in 1927, was the first service club in Picton. The club’s 1927 charter was surrendered in 1943, as a result of the Second World War. However, once the hostilities ceased, the club was re-chartered in 1953.

In the early years, the club grew acres of peas and pumpkins as fund-raising projects. Paper recycling was a major fund-raiser for 26 years; and members supported many local concerts and festivals, as well as working at the gates for the Prince Edward County Fair, and helping to set up for local Red Cross Blood Donor Clinics.

More recently, the Kiwanis are known for participation in annual events in the county – the May fishing derby; the Pancake Breakfast; the bicycle Colour Cribbage Ride; and working at the gates for the Women’s Institute Craft Show and the TASTE events.

Lt. Governor, Frank Wilson, presents Kiwanian John Kileeg with his 45-year Legion of Honour pin.
The Kiwanis Club of Picton supports Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s music programs; minor hockey, soccer, skating and swim programs; Sleeping Children Around the World, Terrific Kids, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Children’s Aid Society; hearing and cancer societies, Robin Lake Camp, the Salvation Army Children’s Christmas Party, and the Christmas Kettles program.
Club members also deliver Meals on Wheels and many members volunteer with non-profit charities and organizations in the community.

In the past, the Kiwanis were involved with bigger projects – the building of Benson Park, fund-raising for the building of the Community Centre, the Salvation Army Citadel, and the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital; and have also made donations toward the restoration of the Crystal Palace and the grandstand at the Fairgrounds, and the Prince Edward County Hospital Memorial Foundation.

The Picton Kiwanis Club meets Mondays at 6:15 PM in the Picton Legion at 347 Main Street.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Kiwanis Club: helping kids

As posted on Perth EMC, October 27, 2011

EMC News - Kiwanis Club of Perth On Tay is a chapter of Kiwanis International, a global organization whose motto is "Serving the Children of the World."

We participate in international Kiwanis projects such as "Eliminate," to strike out tetanus in Africa, and in the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District project to inoculate HIV-positive pregnant women so their babies will be born without the disease, plus the Guatemala Stove Project, and bed kits for sleeping children around the world.

We conduct the Kiwanis Terrific Kids program in 12 area elementary schools, to promote good citizenships and help counter bullying. We support The Perth and the Lanark Youth Groups, Air Cadets, the Snowsuit Fund, Kid Fish, Perth Library Summer Reading Program, the Food Bank, Interval House, and the GWM Hospital Foundation.

In spring we clean up around an area dump for Kiwanis One Day. We run field games for children on Canada Day at Conlon Farm free of charge, with many prizes. At Christmas we attend kettles for Salvation Army. We fund scholarships for area high school grads, we deliver Meals on Wheels and we distribute free copies of a children's book.

Members sit on the Board of our Perth Kiwanis Foundation and also on the Board of Tay Gardens, a non-profit apartment building for seniors.

To fundraise we collect used wine bottles, pop and beer cans, and run barbecues at the Festival of the Maples and Barnabe's Independent Grocer. We sell tickets to dinner and a play for Kiwanis Night at the Classic Theatre Festival. We sell cakes, truffles, fudge and shortbread at Christmas, and sell YIG grocery cards year round. As well on occasion we hold ad hoc fundraising events.

In short, we help the community, children and youth in particular. In order to do so we raise funds, make friends and have fun at the same time.

We welcome new members and enquiries. Our new model is Kiwanis 123: Attend one meeting per month, give two hours of service, have three hours of fellowship. See perthkiwanis.byethehost4.com for details or call 613-267-4662.

Submitted by Helen Gamble, president, Kiwanis Club of Perth On Tay.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Drydens carry on family legacy of helping Third World kids

As published in the Valley Leader, October 26, 2011.

By Glen Halick


(Photo by Glen Hallick) Judy, Dave, and Ken Dryden received Winnipeg Jets jerseys as a thank you from the community for visiting Domain on Oct. 14, bringing with them the Stanley Cup. And thanks to a charity started by their parents, impoverished children have been helped in the Third World.

Thanks to a charity started by the parents of Dave, Ken and Judy Dryden more than 40 years ago children in impoverished countries have received a bed to sleep on.

Shortly before coming to Domain the sister of the two goaltending greats returned from Nicaragua on the behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World.

Dave explained the charity was started in the family home in Etobicoke, Ontario.

"The whole idea was to give bedding, clothing, school supplies and mosquito nets to kids in Third World countries," the former NHL and WHA goalie said.

HELPING 1.2 MILLION KIDS

He said about 1.2 million children have benefited from SCAW.

"Each year we end up doing 71,000 bed kits," he said.

Being a volunteer organization SCAW had no overhead and is able to devote 100 per cent of the donations to the bed kits.

Since its inception over $23 million has been raised.

Some of the 33 countries where children have been assisted include Tanzania, Kenya, Togo, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Honduras, India, Bangladesh, and the Philippines.

On Oct. 14 the Drydens were in Domain with the Stanley Cup because it's the hometown of their late father Murray.

Peterborough Rotary Club names six Paul Harris Fellows

As published in The Peterborough Examiner, October 26, 2011.

Ann McIlmoyle, Erica Cherney, Bill Lockington, John Mackle, Jill Adams, John Bruce honoured Monday

By Examiner Staff

The Rotary Club of Peterborough awarded Paul Harris fellows Monday to Ann McIlmoyle, Erica Cherney, Bill Lockington, John Mackle, Jill Adams and John Bruce.

The fellow, established in 1957, recognizes people who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

McIlmoyle, a retired teacher, won the vocational service award for her association with teacher education at Trent University, the University of Waterloo, Dalhousie University and Lakehead University.

As a teacher, and in retirement, she has worked with students and teachers at schools including Adam Scott Collegiate, Lakefield District Secondary School, Kenner Collegiate, PCVS and Holy Cross

Secondary School.

Erica Cherney and Bill Lockington both won the Community Service Award.

Cherney, a local businesswoman, volunteered with the United Way of Peterborough and District for seven years in a number of roles including as president. Cherney also sat on the board of Trent University for nine years including four years as chairwoman. Cherney was also chairwoman of the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area and has volunteered for the Peterborough Symphony, Peterborough Theatre Guild, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Fleming College, Beth Israel Synagogue and the Trillium Foundation.

Lockington is a founding and past chairman/director of the Greater Peterborough Area Economic Development Corporation.

His has offered long-time support for the Jr. Lakers Lacrosse, the Art School of Peterborough and

the Peterborough Collegiate Foundation. He also served the YWCA's Crossroads Safe Haven Campaign, St. Joseph's Health Centre, the Festival of Trees and Showplace Peterborough.

Most recently, Lockington has helped establish the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. He is currently chairman and director of the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster.

John Mackle, the former education director of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, won the Community Service and Vocational Award. He has been co-chairman of the United Way of Peterborough and District campaign. He was unable to attend Monday's ceremony and will receive his award later.

Jill Adams, a retired nurse, won the International Service Award. Adams has been on a series of overseas missions including four months at an orphanage in Mexico; she is also an active fundraiser for Sleeping Children Around the World.

Teacher John Bruce won the New Generations Service Award. Bruce has taught around the world including in Peterborough and has volunteered coaching varsity hockey at the high school level.

He has also volunteered for Jamaican Self-Help during his summer teaching breaks.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Nicaragua Reports

The donor newsletter for the Nicaragua bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Nicaragua 2011
Photos are available in the Nicaragua 2011 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.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Back to Bangladesh with bed kits

As published in the Stratford Beacon Herald, October 19, 2011.

By MIKE BEITZ STAFF REPORTER

Volunteering to help some of the poorest people on the planet inspires a variety of feelings: hope, humility, pride and perspective.
From Bangladesh 2011
And, sometimes, even romance.

Stratford's Doug MacDougald will travel to Bangladesh this week to distribute bed kits for the organization Sleeping Children Around the World and, when that works is done, he'll stay a little longer to attend the wedding of a fellow Canadian volunteer to a Bangladeshi Rotarian closely involved with the charity effort.

"Who knows where and when romance will happen," said MacDougald as he prepared for the trip to the impoverished South Asian country.

When he arrives, MacDougald will lead a six-member Canadian team in the two-week distribution of 6,000 bed kits containing a ground sheet, pillow, blanket, mosquito net, clothes and school supplies.

The kits are central to the organization's belief that every child, no matter how poor, deserves a good night's sleep.

"It's a wonderful charity," said MacDougald, who, like other "volunteer travellers" with Sleeping Children Around the World, will pay his own travel expenses to participate in the distribution. "It is a very direct assistance for poor children."

Team members will visit some of the most impoverished villages in the northwest, northeast and southwest corners of Bangladesh to hand deliver the bed kits, with the help of the Rotary Club of Dhaka.

This is MacDougald's fifth trip with Sleeping Children Around the World and his fourth to Bangladesh.

It's no luxury vacation.

It's often hot and humid, and villages in Bangladesh lack many of the comforts and amenities of the Western world, but Mac- Dougald has no reservations about going back.

"It's my annual readjustment of priorities," he said.

Handing out the much-needed supplies is a moving experience, noted MacDougald.

"When you're actually up close and hands-on, it really sinks in emotionally," he said.

Anyone can make a donation to help cover the cost of the $35 bed kits, distributed in developing countries.

Sleeping Children is a "100% charity," meaning every penny of donations is spent on bed kits and not on administration or operating costs, noted MacDougald.

More information about Sleeping Children Around the World can be found at www.scaw.org.

Regular updates from the Bangladesh team will be posted in a blog at http://scawlivereports.blogspot.com

mbeitz@ bowesnet.com

Friday, October 14, 2011

Dryden bros. bringing Cup to ’Toba

As published in the Winnipeg Sun, October 14, 2011.

By Paul Turenne, Winnipeg Sun

Two former NHL stars are bringing the Stanley Cup to Manitoba Friday in honour of their father's birthplace.

Ken Dryden, the legendary goalie who won the cup with the Montreal Canadiens six times during their 1970s dynasty era, as well as his brother Dave, himself a former NHL goalie, are bringing the cup to Domain, Man., Friday.

Their father Murray was born and raised near Domain, a village located about 35 km south of Winnipeg, and Ken and Dave Dryden's cousins still farm the family property there.

The Hockey Hall of Fame allowed the Drydens to take the cup after Ken successfully lobbied the organization to allow former cup-winning players to tour it, much like the current champions do during the summer.

"That wasn't a tradition when I was playing, and it's such a great thing to do," Ken said. "It makes you think 'where would I go and who would I share it with?' There were fantasy places in my mind, but that's all they were going to be."

So he approached the Hockey Hall of Fame, and they eventually agreed.

One of the places he thought of was Domain.

"We heard all about Domain throughout our childhood and I've been there a few times," Ken said. "Some places are so small it's very unlikely someone's going to grow up there, play in the NHL and be on a teams that wins, so this is a way to get the cup there."

The Drydens said it is "an unbelievable coincidence" that they're taking the cup to Domain on what would have been their father Murray's 100th birthday. Murray, himself an Order of Canada recipient for his charity work, died in 2004.

On Saturday, the Drydens will take the cup to their own childhood home in the Toronto suburb of Etobicoke. The home, which is now the headquarters of Sleeping Children Around the World, the charity founded by Murray Dryden and his wife Margaret, was often home to neighbourhood hockey games when Ken and Dave were boys. A reunion game is planned for Saturday, which will also see the cup travel to the local arena where Ken played community-level hockey for Humber Valley.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

SCAW's 100% — 2012 Calendar Available

SCAW's 2012 Calendar is now available on our website.

To order on-line using your credit card, go to Sleeping Children's Secure Pages. You can also download a Donation Form or contact us by mail, phone, or email.

We call it a 100% calendar because 100% of the amount you pay for the calendar goes to buy bedkits for children in developing countries.

It was printed using proceeds from the 2010 "An Evening with Lynette and Friends" concert.

Thanks to Sleeping Children's travelling volunteers who contributed photos and anecdotes. Production thanks to Milton and Lynette.

It is a 14-month calendar beginning in November that was designed in collaboration with Sally at Sallart Studios and printed on 100% PCW recycled and recyclable paper in the most environmentally responsible way by Warren's Waterless Printing.

Production methods make it Certified 100% Carbon Neutral.

Calendars are $12 each but you can buy 3 for $35, the cost of one bedkit.

Remember that 100% of the sales of this calendar provide bedkits for children in developing countries.

To order on-line using your credit card, go to Sleeping Children's Secure Pages. You can also download a Donation Form or contact us by mail, phone, or email.



Thursday, September 29, 2011

Hitherfield School helps Sleeping Children

On Saturday, November 19th from 10 am to 4 pm you can help Sleeping Children Around the World and experience the magic of the sixth annual Christmas Bazaar and Open House at Hitherfield School.

Tables will be set up for over 40 vendors in the gym as well as the Atrium; lunches will be available in two of the classrooms adjacent to the Atrium. This year we are pleased to invite Indigo Books to our bazaar providing book talks, face painting, and so much more to visitors in attendance! There will be exciting raffles for the children, a 50/50 draw, and “theme” basket raffles for adults. Some of our students will perform their Holiday repertoire on the stage. A bake sale will add the real “sweetness” to the event!

Mark the date! All proceeds to support Sleeping Children Around the World. In the past 6 years we have raised close to $20,000 for this very worthwhile and 100% Charity!

Hitherfield School
2439 10th Side Road,
Campbellville, ON


Directions: 401 to Guelph Line, North to 10th Side Road, west 1 km to school entrance.

Click on graphic to see a larger version.

School's website: www.hitherfieldschool.com

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Dragon Boating for Sleeping Children

Submitted by Doug MacDougald, September 20, 2011.


The MacDougald family, for now its twelfth year, had a team in the Stratford Dragonboat Festival and this year raised money for Sleeping Children Around the World. The bedkits will be distributed in Bangladesh where Doug MacDougald will be returning as a travelling volunteer.

The four generations of the extended MacDougald Family, led by Walter and Marian MacDougald, are longtime Sleeping Children supporters. The Clan’s ancient motto is “Victory or Death” and, considering the alternative, we are very happy we won the D-flight championship race!

Click photo to see it at a larger size.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Jersey Challenge: Pastry chef rises to the occasion

As published in The Hamilton Spectator, September 15, 2011

Ronald Reeleder is collecting jerseys to bring to Peru with him for his latest climb up Machu Picchu. He has already conquered Mount Kilimanjaro and the Everest Base Camp. He leaves the sports jerseys with the folks in the countries he visits.
Cathie Coward/The Hamilton Spectator


Ron Reeleder, 50, takes his charity crusades to great heights. In the past two years, he’s climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest in the name of Multiple Sclerosis research. Next on his list is a trek to Peru to conquer Machu Picchu on Oct. 10. Through a company called Original Trails, the MS Society organizes the trips and three years ago, Reeleder became a contributor. Each climb costs about $2,500 out of his pocket.

Over the past two years he’s raised $30,000 for MS.

He also started Hockey Jersey’s for Charity, completed the bicycle Ride To Conquer Cancer, and donates proceeds from his photography business to MS. Eventually, Reeleder says, money from the sale of individual photo prints will go to his pet causes. To earn his daily bread, he works as a pastry chef.

What is the significance of the hockey jerseys?

The hockey jerseys started last year when I went to Everest. I took a few just to give to our porters and stuff. They loved them and somehow they knew what hockey was. So I was sitting there thinking, ‘Well, I should do this every year.’ I came up with Hockey Jersey’s for Charity and I’ve had jerseys sent to me from Boston, Chicago, Vancouver … so far I have over 100 jerseys. I give them to whoever needs them. Next year, I am going to contact as many hockey leagues as I can (for donations).

Do you think it’s difficult to get attention for your causes?

Yes, because people are inundated with charities. It’s on the TV, it’s all over Facebook, it’s all over the internet — people are asking for this and that and they are knocking on your door. So it is difficult and you have to do something unique and I think the climbs are a good way.

Why do so many things for so many different charities?

I took my first vacation when I was 45, never been anywhere outside of North America and I was sitting in the Bahamas at a friend’s wedding. I promised myself then, whatever I do, I was going to make my life worthwhile and help others. Sitting in the Bahamas at my age, being able to do that, I thought I had so much that I need to give back. It’s funny because in this country, financially, I’m considered a poor person, when you visit another country like that, they think you have everything and you are rich. We have so much more than everybody else, we don’t realize it.

What are your future plans with regard to charities?

I want to put out a book, it’s going to be a different approach, I haven’t seen it yet. But I have this red chair that I shoot people in and they donate to any charity they want in the world. They are going to write in (the book) why they’ve picked this certain charity. So the people that are in the book are writing the book.

And what mountain would you be climbing next year?

Next year will be something totally different … maybe in Southeast Asia ... because I’ve done MS for three years, I am going to pick a different charity. The charity I’m helping next year is called Sleeping Children Around the World. They take bed kits to third world countries — bed kits, mosquito nets, pyjamas. Some of these kids don’t have any of that.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

NGO underlines need for good night's sleep for schoolchildren

As posted on the IPPmedia.com website, August 20, 2011.

Sleeping Children Around the World's Ted Swanston (2nd-R) hands over mattresses to schoolchildren at Kunduchi Primary School in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on (R) is a member of the former organisation, Nancy Loveless. (Photo: Tryphone Mweji)
By Tryphone Mweji

Sleeping well is an important aspect in school children and has a positive impact on a child’s academic progress, the director of a Canada-based NGO - Sleeping Children Around the World (Scaw) – said in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

According to Scaw director Ted Swanston, the organisation made research some years ago and its findings have shown that children from six to 12 years old are doing well at examinations if they have comfortable night sleep. He said this at a donation ceremony held at Kunduchi Primary School in Tegeta area.

He said his organisation believed children who received comfortable sleep could learn better than those who did not.
“Scaw offers gifts to these children to make them know there is someone who cares for and gives them hope for a better future,” said Swanston when he was speaking to parents and guardians.

The Scaw in collaboration with a local organisation, Upendo Information and Counselling Centre, donated mattresses, mosquito nets, bed sheets, uniforms and other school supplies to needy schoolchildren from six primary schools in Dar es Salaam region.
Upendo Information and Counselling Centre director Wandoa Mwambu named the schools as Wazo Hill, Baneko, Pwani, Mtakuja, Pius Msekwa and Kunduchi.

Speaking on behalf of fellow parents and guardians, Sabina Gervas thanked both the Scaw and Upendo Information and Counselling Centre for supporting needy children. She said parents and guardians were hopeful that the donation would be used as intended.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Pinehurst Club Slideshow & Newsletter Posted



The summary newsletter for this year's Pinehurst Club Breakfast is now available on the Sleeping Children Around the World website at this link.

For a larger version of the slideshow, go to this link.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Hungarian Goulash Cookout for SCAW

Submitted by Taryn Manning

The First Annual
Manning/Tolnai Hungarian
Goulash Cookout


Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Socializing at 1 pm -- Dinner at 5 pm.

Cost per person $15
Kids under 12 FREE

Location: 51 Bridge St S. Hastings, ON

Click graphic for more information.

More details: After 15 years of the Hungarian Goulash Cookout taking place in Orillia, it has moved to HASTINGS!!

Even though the location has changed, everything else will stay the same. You will experience great company, as well as great homemade food, including salad, several kinds of breads, Hungarian Goulash, and of course desserts!!

Please remember to bring your lawn chairs and your take home containers, for all leftovers will be sold.

All money raised will be donated to the 100% charity, Sleeping Children Around the World.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Togo & Uganda: Trip Reports Posted

Togo Reports

The donor newsletter for the Togo bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Togo 2011
Photos are available in the Togo 2011 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.

Uganda Reports

The donor newsletter for the Uganda bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Uganda 2011
Photos are available in the Uganda 2011 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, July 7, 2011

Rural Rootz helps Sleeping Children


Rural Rootz


Nature Reserve
Adventure Garden
of the Bruce Peninsula


in Wiarton, Ontario
is having an Open Gardens Day
on July 16th, 2011
from 10 to 5


Click graphic for a larger view

Entrance Donation to gardens of $3 will be donated to
Sleeping Children Around the World
includes guided gardens tour, Labyrinths,
"Spirit Walk" & Rune Rock Riddle.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Night It Up! supports Sleeping Children

Night It Up! Night Market Has Moved to Markham Civic Centre!

July 15 & 16
The 10th annual Night It Up! Night Market proudly arrives in the heart of Markham at the Markham Civic Centre. After 9 years of success, Night It Up! Night Market, a two-night outdoor Asian festival has moved to a larger venue!

With the following features & programming, Night It Up! promises to tantalize your five senses!
  • Eat: Authentic cultural street-eats
  • Play: Asian night-market-style carnival games
  • Watch: 18 hours of non-stop stage performances: i.e. Choreographed martial arts fused with breakdances
  • Sports: CCYAA InterACTIVE Sports Zone featuring Toronto FC, Tennis Canada & Toronto Maple Leafs
  • Film: Ip Man 2 Outdoor Movie Screening co-presented by Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
  • Arts: Paint-A-Thon, featuring teams of art-enthusiasts live-painting on site

Night It Up! is brought to you by Power Unit Youth Organization, a non-profit youth organization focused on youth development and philanthropy. Part proceeds from Night It Up! will be donated to Sleeping Children Around the World, Night It Up!’s official beneficiary for 2011.

Larger venue, richer programming, more things to watch, eat and do! Don’t miss this once a year extravaganza. Admission is free!

Date & Time: July 15, 6pm to 12am & July 16, 12pm to 12am
Location: Markham Civic Centre, 101 Town Centre Blvd. Markham, ON L3R 9W3
Website: www.nightitup.com

Click images for a larger view.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Fenwick United Church helps 65 children


Submitted by SCAW Volunteer, George Foster.

The youth group of Fenwick United Church raised $2300. (65 bedkits) with their Lenten projects this year.

Awesome

George

Friday, June 10, 2011

Kenya: Trip reports posted

The donor newsletter for the Kenya bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.

Kenya 2011

Photos are available in the Kenya 2011 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.