Friday, December 7, 2012

Community asked to submit stories of Lombardy church as part of 150th anniversary celebrations

As posted by EMC News, December 7, 2012.

EMC Events - A French soldier, Francis Lombard, settled in the area in the 1820s, or so the story goes, opened an Inn, and then, many things happened! A series of mills were located in Lombardy, drawing power from Otter Creek, shops, including the tradesmen's shops were established, hotels and taverns, eventually a cheese factory and a post office all of which served travelers passing through the region. The village of Lombardy also served as the seat of government for South Elmsley. Although Lombardy declined as a commercial centre in the 20th century, with its three churches it continues to serve as a social centre for the ward: United Church, the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, formerly known as “The Church of the Trinity”, was established in 1862 amidst the hustle and bustle of this thriving community. Over the past 150 years, regardless of its name, Holy Trinity Anglican Church has helped one another, their neighbour, the community, those outside the community and thousands around the world.
It is because of this the current congregation celebrates the work of God in their midst. Being witness to God’s loving providence, the congregation will hold a Eucharistic service on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012, at 10 a.m. We are hopeful that former parishioners will be able to attend this special occasion so that previous acquaintances will be rekindled, stories shared, laughs and good times recalled.

As the congregation prepares for this celebration, we ask readers if they have stories of the church’s history to share them with us. All would be welcomed and can be sent to Holy Trinity Anglican Church P.O. Box 69 Portland ON K0G 1V0 or to Rev. Valerie Kelly at vkelly@ontario.anglican.ca.

Perhaps you were/are involved in outreach programs such as the Tri-Church Pancake Dinner, or the monthly Good Food Box program. Many have taken part in the Relay for Life walk, perhaps the Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund walk-a-thon held annually for the past 27 years. Maybe you donate to “Undie Sunday” where all donations go to the Brockville shelter and the Women’s Shelter of Ottawa. Whether you have been walking, handling food, buying undies, financially supporting a child through the Sleeping Children Around the World or the “Shoebox” program your efforts do not go unnoticed. The congregation of Holy Trinity would be delighted to know of your involvement.

I hear often, I have contributed in the past but I just can’t do it anymore. I don’t have the energy, I must be getting old! One thing I remind these parishioners is they can still pray for others in need and the ministry and outreach of the church. So whether your contribution to the life and ministry of the church was “in front” of or “behind” the scenes, it has all and continues to matter.

God has been very generous to the parishioners of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and they in turn have shown God’s love in their community. And for that on Sunday, Dec. 9, we give thanks to God.

Submitted by Rev. Valerie Kelly, Incumbent, Parish of the Rideau

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Follow the yellow brick road to Jean Vanier

As posted in the Collingwood Enterprise Bulletin, December 5, 2012.

By Emily Innes, CollingwoodEnterprise-Bulletin

COLLINGWOOD – Students at a local high school are off to see the wizard.

The Grade 11 drama class at Jean Vanier Catholic School will be performing “Someplace Wonderful”, an adaptation of the Wizard of Oz, from Dec. 6 until Jan. 11.

The students sing, dance, act and they even manage an offstage role throughout the production.

“It’s looking really nice,” Bradley Sinopoli, the stage manager, told the E-B during the final week of rehearsals. “Everybody is going to love it from ages six to 60.”

Sinopoli said the students began working behind the scenes on the production at the beginning of the school year and started learning their lines just over a month ago.

“With only three months to put on a performance you’ve got to work quickly,” he said.

“Someplace Wonderful” tells the same story of Dorothy, who follows the yellow brick road to find the wizard to help her get back to Kansas, but the production has been abridged to be performed in an hour.

Another adjustment is changing roles to fit the gender.

There’s only one male in the cast of 22 students, which meant changing some characters such as the Tin Man to the Tin Woman.

Teacher and director Julie Morin says having the students perform onstage and offstage roles encourages them to be very involved.

“It really teaches them teamwork and dedication,” she said. “These kids work so hard and are really putting together an awesome show that anybody will love.”

Some of the main roles are double-cast, such as Dorothy, which allows the students the opportunity to also do lighting or set changes.

Morin says the audience will be engaged and encouraged to sing along to tunes such as “Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead.”

On Dec. 13 and Jan. 10 starting at 5:30 p.m., the school is hosting Charity Pasta Dinner Nights with all the proceeds going to L'arche Homes, Mamma Zapora Orphanage, and Sleeping Children Around the World. Tickets need to be reserved in advance by calling 705-445-2043 ext. 116 and asking for Mrs. Hadley. The performance will begin at 7 p.m.

The Matinee shows in 2012 are Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 7 at 9:30 a.m.; Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m.; Dec 12 at 10:30 a.m.; and Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. In 2013, the dates are Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m.; Jan. 9 at 2 p.m.; Jan. 10 at 10:30 a.m.; and Jan. 11 at 10:20 a.m.

Power Workers Union presentation

Submitted by Linda Taiabjee, SCAW volunteer
"During the 75th Chief Stewards Convention of the Power Workers Union of Canada I received an Award for Volunteerism and Service to Community.

"With this recognition was a cheque for a Thousand Dollars given to my Charity of my Choice which is of course, SLEEPING CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD.

"May all humanity love and accept each other.

"Always, Linda."

Picture above. Click to see a larger version.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Kiwanis Chatham Kent presentation

Submitted by Michael Crossling, SCAW volunteer.

In the photograph: (Left to right) Cathy Telfer – President Kiwanis Club of Chatham – Kent Golden K; Margaret Crossling – SCAW Togo 2012; George Service – Program Chairman – Kiwanis Chatham-Kent Golden K
Click photo to see a larger version.

Margaret received a souvenir certificate in recognition of her SCAW presentation of the Team Togo 2012 distribution earlier this year.

Kiwanis Chatham Kent usually donate a SCAW bedkit in the names of each speaker to their club.

After the presentation Margaret fielded many questions from interested Kiwanians as many members appreciated this update from someone who had been on a SCAW distribution.

Steelheads lose in OHL's longest shootout

As posted on the Mississauga.com website, December 2, 2012


The Mississauga Steelheads and London Knights had their work cut out for them this afternoon at the Hershey Centre.

After they couldn't determine a winner through regulation and overtime, they engaged in a 19-round shootout, the longest in Ontario Hockey League history.

When the dust settled, the Knights prevailed 4-3 with a shootout winner from leading scorer Seth Griffith to extend their winning streak to 15 games.

"I've never been part of a shootout that went that long before," said Riley Brace, a fifth-year forward who scored a goal and an assist in regulation for Mississauga.
"Give London credit, their goalie (Kevin Bailie) made the big saves and he's good in those situations.

"(The shootout) was pretty funny, but at the end of the day, we would've liked to come out of this with two points and snap their winning streak."

Griffith, who sits second in OHL scoring with 50 points, also scored on London's first shootout attempt while Dylan Smoskowitz extended it past the minimum three rounds. Mississauga's Stuart Percy and Trevor Carrick and London's Matt Rupert and Josh Anderson also tallied in the shootout.

The shootout broke the OHL's previous record of 14 rounds, set by the Windsor Spitfires and Saginaw Spirit in 2008. The world record belongs to the DEL's Straubing Tigers and EHC München, who needed a 21-round shootout to solve a winner in Germany two years ago.
Smoskowitz and Josh Burnside scored late in the third period to help the Steelheads overcome a 3-1 deficit. Earlier in the third, Rupert and Chris Tierney scored 47 seconds apart.

Max Domi opened the scoring for London in the first period.

London earned the win despite being outshot 39-24 through regulation and overtime. It was their third game in as many days this weekend.

"(Mississauga) came out hard, but we had a pretty good game going," said Knights coach Dale Hunter.

"We jumped on them early in the third and they never gave up and battled back, but the end result was us winning in the shootout."

Bailie finished with 36 saves while Spencer Martin turned aside 21 shots for the Steelheads. The Steelheads went 1-for-6 on the power-play while the Knights finished 1-for-3.

With five minutes to go in the third, Smoskowitz re-directed a Carrick point shot after some strong forechecking forced a London turnover.
Burnside tipped in a pass from Brace a minute later during a power-play to tie the game at three.

Meanwhile, Brace's goal midway through the second period brought a barrage of teddy bears on the ice.

Sunday was Mississauga's annual teddy bear toss game, where fans throw stuffed animals on the ice whenever the home team scores its first goal.

The game is organized each year by Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that will use proceeds from bear sales to build beds for children in underdeveloped countries and buy mosquito nets to protect children from malaria.

All bears tossed on the ice were donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region.

The loss was Mississauga's third straight, but Martin feels a four-game road trip beginning Friday against the Sudbury Wolves can help cure what ails them.

"Home or away, we're going to keep moving in the right direction and work hard in practice," said Martin. "We've played some tough teams this weekend and showed a lot of promise in the last two periods against Niagara and the whole game today."

icolpitts@mississauga.net

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Toss your Teddy when the Steelheads score

As posted on the Mississauga.com website, November 29, 2012.

Mississauga Steelheads fans will be tossing their Teddy Bears on the ice when the home team scores on the visiting London Knights in Ontario Hockey League action this Sunday at the Hershey Centre.

Teddy Bears will be on sale from the time the gates open at 1 p.m. until the Steelheads score their first goal. The bears can be purchased for a suggested donation of $3.

Volunteers from Sleeping Children Around The World will be selling the bears. Proceeds will go to build beds for children in underdeveloped countries and to buy mosquito nets to protect kids from malaria.

At the same time, the bears that have been tossed will be collected and donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Peel Region for children in need.

Plenty of tickets are available for Sunday's game. They can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Eileen Rademacher helps SCAW

Submitted by Eileen Rademacher

Click on graphic to see larger version.

Sunday, November 25th 2012

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

Received from Eileen on January 5, 2012.

At my recent sale, due to great support from family, volunteers and the public I raised $420 (12 bedkits) for SCAW.

Many thanks,

Eileen

Monday, November 19, 2012

Memorial celebration for Zaba Thursday

As posted on the Simcoe.com website, November 19, 2012.


BARRIE - Friends of the late Al Zaba have two opportunities to pay their respects.

Zaba – owner of the old A&M Superfood store – died Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the age of 83.

A celebration of life is planned Nov. 22 at the Army, Navy and Air Force Club at 7 George St. from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.

A memorial service is also planned at St. George’s Anglican Church, 9 Granville St., on Nov. 28 at 2 p.m.

Memorial donations can be made to Sleeping Children Around the World, Salvation Army of Barrie Bayside Mission Centre, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, John Howard Society of Thunder Bay and District, or your charity of choice.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Pumpkin seeds grow into bedkits for children around world

As posted on the West Carlton EMC website, November 15, 2012.


EMC news - What started out as a couple of packages of seeds have grown into 40 bedkits for "Sleeping Children Around The World".

In late May, the Youth Group of St. Paul's United Church in Carp decided to raise money to buy bedkits for children half way around the world following a presentation by one of the members of St. Paul's.

Quickly offers of vacant land, rototilling and fertilizing the land were made and on June 4, a group of 8 eager youths and two adults volunteers all with shovels in hand, planted the seeds.

Over the summer the plants grew, helped by occasional watering and weeding.

By October the pumpkins of all sizes were ready to be harvested.

On two Saturdays in October the pumpkins were offered for sale from the steps of the church located at 3760 Carp Rd. near the Carp Fairgrounds.

The Youth Group had a goal to raise enough money to buy five bedkits, but the idea caught on and with additional support from the congregations of both the Carp and Dunrobin churches, enough money to buy 40 bedkits were raised, with the youth raising almost half of the money. "The youth were so excited to see the pumpkins growing and then the response from the greater community was wonderful," said Sue Hemstreet, coordinator of this project. "We far exceeded our goal!"


Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) is a true not for profit organization, founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden (parents of NHL goalie Ken Dryden) whose belief is that "it is the right of every child to have a peaceful night's sleep".

All monies raised are used to buy bedkits which are distributed overseas to needy children of any race and/or religion in developing and underdeveloped countries.

Over one million bedkits have already been distributed.

Each bedkit typically contains bed mattress, blanket, pillow, mosquito netting, clothing, shoes, school supplies (pencils, pens, eraser, notebooks), all in a bedkit carrying bag/school bag.

Each bedkit is tailored to the local needs of the area of distribution. For more information check out www.scaw.org.

"Participating in this program has blessed us with a greater understanding of the importance that children around the world/sleep well in warm, dry beds," said Rev. Karen Boivin, minister of St. Paul's and Dunrobin United Churches.

"It means better health and a greater ability to learn at school which in turn helps their communities."

Monday, November 12, 2012

Hitherfield School Helps SCAW


On Saturday, November 24th from 10 am to 4 pm you can help Sleeping Children Around the World and experience the magic of the seventh annual Christmas Bazaar and Open House at Hitherfield School.

Tables will be set up for over 40 vendors offering gift baskets, toys, woodworking, jewelry, crafts, baked goods and so much more. Enjoy a little shopping, lunch, some entertainment by our choir and band, or a student guided tour of the school.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

If you're looking to donate to the Hitherfield School campaign, click here.

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

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Lauren donates to SCAW

Submitted by SCAW Donor, Lauren Seabrook.

My name in Lauren Seabrook (pictured at left) and I live in Yellowknife, NWT. Click on graphic to see a larger version.

I believe that together we can make a difference in this world, and I chose SCAW as a stepping stone on the path of change. I have created my own slideshow on SCAW and have already presented to 3 classes and raised over $550.

What I did with my own class is that I gave them the presentation and then asked for small donations. This was around Christmas time last year, so one or two people bought the whole $35 donation to give to their families for a Christmas gift. Others brought donations ranging from $3 to $20. Those who brought $35 chose what to write on their photo label.

For the ones who did not donate the whole cost of a bedkit, I put all the money together and purchased as many bedkits as I could under the class name. For example one of my class labels said '2011-2012 6B William McDonald Middle School.' As a class we raised $105 over 4 days and were able to purchuse 3 bedkits.

It is my wish that I can continue to do this. I have raised enough money to buy thirteen bedkits and a few books, calender, cards, and post-it notes.

I have recently been given $200 by my school to make a SCAW section in our library with books and other materials. I already have a few fundraisers planned for this year to bring in some money to buy even more bedkits. My goal is to buy 20.

It is my dream to be able to travel with SCAW to places in need one day. I would do anything to make a child in Africa or anywhere else, smile!

Thank you
Lauren Seabrook

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Homemade soup contest

As posted on Simcoe.com, October 18, 2012.

GILFORD — Sunday School children of Gilford United Church are inviting members of the community to come out and support a homemade soup contest in support of Sleeping Children Around the World, a not-for-profit group that provides bed kits for children in the Third World.

The event will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church, located at the corner of Gilford Road and the 20th Sideroad.

In the past 10 years, the Gilford kids have raised enough money for 100 kits, each worth $35. This year’s goal is 50 kits. Celebrity cooks invited to participate include Mayor Barb Baguley, MP Peter Van Loan, Gilford United minister Glen Eagle and The Club at Bond Head chef.

The cost to sample all of the soups is $5. Included in the price are a beverage, rolls and dessert.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Chamber Music Concert for SCAW

Friday, November 2 at 7:30

St. James United Church

400 Burnamthorpe Rd.

Chamber Music Concert

Click graphic above for more information.
Benefit concert in support of
Sleeping Children Around the World.
Admission Free. Donations will be accepted.


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Zaba honoured for charity work

As posted on the Simcoe.com website, September 27, 2012.

By Janis Ramsay


BARRIE - After years of helping out others in need, Barrie’s Al Zaba is getting national recognition.

On Friday, he’ll be given the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal.

Zaba, 83, said maybe his thought to help others came from his father.

“My dad came to Canada in the early 1900s from Poland,” said Zaba. “He was in Montreal and a total stranger said he looked cold and hungry, and gave him $1.25 and bought him a bowl of soup and a sandwich.”

From then, Zaba’s father bestowed similar kindness to others.

“My dad was generous. If he had half a sandwich left over, he’d give it to a dog, which was always a problem with my mom, because the dog would follow him home.”

Zaba is one of 11 local residents who will be given the medal for their contribution to the community.

Zaba served in the military from 1945 (when he was technically too young to enlist) to 1960.

From there, he left to work in a wholesale company in Lisle for four years and eventually bought A&M Superfood store.

After running the company in Angus for a number of years, he brought it to Barrie in 1985.

He was introduced to the Kiwanis Club by Bruce Owen in Angus.

“Bruce asked me if I’d like to come to dinner with the Kiwanis Club (in 1975). After three meals to ‘look us over,’ we were invited to be members,” said Zaba. “At that third meeting, I knew. And Bruce asked me if I was joining, and he said if I did, it was my last free meal.”

The Kiwanis Club of Barrie just celebrated its 90th anniversary, and many projects have happened because of Zaba’s enthusiasm.

“There was a little girl when needed a hospital bed at home, and I visited her mom and we were able to give that girl the bed she needed,” said Zaba, reflecting on one contribution.

“We help children when there are no funds available otherwise.”

And as a business owner, Zaba was able to apply the same principle. “I helped persons who needed help.”

He’s donated every year to the Salvation Army, Sleeping Children Around The World, Hospital for Sick Children, and has a foster child in Africa he’s putting through school.

Zaba said his favourite accomplishment was being able to donate leftover military food to native children in Whitehorse, Yukon.

“That was one accomplishment without much publicity behind it. When you’re in the military, you don’t really get a pat on the back.”

Zaba was nominated for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by The Barrie Advance.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Grief councillor/volunteer to receive Jubilee medal

As posted on the Simcoe.com website, August 30, 2012.

By Brad Pritchard, Staff


BARRIE/LORETTO - Former longtime Loretto resident Donna Chantler has always believed in the importance of helping others, from her neighbours down the street to communities around the world.
Chantler, who has donated countless hours of her life working with local church youth groups, food banks and international outreach organizations, will be receiving a Diamond Jubilee Award in early September to recognize the good work to which she’s committed so much of her life.

Chantler, a grief therapist and a psychodramatist who moved to Barrie three years ago but lived in Loretto for about 28 years, said she was completely taken by surprise when she learned of the award.

“When the man told me, I told him ‘I’m sorry I think you have the wrong number,’” she quipped. “And he laughed and said ‘I don’t think so.’”

For several years Chantler has run youth groups at the Newtown Robison and Bond Head Church, an endeavor she got a taste for at a young age. When she was a teenager growing up in Churchill, she ran an auxiliary girls group for St. Peter’s Anglican Church.

She is also a familiar face at the Barrie Food Bank and has volunteered for the Bradford Food Bank, stocking shelves and packing food bundles for families. She recently started participating in the Christmas cheer program run out of the Barrie location.

By bridging these two passions, she’s gotten members of the youth groups to help out at the food banks as well.

She currently chairs the outreach committee at the Northwest Barrie United Church, which is heavily involved in helping the community through places like the David Busby Centre, Hospice Simcoe, women’s shelters and more.

“It’s about raising funds and awareness, I really do believe in educating the public around need,” she said.

For several years in Alliston, she ran a bereaved parents group for moms and dads of children who had died. For about nine years, she also ran another volunteer group for grieving children at Adjala-Central Public School and Tecumseth Beeton Public School.

Before becoming a therapist, Chantler worked as a nurse at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie for several years. But around age 26 she decided it was time for a change.

“I think my life experience has led me there,” she said. “I was widowed very young at 24 and I believe because of that there seemed to be a call from the community to go out and do that work.”

As a grief therapist, she has also worked with other local organizations like Matthews House Hospice and Hospice Dufferin.

About seven years ago she embarked on fulfilling her lifetime dream of traveling around the world to do more good.

“From the time I was a child I’ve always wanted to work in Third World countries,” she said.

She’s worked with various organizations in places like Africa, India, Cambodia, Panama, Peru, and next year she will be visiting Dominican Republic and Bangladesh.

She’s worked with Sleeping Children Around The World, which delivers bed kits and other essential items to poor children, and she has also worked with Global Tier, which focuses on educational programs.

“For instance in India, we deliver around 8,000 bed kits,” she said.

“Our job is to go in and distribute the bed kits and take photos of all those children,” she said. “Those photos then come back to the people that sponsor those kids.”

During her travels she’s also used her therapy expertise to help kids be kids.

“Some of these children have a flat affect, meaning they show no feelings,” she said. “With my training as a psychodramatist, I will go in with spontaneity exercises and by the time we’re finished the kids are up on their feet and laughing and we are just having a ball.”

Chantler will receive her Queen’s Jubliee Medallion Sept. 7 at a ceremony in Vaughan.

She was nominated by the Canadian Crime Victim Foundation (CCVF), an organization she has worked closely with for the past ten years.

CCVF founder and chair Joe Wamback said she’s very deserving of the award. He describes her an “unsung hero” who has made a significant difference in the quality of life for people in Canada and the world at large.

“Donna is one of those people, that since we’ve known her for the past decade, we have never met anyone quite as philanthropic with her time and her own personal energies,” he said.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Things that are Excellent – Sleeping Children Around the World

As posted on the Christian in the Rough website, August 20, 2012.

By Larry Hehn


Murray Dryden was born in 1911 in Domain, Manitoba.

He left home during the Great Depression, working his way east as a travelling salesman. As he rode the rails from town to town, he often slept in train stations.

This developed in him an appreciation for a good night’s sleep!

After working in Hamilton for several years, he moved with his wife Margaret to my hometown of Etobicoke, Ontario back in 1948. Soon after, he took up photography as a hobby.

One of his favorite subjects, starting with his young daughter Judy, was sleeping children.

As Murray often said, “There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping child.”

Once, while travelling in India, Murray tripped over a child who was sleeping on the street. This encounter sparked a desire in him to champion children in developing countries and provide them with a comfortable bed.

As one of his biographies reads, “He couldn’t feed the world, or alleviate hunger, but he believed a good night’s sleep could make a hungry child’s life more comfortable.”

In 1970, Murray and Margaret started the charity Sleeping Children Around the World, distributing 50 bedkits in Pune, India.

Since then, Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), has distributed more than 1.2 million bedkits in 33 countries, a testimony to Murray’s firm belief that with God, nothing is impossible.

SCAW provides bedkits to children of any race and/or religion who will benefit the most. It is known as “The 100% Charity” since not a penny of the $35 (Canadian funds) bedkit donation is spent on administration. 100% of that donation reaches a needy child.

Bedkits are made in the countries where they are distributed. They typically consist of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net (if applicable), clothes and school supplies. Contents vary from country to country based on local needs.

Locally produced bedkits eliminate transportation costs, minimize the cost of materials and labor, provide employment for families in the country, and assist the local economy.

Murray Dryden passed away in 2004. His dream of providing 1 million children with a comfortable bed was realized in 2009, and is still going strong.

Providing more than 1 million children with a comfortable bed, supporting local economies, and making sure that 100% of your donation reaches a needy child?

That’s what I call excellent!

To find more about “The 100% Charity” and how you can provide a needy child with a comfortable bed, visit http://scaw.org.

Things that are Excellent is a regular feature that celebrates “what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable…things that are excellent and worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8). If you have a feature idea or a guest post that you would like to submit, let us know in the comments below or email your ideas to: excellent@larryhehn.com

Friday, August 17, 2012

Pathway of Fame inductees

As posted on the MyKawartha.com website, August 17, 2012.

By Paul Rellinger

On Sept 8, the 15th annual induction ceremony at Showplace will welcome 11 new honourees

Jill and Peter Adams - Community Betterment

A nurse by training, Mrs. Adams has served as president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild, chair of the Anson House Auxiliary and board member with the Five Counties Children's Centre as well as served as an active volunteer with St. John's Anglican Church, the Canadian Hearing Society and the Lung Association.

She has also volunteered with orphanages in Mexico, Jamaica and Baffin Island and, with Mr. Adams, has trekked to Bangladesh, Honduras, India and Uganda as representatives of Sleeping Children Around The World. Both are also volunteers with Casa de Angelis home in Peterborough.

Meanwhile, Mr. Adams is a retired Trent University geography professor and author who served as a trustee with the Peterborough Board of Education before being elected Liberal MPP for Peterborough, 1987-1990, and then Liberal MP, 1993-2005.

"This is really one of the more touching things that happened to us," says Mr. Adams.

"I've been to several Pathway inductions and I never for once thought I'd be on the receiving end of that honour. What's really nice is that the two of us are being inducted. We're a couple, it's a partnership, and that's being reflected.

"A strong community is people working behind the scenes on all levels and we've had people doing what they do for decades. They do it quietly but the impact of their efforts benefits us all. It's fitting we have a way to recognize them and, yes, thank them."

...

[More]

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Sleeping Children Around the World at Night of Gratitude by House of Praise

As posted on the House of Praise YouTube site, August 2, 2012.

http://www.houseofpraise.ca

Sleeping Children Around the World at Night of Gratitude by House of Praise 2012. House of Praise donated $10,000 to the sleeping children around the world charity. This charity provides bed kits for children around the world.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Kiwanis enjoy journey of hope

As posted on countyLive.ca in Prince Edward County, July 31, 2012

Picton Kiwanis Club President Geri
Claxton with Vivienne Jaehn-Kreibaum,
and her proud dad, Christian Jaehn-Kreibaum,
secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton.
Vivienne Jaehn-Kreibaum took Picton Kiwanis Club members on a ‘Journey of Hope’ at a recent club meeting.

Vivienne is the daughter of Christian Jaehn-Kreibaum, secretary, and past-president of the Kiwanis Club of Trenton. She spoke of her January/February 2012 trip to Tanzania, East Africa, along with a group of high school students who embarked on a two and a half week Journey of Hope.

She told Kiwanians the students worked with children whose parents had died of HIV/Aids. They taught English, math and computer skills. They also helped build and paint schools. She spoke passionately about the needs of these children and also about how warm and friendly they were.

This past April, Vivienne was also elected Student Trustee Liaison for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board, which consists of 35,000 students.

A donation was made in her name, to Sleeping Children Around the World, and a child in need will receive a bed kit.

Picton Kiwanians continue to reach out. On Monday, July 30, the club launched its new project called ELIMINATE – with a focus on eliminating maternal/neonatal tetanus in developing and underprivileged countries. It is a Kiwanis International project for the next three years. Kiwanis President Geri Claxton will chair the project for the Picton club.
The Kiwanis Club of Picton presented a Terrific Kids award to Dan Doyle, owner of McDonald’s Restaurant in Picton in appreciation of his support of the club’s Terrific Kids program. The Kiwanis Club also thanks all schools and teachers for their support. This program presented 923 awards this past school year to nine elementary schools in Prince Edward County, Marysville and Deseronto. Each month has a different theme, Respect, Responsibility, Empathy, Cooperation, Honesty, Caring, Humour, Perseverance, and Integrity and Sportsmanship. Each child can only win one award in any given school year. Pictured, from left, are Terrific Kids co-chairs, Don Stanton and Rollie Moore with and Geri Claxton, president of the Kiwanis Club of Picton.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Tablets keep school online

As posted on the Wairarapa Times-Age website, New Zealand, July 23, 2012.

Nathan Crombie nathan.crombie@age.co.nz


Tablet computers have invaded Eketahuna School.

Deputy principal Kathryn Morgan said the school's cache of laptops had been nearing the end of their useful life and her adult son Cole, an Eketahuna School old boy, had suggested iPads instead.

The school, which has a roll of about 90 pupils, has a wireless network the iPads need for access to the internet and principal Nick Beamsley last term secured 30 iPads for the school, which is double the number of laptops for the same money.

Mrs Morgan said the leasing of the greater number of tablet computers allows each pupil their own machine whenever a class uses a set of the iPads.

Pupils have been using the tablets this term and were quick to adapt, she said, sometimes showing they know more as users than teachers. "We're still at the stage of getting used to the difference, even though the kids at times know more about them than we do."

Also this term, pupils from Te Aute and Hukarere Girls colleges were hosted at the school and gave kapa haka performances and speeches about their daily school lives.

Pupils at Eketahuna also raised more than $400 this term in a fantasy relay race for the international Sleeping Children Around the World charity.

She said the funds were used to buy bedrolls, mosquito nets, clothing and school stationery for deprived children in places like Tanzania and Somalia.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Rural Rootz: Garden Beds Quilt Show

Submitted by Rural Rootz
Please join us in our gardens here at

Rural Rootz

North of Wiarton, ON

Saturday and Sunday July 21st and 22nd



Click graphic at right for more info & directions.

Help us to celebrate the unique Canadian charity, Sleeping Children Around the World.
For more than 40 years they have sent out a 1.25 million bedkits to needy children through the world.

Visit the webpage for Sleeping Children http://www.scaw.org

We are calling our event:
Garden Beds Quilt Show, and it will feature many of Marjorie Ashman's bed covers and wall hangings.

A special feature will be a Dresden Plate design quilt created right here in Wiarton in the summer of 1912 for my grandparents, Eloise Elizabeth MacDonald, and James Gordon Adair McEwen.

There will also be new quilts and wall hangings from our friends Wiarton's Creative Stitchers.

Please join us in the gardens for a tour and a glass of Sunshine Tea and help SCAW by making a donation.

If you can't get here send us good thoughts and perhaps make an online donation at the SCAW website.

And help us by "Spreading" the word about our event.

Thanks for your time, Happy Gardening, Tom and Dee at Rural Rootz



Slideshow taken on July 22nd at Rural Rootz.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Wally, thanks for the memories

As posted on the Brantford Expositor website, July 11, 2012.
By Susan Gamble, Brantford Expositor

The final Walter Gretzky CNIB Golf Classic was capped with plenty of laughs, a sprinkling of tears and more than a few dollars.

A second auction Tuesday night of several sports memorabilia items brought in another $4,700 for the cause as the 20-year event ended its successful run.

"I spent this morning counting money," organizer Sue Bartlett said Wednesday.

"A lot of the bills haven't come in yet, so I don't have a final figure. But I think we'll do at least the same if not better than last year when we raised $65,000."

That pushes the 20-year total for the local event close to $1.3 million for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

The hottest auction item Tuesday was Adam Henrique's New Jersey Devils jersey that was signed and modelled by the NHL rookie of the year nominee.

Bartlett said that Deena Denton-Wojtowicz of Guelph said she would increase her bid if Henrique put on the jersey and give her a hug.

"It ended up she was outbid and the jersey went for $1,200."

Walter presented Henrique with the tournament's Award of Merit, which honours locals who have proven themselves on a wider stage, excelling in their particular field.

Henrique joins sports figures such as former NHLers Doug Jarvis, Pat Hickey, Keith Jones, Chris Gratton and Jay Wells.

Other winners of the award have included runners Rick Mannen and Kevin Sullivan, biker Jordan Szoke, golfer David Hearn and swimmer Julie Howard Johnson.

From the world of entertainment, comedians Phil Hartman and Gord Paynter were honoured, along with choreographer Debra Brown.

Journalists Arnold Anderson, Ted Beare and Ed O'Leary also got the award.

And Wayne and Walter Gretzky were honoured in 1999 and 2002 with the award.

After receiving the award, Henrique made a heartfelt speech about the event and the influence of the Gretzky family, including Walter's work and Henrique's memories of Glen Gretzky, who was one of his minor hockey coaches.

"He was fabulous," Bartlett said of Henrique.

While Henrique's jersey got the top spot in Tuesday night's auction, there was plenty of action around a signed and framed Sidney Crosby jersey and a replica of the Stanley Cup - complete with white gloves. The high bidder for that item is the owner of the Wayne Gretzky restaurant in Toronto. He was able to get Johnny Bower's signature on the item, since the 87-year-old former NHLer was at the gala.

Bower was last year's recipient of the tournament's Dan Gallagher Memorial CNIB Friendship Award. This year, the award went to Brian Mandell, a past chair and member of the local CNIB board and treasurer of the golf classic for many years. Mandell also volunteered at the auction and the golf tourney this year.

The Hella Goreski Memorial Award, which is presented to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty during a particular tournament, was given to Heather Roswell and Joe Persia.

"Heather did so much this year, even knowing she wouldn't be at the event," said Bartlett.

"She's been in Sri Lanka with a program called Sleeping Children Around the World. And Joe, who was our emcee and worked on the committee through the year, was unaware he would be receiving the award and was left speechless."

The day's winning foursome came from Peller Estates, led by John Peller, grandson to founder Andrew Peller. Peller carries Wayne Gretzky Estates wines.

The Gretzky family also presented Ron Finucan, who recently retired from the CNIB, with a Muskoka hockey stick chair for his years of acting as a liaison for the family.

A CNIB representative offered thanks from the organization to Walter Gretzky, who not only lent his name to the Brantford tournament but has toured the country, playing in a handful of other Gretzky tourneys set up to benefit the agency. Walter was presented with a specialized vase covered in braille words of love.

Each of the golfers in the final tournament were given a special Walter Gretzky hockey stick that lists all the tourneys and his many awards and recognitions, including the Order of Canada and Citizen of the Year. Walter signed each stick.

A regular at the event who was missing this year was musician Sab - Pete Sabourin - who is know as "the original outlaw rocker," said Bartlett.

"He's been a fan favourite for many years but is fighting leukemia. He called me this morning wanting to know how the event went, even though he's going back in the hospital tomorrow for a bone marrow transplant."

Bartlett said she will send one of the special hockey sticks and copies of the various programs to Sab. Anyone who wants to include any other items or good wishes, should contact her.

Glen Gretzky said the entire final event was awesome.

"It couldn't be a better event for Brantford. It was just great. Everyone is sad that it ended, but everything comes to an end."

Glen noted that Bartlett deserves a lot of thanks for helping organize the tournament for the past 17 years.

"Without Sue Bartlett there would be no tournament."

Bartlett offered her own thanks to the entire community for supporting the event.

"It's grown so much over the years and been so successful. And it's all due to the support of the community, the celebrities, the committee and volunteers and, of course, Walter."

susan.gamble@sunmedia.ca

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Second Annual Goulash Cookout

Submitted by Taryn Manning

The Second Annual
Manning/Tolnai Hungarian
Goulash Cookout


Date: Saturday, August 25, 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.

After having such a fantastic turnout at the first Hungarian Goulash Cookout in Hastings, we've decided to do it again.

This year we are hoping for a larger attendance. Bring your families, friends and neighbours and let's raise more money for Sleeping Children Around the World. You will experience great company, delicious homemade Hungarian Goulash, a variety of homemade breads, salad with a tasty homemade dressing and a huge assortment of homemade desserts!!

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

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

Friday, June 22, 2012

Singing ‘O Canada’ Overseas

As posted on the Macleans magazine website, June 22, 2012.

By Kay Mountford

There have been numerous occasions when I have been so proud and grateful to be Canadian: at school, at Church and while travelling abroad.

Probably the most memorable time ever was when I travelled to the Philippines.

I am a travelling volunteer with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). This is a Canadian charity that distributes bedding, clothing and school supplies to some of the poorest children in the world. (We are a true charity, sending 100% of all money raised to the children.) I have been to Africa and India with SCAW. But it was our distribution trip to the Philippines that was the most touching.

We stopped at 11 different locations across the islands. The same sequence of events followed at each and every location. About 500 children, their families and volunteers waited patiently for us to arrive at each site. As the ceremony commenced, they would all sing the Filipino national anthem for us.

Then our small team of only 6 Canadians, adorned with Canadian hats and flags, would literally belt out our Canadian anthem.

We were all so proud to be Canadian, doing what we do best—living and giving generously!

This trip was how I celebrated my 50th birthday.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Senior of the Year: Doug Cunningham

As posted on the GoNorthumberland.NET website, June 13, 2012.

Senior of the Year

A recipient (sic) of the 2003 Cobourg Family Y-M-C-A Peace Medal is Hamilton Township's Senior of the Year.

Douglas Cunningham was honoured for his contributions to N-H-H ... the Baltimore Community Centre ... and the Bethesda South United Church .

Cunningham has also travelled extensively on international humanitarian missions as a member of the Cobourg Rotary Club.

SCAW Travelling Volunteer, Doug Cunningham

Thursday, June 7, 2012

2012 Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame inductees named

As posted on the Peterborough Examiner website, June 7, 2012.

EXAMINER STAFF


The 2012 inductees to the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame have been announced and, as usual, feature a wide variety of well-known Peterborough and area names.

The induction ceremony will be held at Showplace on Sept. 8 at 10 a.m.

The 2012 honourees are as follows:

GORDON ROPER - Literary

Gordon Roper was a professor of English literature at Trent University (1969-77). His family was rooted in Peterborough, and he was a major scholar of local writers such as Roberston Davies, Susannah Moodie and others. He received the Peter Robinson medal in 2000 for his contributions to Peterborough and its literary history. He was a pioneer in bringing the writing of local authors to life

NEIL BROADFOOT - Visual Arts

The superb works of art of Neil Broadfoot, a Peterborough artist with a wide reputation for his landscapes and wilderness scenes, are found in several private and corporate collections. While he works mostly with watercolours, Broadfoot also works in oils, acrylics and multi-media. His artwork has been featured on the cover of Rider’s Digest, textbook illustrations and in General Motors calendars.

ROBERTA ROWLAND-PATERSON - Visual Arts

Roberta Rowland-Paterson, long-time head of the art department at Crestwood Secondary School is a talented landscape artist. Her education in art was impeccable. In recent years, she has taken exciting painting excursions to France, England, Newfoundland, an Alaska cruise and British Columbia. Her work has become known for its deft use of colour, texture and composition.

AL TYE - Dramatic Arts

Al Tye, a retired computer science professor at Fleming College, has been a dedicated volunteer with the Peterborough Theatre Guild. He directed 13 productions between 1980 and 2010, enjoying outstanding success with Proof (2008). In more than 40 years of association with PTG he was connected with more than 170 productions.

ROBERT JOHN AINSWORTH - Dramatic Arts

Robert John Ainsworth, real estate agent, chiefly based in Peterborough Ontario, has been a successful playwright and member of the Playwright Guild of Canada writing such plays as Dirty Little Secrets, Autumn Leaves and The Mouse House along with producing musicals and children’s plays. The Mouse House won as well for best Canadian play and best production in Eastern Ontario Drama League festivals.

BRENT BAILEY - Musical/Entertainment

Brent Bailey, a professional musician based in Peterborough, mostly known for playing the keyboard and providing vocal accompaniment, both as a solo artist and in bands such as Ronnie Hawkins’ The Hawks, Jericho’s Wall and The Rocket 88s. It is claimed that he can play any rock ’n’ roll song ever made. Jeff Healey, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Band, Kris Kristofferson and Carl Perkins are amongst those he appeared with.

BARBARA MONAHAN - Musical/Entertainment

Barbara Monahan, teacher, singer and musician, notably spearheading the Peterborough Pop Ensemble. She teaches English and music at Kenner Collegiate, her home school, and is the Director of Music at Grace Unite Church. She composed songs and music for the Peterborough Children’s Chorus, the 2011 Pedal for Hope campaign, the 2010 International Dragon Boat Festival, and the 2004 Year of the Veteran amongst others.

TANGLEFOOT - Musical/Entertainment

Tanglefoot, a terrific folk music group, was one of the great sensations of the mid-1970s in Peterborough and area. The group consisted of three elementary school teachers, Tim Rowat, a bilingual Joe Grant and Bob Wagar, who played guitar, fiddle and mandolin and sang tight three part harmony in period dress. They wrote and presented songs they had written about aspects of Canadian history in a style as if they had found folk songs.

JILL AND PETER ADAMS - Community Betterment

Jill and Peter Adams have been a great team working in countless ways to assist people near and far. Jill Adams, a nurse by training, served as president of the Peterborough Theatre Guild and as a long-time chairwoman of the Anson House Auxiliary and as a member of the board for the Five Counties Childrens’ Centre. Peter and Jill have visited Bangladesh, Honduras, India and Uganda on behalf of Sleeping Children around the World. Both are also key volunteers for the Casa de Angelis home.

DAVID EDGERTON - Community Betterment

David Edgerton will always be associated with the long and successful effort to build a Wall of Honour in Peterborough to honour those who served in the military during the two world wars and Korea. This incredible project grew out of his association since 1970 with the Canadian Legion of which he has been an outstanding leader ever since. The Wall of Honour was unveiled in Confederation Square in late 2010, and remains a tribute to all those with local roots who served in three wars.

DOREEN LANDRY - Samaritan

Doreen Landry, aged 90, and the widow of Pathway of Fame member, Doug Landry, has been an active Peterburian since her youth. She volunteered at Peterborough’s hospital , now call the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, for 52 years. Doreen has been an active volunteer with St. John’s Anglican Church, the Progress Wives Club in the 1970s and the Quota Club in the 1980s and 1990s.

Orillia Calendar June 7

As posted on Simcoe.COM, June 7, 2012.

Legion dance
The Country Boys provide the music at a dance at Warminster Legion on June 8, at 8 p.m. Admission is $6.

Bass Lake garage sale
A charity garage sale, with all proceeds going to Sleeping Children Around the World, will be held June 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1917 Ridley Blvd. in Bass Lake Woodlands.

Country Memories
A dance at Longford Community Centre on June 9 features music by Country Memories. The event starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $5.

...

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

New president sings praises of UCW

As posted on the Delhi news website, June 6, 2012.

By Sarah Doktor, Simcoe Reformer


A Fairground woman has been named president of the United Church Women Hamilton Conference.

Phyllis Buchner has started a two-year term as president of the UCW area, which encompasses six presbyteries – Bruce, Erie, Halton, Hamilton, Niagara and Waterloo.

Buchner has been a UCW member for more than 20 years and served as second and first vice president.

She is a member of Cultus United Church and the Fairground UCW.

“I just really feel that the UCW do a lot of good, not only within their units but within the community,” said Buchner. “I admire the work they do. They have a passion for people and a passion for justice.”

The UCW have groups within local churches that work within the church and the community as well as doing outreach work.

The group is organized into 13 regional conferences with 3,196 congregations.

As president of the Hamilton conference, Buchner will be responsible for information sharing. Discussing how the UCW has changed and what the future holds will be key issues addressed during her administration.

Buchner has created a theme for her time as president, “roots and wings”. She explains the group is rooted in the gospels and in the past but have wings to look forward into the future.

“As our members have matured and some members have retired, our numbers have gotten smaller,” said Buchner of her local unit.

“I think we have to do a bit of visioning and planning,” said Buchner. “We’ll be able to concentrate on where our future lies and what our future will look like.”

While the aging membership means the group needs to get creative in their fundraising efforts it doesn’t necessarily mean the group is actively pursuing new members.

“We’re encouraging and supporting the members we have,” said Buchner. On the other hand, “We would absolutely welcome new folks coming in.”

Buchner said she doesn’t know where the group will be in five years.

“I just hope that we can continue to do the outreach we’ve done in the past,” she said.

Locally, UCW groups can donate to whichever projects they feel passionate about. Buchner’s group contributes to projects such as Sleeping Children Around the World, Lions Journey for Sight, Key Bible Clubs as well as local food banks, shelters and camps.

This summer the UCW will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a weeklong conference at Redeemer University College in Ancaster.

More than 400 women are expected to attend the event.

In anticipation of the conference UCW groups across Canada have raised money to go towards a women’s training centre in Tanzania.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Loyola helps children sleep sound

As posted on the MSN News website, May 31, 2012.



St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary Prefects hosted a successful fundraising car wash for Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) on Saturday.

SCAW is a foundation that provides bedkits to children in underdeveloped countries for each donation of $35. Each bedkit contains a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, outfit of clothes, and school supplies. The supplies vary from country to country depending on the specific needs of the region.

Loyola school Prefects have raised over $700 for SCAW since first adopting the cause.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Bed kits provide relief for children

As posted on The Casket, the community newspaper for Antigonish town and county May 29, 2012.

Debbie Johnson


What will $35 buy, a morning coffee for three weeks, a small tank of gas, lunch for two?

Thirty-five dollars can be the difference between life and death for a child in a developing country. Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) is a charity depending solely on word of mouth promotion.

Founded in 1970 by Margaret and Murray Dryden, parents to former NHLer Ken, 100 percent of SCAW fundraising goes to those who need it most. With zero overhead, all levels of the organization operate voluntarily or through a trust fund set up by Murray Dryden to offset administrative costs.

Clarence DeYoung of Pomquet, who lived in Toronto and Halifax for the last few decades, became involved with SCAW after his daughter came home from school and told him about a talk a man, that being Dryden, gave at her school about helping children.
Once he heard Dryden, a charismatic and convincing speaker, DeYoung wanted to help out. Only recently has he stepped back from serving in an executive capacity with the organization, though remains a volunteer advocate for SCAW. There is a possibility he will make a trip this fall to help oversee bed kit distribution, he has travelled to eight different countries on behalf of the organization since 1989.

Even those who travel to the countries benefitting from the SCAW pay their own way. Communities in countries like India, Kenya, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Honduras and Bangladesh have benefitted in the past from the work done both in their own countries through local production of the bed kits and through Canadian volunteers.
SCAW is a truly grassroots organization depending on the volunteer commitment and freewill offers from donors. Volunteers can be asked to speak at a function or event about what the organization does and beyond that it comes down to the generosity of those in the audience. An effective tool, given recently $150,000 was raised in Toronto, where DeYoung spoke about his experiences with the SCAW.

“We work with partners in communities, in the most recent example with a Rotary Club in Nicaragua. They coordinated everything, with guidelines from us they select the items that go into the bed kit and select the children who are going to receive them,” he said.

SCAW volunteers then travel to the country and work with the service club on distribution. Children received a bed kit and have their picture taken with a small sign showing the donor’s name. The team travels to these countries to assure the bed kit is good quality and that the neediest children are getting the bed kits which are often passed on to children within the family or community.

“The process is we dress them in clothes from the bed kit, then we take their pictures and from there get their bed kit. If we gave them the bed kit first we could never get them calmed down enough, they are so excited,” he said.
DeYoung said it is important to listen to locals about what is needed in a bed kit. It can consist of a pair of shoes, in some cases, depending on the country, sweaters or t-shirts, shorts or pants, an extra blanket, a bed mat, a mattress, school supplies, food containers or items like a water canteen. The most crucial item is a mosquito net and with World Health Organization approval a newer model is part of the kit.

The fibres are impregnated with an environmentally friendly repellant lasting up to five or four years, killing mosquitoes yet not harming the child underneath it. Along with malaria mosquitoes also carry other diseases like West Nile Virus. Each net costing $4 to $6 dollars and is the most valuable item in the bed kit.

“With every distribution we are interviewing the mothers on what is culturally acceptable and what the kids need,” he said, making sure every cent is spent on the children.

To qualify the per capita income of the family needs to be less than $2,000 annually, many of the countries are in the $300 to $500 range. That translates to making less than $2 a day to have a child receive a bed kit.

The organization has distributed 1.25 million bed kits since the early 1970s. DeYoung said the level of happiness connected to how the $35 is spent is part of what kept him involved.

A child gets a mattress that would otherwise be sleeping on a dirt floor and when they show up at the bed kit distribution he said they show up nothing but the clothes on their back.

DeYoung shared a number of photos of his travels and though he had become accustomed to seeing the poverty and destitution of the communities one little boy, who was living with polio, haunted him after his return to Canada.

“I had seen so many things over the years… but I would wake up in the middle of the night thinking of him,” he said.

He in turn, arranged for a series of three operations through connections in Bangladesh. After the operations and therapy, costing $400, the boy was ready to go home.

The hospital kept him a little longer so DeYoung could visit with him. As he walked down the hall the boy walked towards him, the operations and therapy a success.

He said that SCAW tries to distribute bed kits to remote communities, sometimes having to travel by water to villages that would be considered slums. He finds one of the hardest things to adjust to is coming back to Canada and “hearing people complain about nothing.”

He said SCAW works to demonstrate how every dollar is used for the bed kits that are sewn by hand with cottage industries in the communities and surrounding areas. He notes the impact the donations have locally and volunteers also inspect the factories where items like mattresses are made to assure that no child labour is being used.

He said a bed kit donation is a gift that keeps on giving in someone’s name, as Christmas or birthday gifts, or posthumously as a gift in memory of a deceased friend or family member.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Loyola helps children sleep sound

As posted on insideHALTON.com May 26, 2012.

Nikki Wesley/Metroland...

St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary Prefects hosted a successful fundraising car wash for Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) on Saturday.

SCAW is a foundation that provides bedkits to children in underdeveloped countries for each donation of $35. Each bedkit contains a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, outfit of clothes, and school supplies. The supplies vary from country to country depending on the specific needs of the region.

Loyola school Prefects have raised over $700 for SCAW since first adopting the cause.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Ontario's children's lawyer speaks about her role to Rotarians

As Posted by the Peterborough Examiner, May 1, 2012.

By ELIZABETH BOWER Examiner Staff Writer

Custody battles can get ugly — parents at each other’s throats, accusations flying, outright lies to alienate children from their father or mother and sometimes loud, abusive confrontations in front of the kids.

It’s not a pretty picture.

But the good news is that when the Office of the Children’s Lawyer gets involved in these disputes, the rate of settlement is “very, very high,” said Lucy McSweeney, children’s lawyer for Ontario (Pictured above).

McSweeney, appointed to the top position in the office in September 2010, addressed the Rotary Club of Peterborough on Monday afternoon at the Holiday Inn.

She explained that her office provides lawyers for children. The children are their clients.

“We help the courts help the children,” she said.

The lawyers are increasingly involved in custody and access disputes, she says, but also help out children with financial issues and personal injury claims.

The Office of the Children’s Lawyer is part of Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General and provides legal services to those under 18.

McSweeney, who works in Toronto but has a cottage in Douro-Dummer Township, told Rotarians that her office is publicly funded but does not represent the government.

“And that’s important because sometimes, to help the child, you have to take on the government,” McSweeney said.

Helping children with financial issues could include disputing wills.

She gave an example of a girl who couldn’t live with her mother anymore because of her mother’s mental-health issues. The grandmother took the girl in but never changed her will to ensure the child would be taken care of after her death.

“We helped the courts to adjust the will,” McSweeney said.

She said it doesn’t matter if the child gets $2,000 or $200,000 from the will because every bit helps.

“Two thousand dollars could mean a college or university education,” she said. “It could change a life.”

During custody and access disputes, often the children will tell the lawyers that all they want is for their parents to stop fighting. McSweeney said the lawyers and social workers who work in the office often talk with the people in the child’s life such as the parents, sporting coaches, teachers and doctors to paint a picture for the court of what the child needs.

“We’re not interested in helping mom or dad succeed in their vendetta,” she said.

McSweeney added it’s the office’s goal to give children the best chance in life.

“We’re proud of what we do,” she said.

It’s difficult for the office to measure success, she said.

“But we do know we make a difference,” she said.

During a question-and-answer period, an audience member asked how the office gets referred to a certain case.

McSweeney responded that a children’s aid society can ask a court to request the office’s help. Or a judge could decide alone that a children’s lawyer is needed.

“It’s to have an independent voice for the child,” she said.

NOTES: Lucy McSweeney, Children’s Lawyer for Ontario, has another local connection. She said her daughter has attended Camp Kawartha….. The Rotary Club of Peterborough will make a donation, in McSweeney’s name, to Sleeping Children Around the World in appreciation of her talk to the club.

Monday, April 30, 2012

Sleeping Children Around The World ( SCAW )


As posted in Deerthistle's Blitherings, April 30, 2012.

By Deerthistle, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

While chatting with an aquaintance at a concert recently, I asked about his brother Mike, and a very interesting story came out. About 2 years ago, Mike Slocombe of Bowmanville Ontario was a donor to a “Time & Talent” auction for their church. He offered to drive anyone going to the airport, in their own car, return the car to his home where he would thoroughly clean it inside and out, and pick them up on their return. I do not know how many trips he had on offer, but it was a great success and was quickly sold out.

Subsequently, another lady contacted him and said she was sorry she had missed out.

Would Mike consider taking her to the airport and she would pay him. Mike told her he would be glad to do this, but would not accept pay for it. She insisted that she pay something, and they reached an agreement whereby she would purchase a couple of bedkits for donation to an organization called SCAW (Sleeping Children Around The World).

This was the start of an ongoing program and a passion for Mike, who has since donated or caused to be donated many many kits. I know that his wife Janice is also wholly involved in assisting Mike in this venture, and I am sure they both feel a great sense of fulfillment.

Currently Mike requests that a minimum contribution be made to the charity to provide for three bed kits, however some willingly provide more.
Mike provides this service at any hour of the day or night, and in fact likes the very early and very late deliveries because traffic is at a minimum in those hours. The clients love the service because it provides them with a cost saving alternative to parking at the airport, they know their vehicle is safe, and they know they will be delivered on time, and picked up when they arrive. This is a real win/win situation for everyone.

If you do not know about SCAW, it was founded by Margaret and Murray Dryden in 1970 (their two sons played hockey – you might remember Ken & Dave!). This registered charity guarantees that 100% of all donations are applied – there are no paid administrators – even the volunteers who travel to other countries to give out the kits pay all their own expenses.If you are interested in finding out more, go to www.scaw.org - they have a wonderful story to tell! Who knows, you may get an inspiration! You might even decide to copy what Mike does, but be aware – Mike OWNS Bowmanville!

(For your information it is important that anyone considering doing this, should do it in the client's car. This will protect them from insurance issues. the unfortunate real world.)

Monday, April 2, 2012

Rotarian Doug Cunningham represents SCAW in our club.

As posted on the Rotary Club of Cobourg website, April 2, 2010

Rene Roberge

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 (if applicable), clothes outfit, and school supplies. Bedkit contents vary from country to country depending upon local needs.

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

Every child is photographed with the bedkit, showing the donor's name/country (or special occasion message) on a label.

Each photograph is then mailed back to the original donor, providing a timeless way for the donor to remember the child who so greatly benefited from their generosity.


Thursday, March 29, 2012

YMCA Recognizes Time and Talent at AGM

As posted at ionstratford.ca, March 29, 2012.


The 2011 Faye Herbert Memorial Scholarships were handed out at the Stratford YMCA’s annual general meeting Wednesday evening.

This is the 5th year for these awards, which honour Faye Herbert who was a long-time employee of the Stratford-Perth YMCA. This year’s recipients were Julie Schmidt, Dawn Simons, Darren Hulley and Hansi Walter. The scholarship recognizes Y staff and volunteers who are pursuing post secondary or continuing education.

The Board of Directors of the Y also awarded its annual Peace Medal to Doug MacDougald. MacDougald is a swine veterinarian in Stratford, but is also a volunteer with the United Way and a travelling volunteer with Sleeping Children Around the World.

“My volunteer work is my readjustment of reality,” said MacDougald after he accepted the medal. He has helped to distribute over 33,000 bedkits to children in developing countries such as India and Bangladesh.

The medal is presented annually by the YMCA to honour people in the community who are championing peace, and is funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.


MacDougald awarded YMCA Peace Medal

As posted by the Stratford Beacon Herald, March 29, 2012.

By Mike Beitz, Stratford Beacon Herald

There are thousands of impoverished children across the globe who are sleeping a little more peacefully thanks to Doug MacDougald.

And for that, the Stratford man was recognized Wednesday night with the Stratford-Perth YMCA's 2011 Peace Medal.

The award, presented during the Y's annual general meeting, pays tribute to MacDougald's volunteer work with Sleeping Children Around the World, a Canadian charitable organization that distributes bedkits and basic supplies to children in developing countries. The kits are central to the organization's belief that every child, no matter how poor, deserves a good night's sleep.

A local veterinarian, United Way volunteer and past chair of Festival Hydro, MacDougald has travelled abroad to participate in five “distributions” to help deliver bedkits, most recently to Bangladesh last October.

“Thank you Doug, for spreading peace every chance you get,” said the Y's Angela Charbonneau as she presented him with the medal last night.

MacDougald was characteristically modest as he accepted it.

“This is a very special award for many reasons,” he said, as his wife and parents looked on proudly. “First, it's given by the YMCA, an organization that does so much for this community and communities elsewhere. Second, it reflects one of my passions, and that is helping some of the poorest children of the world. And third, of course, it represents all the people of Stratford – we're surrounded by people in Stratford that give back to their communities here and internationally.”

He said afterward that the recognition came as a “complete surprise.”

“But a nice surprise,” he added with a smile.

The medal is presented annually by the YMCA to honour people in the community who are championing peace in all its forms, noted Y chief executive officer Mimi Price.

“What we do is recognize the value that people contribute at a local, regional or national level,” she said, noting that MacDougald was chosen by a committee for his “leadership and commitment” to peace.

“Here's a local man saying, 'I need to make a difference in my world,' and that's exactly what he's doing,” said Price of his work with Sleeping Children Around the World.

And that reflects the Y's statement on peace, she added.

That statement reads: “The responsibility for peace begins with each person, in relationships with family and friends, and extends to community life and national activities. There are no simple recipes. It is we ourselves who must seek, act and pray for ways to be peacemakers.”

“Doug shows that one person can make a difference,” said Price.

The YMCA recognized four others last night who have also made a difference.

Darren Hulley, Julie Schmidt, Dawn Simons and Hansi Walter were named as recipients of the Faye Herbert Memorial Scholarship, which recognizes YMCA staff and volunteers who have made a significant contribution to the association through their work, and who are pursuing post-secondary or continuing education.

mike.beitz@sunmedia.ca



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Pune Trip Reports Posted

Pune Reports

The donor newsletter for the Pune bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Pune 2012
Photos are available in the Pune 2012 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.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Belgaum Trip Reports Posted

Belgaum Reports

The donor newsletter for the Belgaum bedkit distribution has gone to print and can be downloaded from the Sleeping Children Website.
Belgaum 2012
Photos are available in the Belgaum 2012 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.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Kiwanis concert helps Sleeping Children Around the World

As posted on CountyLive.ca, March 20, 2012.
Past President John Kileeg accepts a cheque from Libby Smellie, producer of Sounds of Ireland benefit concert for Sleeping Children Around the World, and Kiwanian Bill Smellie. – Not only did Libby and Bill do a tremendous amount of work to organize and produce the concert, they also personally matched the proceeds to double the amount The Kiwanis Club of Picton was able to send to Sleeping Children Around the World.



The Honourable Justice Mr. Alan Ingram and Picton Kiwanis President Geri Claxton - In three weeks, Alan will be travelling to the Philippines where he will help a local Kiwanis Club distribute 6000 bedkits. Alan will be taking a Kiwanis Club of Picton banner to present to the Philippines Kiwanis Club. Alan spoke about Sleeping Children Around the World at the benefit concert.

The Picton Kiwanis held the Sounds of Ireland benefit concert last Friday in support of Sleeping Children Around the World.

Special thanks to: Rev. Lynne Donovan & the members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian, Jim Wright, Rob Kellough & Paul Johnson, Gord Sterling, Bruce Dowdell, Wayne McFaul, Century 21 Picton & Napanee and also thanks to musicians Tom Dietzel and Colleen Galway for your help making this a wonderful event.

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 (if applicable), clothes outfit, and school supplies. Bedkit contents vary from country to country depending upon local needs.