Kolkata Reports
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| Kolkata 2012 |
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, February 27, 2012
Kolkata Trip Reports Posted
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, February 23, 2012
Palgrave School continues to help Sleeping Children
As posted by the Caledon Citizen, February 23, 2012.
Bill Rea
Palgrave Public School has developed a reputation for being a big supporter of Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), and they demonstrating that.
Former NHL goalie Dave Dryden, son of Murray and Margaret Dryden who founded the program, was at the school recently to thank the students and assure them that their contributions are appreciated by young people in other lands.
Student MC Sydney Trepanier told the assembly that the program has distributed 1,195,630 bed kits.
“That’s a lot of happy children,” fellow MC Melissa Blackwell said, adding the kits are distributed to children in such countries as Kenya, Philippines, Uganda, Sri Lanka, etc.
She also said the school has raised money of the years for some 2,200 bed kits. And Sydney added since the Rotary Club of Palgrave matches the contributions, that has resulted in more than 4,000 kits.
They said the school has been supporting the program for some 20 years.
They also praised some individual efforts among the students, including that of Spiro Anthanasoulis, who presented Dryden with a cheque for $210.
“You’re going to give a good sleep to a lot of kids like you,” Rotarian Wayne Cowell told the students.
He added how impressed he was to see children helping other children, “One of the most wonderful things about Sleeping Children.”
He also commented that the Palgrave club is so fond of the charity that they made a video about it, and sent it to Rotary clubs all over Canada and the United States, in the hopes of generating more interest.
“You really have done an amazing job for kids all over the world,” Dryden told them.
He also told them what a magic moment it is for these young people in other lands to get their bed kits, likening it to his first start in the NHL, playing for the Chicago Black Hawks against the Leafs, when Leaf goalie Johnny Bower approached him after the match and said, “Dave, great game. Welcome to the NHL.”
“That was like a magic moment,” Dryden said, adding he still thanks Bower for it. Bower, he said, has since forgotten the incident, “but it sure was important to me.”
He also said the kids who received these bed kits experience a similar magic moment; one they remember.
He and a team of volunteers travelled to Kenya last year to distribute about 5,000 kits, and he showed the students pictures of the trip.
“They were wonderful kids,” he remarked.
These Grade 8 students contributed $350, enough to buy 10 bed kits for Sleeping Children Around the World. They presented the cheque to Dave Dryden recently.
Bill Rea
Palgrave Public School has developed a reputation for being a big supporter of Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW), and they demonstrating that.
Former NHL goalie Dave Dryden, son of Murray and Margaret Dryden who founded the program, was at the school recently to thank the students and assure them that their contributions are appreciated by young people in other lands.
Student MC Sydney Trepanier told the assembly that the program has distributed 1,195,630 bed kits.
“That’s a lot of happy children,” fellow MC Melissa Blackwell said, adding the kits are distributed to children in such countries as Kenya, Philippines, Uganda, Sri Lanka, etc.
She also said the school has raised money of the years for some 2,200 bed kits. And Sydney added since the Rotary Club of Palgrave matches the contributions, that has resulted in more than 4,000 kits.
They said the school has been supporting the program for some 20 years.
They also praised some individual efforts among the students, including that of Spiro Anthanasoulis, who presented Dryden with a cheque for $210.
“You’re going to give a good sleep to a lot of kids like you,” Rotarian Wayne Cowell told the students.
He added how impressed he was to see children helping other children, “One of the most wonderful things about Sleeping Children.”
He also commented that the Palgrave club is so fond of the charity that they made a video about it, and sent it to Rotary clubs all over Canada and the United States, in the hopes of generating more interest.
“You really have done an amazing job for kids all over the world,” Dryden told them.
He also told them what a magic moment it is for these young people in other lands to get their bed kits, likening it to his first start in the NHL, playing for the Chicago Black Hawks against the Leafs, when Leaf goalie Johnny Bower approached him after the match and said, “Dave, great game. Welcome to the NHL.”
“That was like a magic moment,” Dryden said, adding he still thanks Bower for it. Bower, he said, has since forgotten the incident, “but it sure was important to me.”
He also said the kids who received these bed kits experience a similar magic moment; one they remember.
He and a team of volunteers travelled to Kenya last year to distribute about 5,000 kits, and he showed the students pictures of the trip.
“They were wonderful kids,” he remarked.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Students share value of a warm bed
As posted by the Caledon Enterprise, February 21, 2012.
By Andrew Livingstone, Enterprise Staff
When Spiro Athanasoulis handed over a cheque for $210 to Dave Dryden, son of Sleeping Children Around the World founder Murray Dryden, he sat down on a long bench with a big grin on his face.
“It’s really neat when kids do this kind of thing,” he said of Athanasoulis selfless act.
The Grade 6 student at Palgrave Public School asked his friends to donate money to the non-profit organization at his birthday party instead of bringing gifts.
“I wanted to do something because a lot of people sleep in their warm beds and I want to help people who don’t get to do that,” Athanasoulis said. “It’s important.”
Helen, Spiro’s mother, couldn’t be happier with the generosity and selflessness her son has shown.
“I said to him, maybe this year why not do something that benefits someone who doesn’t have as much and he was all for it,” she said. “He’s a great kid.”
And while Spiro presented his own cheque, the entire student and teacher population donated 119 bed kits to the organization. The bed kits are collected across the country and sent to people in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Philippines and Sri Lanka, as planned this year.
According to Dave Dryden, the plans are to deliver more than 27,000 beds to those four countries alone.
The Rotary Club of Palgrave is giving $2,100 to the organization, matching the donations collected by students at the school. It’s the 21st year the school and the Rotary Club have been involved in the project, which has collected over 1.1 million bed kits since its inception in 1970.
“It’s children, like yourselves, helping other children,” said Wayne Cowell of Palgrave Rotary. “It’s the great thing about Sleeping Children.”
Heather Patterson, one of the parent volunteers who helped coordinate the project this year, said it’s an important part of the Palgrave philosophy of helping others.
“It teaches them to share and help other children,” she said. “It’s important for them to know not everyone is well-off like we are.”
And for former NHLer Dave Dryden, he characterizes the 2,200 bed kits the school has donated in over two decades – each individual kit – as special.
“There are 2,000 or more kids who have had magic moments, just like I did with Johnny (Bauer) when we give out those bed kits,” he told the packed gymnasium of his first game in the NHL and the famed Toronto Maple Leaf goalie welcoming him to the league at the end of the game. “It’s so important to them.”
Andrew Livingstone photo
Spiro Athanasoulis, a Grade 6 student at Palgrave Public School, donated a cheque for $210 to Sleeping Children Around the World, to help provide bed kits for children in developing countries. Seen with him here is former NHLer and head of the organization, Dave Dryden.
Spiro Athanasoulis, a Grade 6 student at Palgrave Public School, donated a cheque for $210 to Sleeping Children Around the World, to help provide bed kits for children in developing countries. Seen with him here is former NHLer and head of the organization, Dave Dryden.
By Andrew Livingstone, Enterprise Staff
When Spiro Athanasoulis handed over a cheque for $210 to Dave Dryden, son of Sleeping Children Around the World founder Murray Dryden, he sat down on a long bench with a big grin on his face.
“It’s really neat when kids do this kind of thing,” he said of Athanasoulis selfless act.
The Grade 6 student at Palgrave Public School asked his friends to donate money to the non-profit organization at his birthday party instead of bringing gifts.
“I wanted to do something because a lot of people sleep in their warm beds and I want to help people who don’t get to do that,” Athanasoulis said. “It’s important.”
Helen, Spiro’s mother, couldn’t be happier with the generosity and selflessness her son has shown.
“I said to him, maybe this year why not do something that benefits someone who doesn’t have as much and he was all for it,” she said. “He’s a great kid.”
And while Spiro presented his own cheque, the entire student and teacher population donated 119 bed kits to the organization. The bed kits are collected across the country and sent to people in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Philippines and Sri Lanka, as planned this year.
According to Dave Dryden, the plans are to deliver more than 27,000 beds to those four countries alone.
The Rotary Club of Palgrave is giving $2,100 to the organization, matching the donations collected by students at the school. It’s the 21st year the school and the Rotary Club have been involved in the project, which has collected over 1.1 million bed kits since its inception in 1970.
“It’s children, like yourselves, helping other children,” said Wayne Cowell of Palgrave Rotary. “It’s the great thing about Sleeping Children.”
Heather Patterson, one of the parent volunteers who helped coordinate the project this year, said it’s an important part of the Palgrave philosophy of helping others.
“It teaches them to share and help other children,” she said. “It’s important for them to know not everyone is well-off like we are.”
And for former NHLer Dave Dryden, he characterizes the 2,200 bed kits the school has donated in over two decades – each individual kit – as special.
“There are 2,000 or more kids who have had magic moments, just like I did with Johnny (Bauer) when we give out those bed kits,” he told the packed gymnasium of his first game in the NHL and the famed Toronto Maple Leaf goalie welcoming him to the league at the end of the game. “It’s so important to them.”
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sounds of Ireland for SCAW
Submitted by volunteer Shirley Stone
Sounds of Ireland
A Benefit Concert for
Sleeping Children Around the World
presented by
Kiwanis Club of Picton
Featuring: Julian Gallo, tenor & Lenni Stewart, soprano with accompanist Tom Dietzel
Friday March 16, 2012
at 7:30 p.m.
St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church
31 King Street, Picton
Click on graphic for ticket information.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Palgrave School & SNAP Caledon
Photo submitted by Tom Kumagai, Publisher of SNAP Caledon, February 15, 2012.
Last month, Palgrave School, asked SNAP Caledon to come to their school.
They did and sent us this photo of the event.
In the photo are (Right) Wayne Cowell, chair of the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) committee of the Rotary Club of Palgrave, and (Left) Dave Dryden, the chair of SCAW with Sydney and Melissa, two students at the school.
Last month, Palgrave School, asked SNAP Caledon to come to their school.
They did and sent us this photo of the event.
In the photo are (Right) Wayne Cowell, chair of the Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) committee of the Rotary Club of Palgrave, and (Left) Dave Dryden, the chair of SCAW with Sydney and Melissa, two students at the school.
Pune: Club Newsletter
As published by the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, February 15, 2012.
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the SCAW team led by Debbie along with her team comprising of Sieg, Anne, Suzanne, Beth, Irene and Elaine, who are amongst us this evening, to celebrate with us the distribution of 5000 Kits this year. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, I thank SCAW for giving us this opportunity to give joy and happiness to children in and around Pune by distributing Sleeping Kits to them, year after year.
The Project this year commenced with the packing of the kits on 29th January and 5th February, followed by the distribution at seven centres namely, Rasta Peth on 7th Feb., Ghargaon on the 10th, Hiwargaon on the 11th, Abitkhind on the 12th, Belapur on the 13th, Loni on the 14th and Lingdeo on 15th February.
I hereby make special reference of Mr.Ghule and Mr. Mujawar and thank both of them and their respective team of teachers and other staff members for giving us full support and assistance and for standing by our side during the entire Project. They helped us identify the beneficiaries and ensured that at all times we had sufficient volunteers to help us pack and distribute the Kits in their respective areas. The warm welcome that was given to us at each distribution center will also remain with us forever.
Friends, I take this opportunity to applaud the fantastic work done by Chairperson PP Aloysius, Rtn. Pankaj and President Nominee Sameer in planning, implementing and executing this Project along with PP Vilas, President Elect Fanash, Rtn.Rajesh, PP Nisar etc. PP Aloysius and his team have worked extremely hard for the past several months, first identifying the beneficiaries, thereafter visiting the schools for verification, ordering the supplies, arranging for the warehouses and other transport facilities, scheduling the packing and distributions of the Kits and taking care of all other necessary details.
I also thank the Rotary Club of Poona North for joining us and contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Loni and the Rotary Club of Poona Downtown for contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Lingdeo. I also acknowledge the contribution of the members of our Club and the Annes on the various days of packing and distribution.
Click on either graphic to see it in a larger size.
Dear Friends,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome the SCAW team led by Debbie along with her team comprising of Sieg, Anne, Suzanne, Beth, Irene and Elaine, who are amongst us this evening, to celebrate with us the distribution of 5000 Kits this year. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment, I thank SCAW for giving us this opportunity to give joy and happiness to children in and around Pune by distributing Sleeping Kits to them, year after year.
The Project this year commenced with the packing of the kits on 29th January and 5th February, followed by the distribution at seven centres namely, Rasta Peth on 7th Feb., Ghargaon on the 10th, Hiwargaon on the 11th, Abitkhind on the 12th, Belapur on the 13th, Loni on the 14th and Lingdeo on 15th February.
I hereby make special reference of Mr.Ghule and Mr. Mujawar and thank both of them and their respective team of teachers and other staff members for giving us full support and assistance and for standing by our side during the entire Project. They helped us identify the beneficiaries and ensured that at all times we had sufficient volunteers to help us pack and distribute the Kits in their respective areas. The warm welcome that was given to us at each distribution center will also remain with us forever.
Friends, I take this opportunity to applaud the fantastic work done by Chairperson PP Aloysius, Rtn. Pankaj and President Nominee Sameer in planning, implementing and executing this Project along with PP Vilas, President Elect Fanash, Rtn.Rajesh, PP Nisar etc. PP Aloysius and his team have worked extremely hard for the past several months, first identifying the beneficiaries, thereafter visiting the schools for verification, ordering the supplies, arranging for the warehouses and other transport facilities, scheduling the packing and distributions of the Kits and taking care of all other necessary details.
I also thank the Rotary Club of Poona North for joining us and contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Loni and the Rotary Club of Poona Downtown for contributing towards the distribution of Kits in Lingdeo. I also acknowledge the contribution of the members of our Club and the Annes on the various days of packing and distribution.
Click on either graphic to see it in a larger size.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Philanthropy over lunch
As posted on VICNEWS.com, February 14, 2012.
By Staff Writer - Victoria News
The Canadian Club of Victoria's speaker series focuses on philanthropy Feb. 21.
Judy Dryden will speak about her work delivering bed kits to 15,500 children in Third World countries, as part of Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization founded by her parents.
Also, Sandra Richardson of the Victoria Foundation will talk about how the organization allocates its resources and where it fits in the national philanthropic scene.
The lunch costs $25 and takes place at Comfort Inn, 3020 Blanshard St.
Register by Feb. 16 by calling 250-370-1837.
By Staff Writer - Victoria News
The Canadian Club of Victoria's speaker series focuses on philanthropy Feb. 21.
Judy Dryden will speak about her work delivering bed kits to 15,500 children in Third World countries, as part of Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization founded by her parents.
Also, Sandra Richardson of the Victoria Foundation will talk about how the organization allocates its resources and where it fits in the national philanthropic scene.
The lunch costs $25 and takes place at Comfort Inn, 3020 Blanshard St.
Register by Feb. 16 by calling 250-370-1837.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Senior saving ‘soles’ of kids
As posted on the Barrie Examiner website, February 11, 2012.
By Nicki Cruickshank, Barrie Examiner
A pair of shoes is a daily necessity to us.
But for thousands of children in Nairobi, Kenya, it’s a privilege few are granted.
Donald Potter saw the battered bare feet of these children during a trip there with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) four years ago, and has a plan he knows will be a ‘shoe-in’ for support.
“We’re trying to get shoes for the women and children over there,” said the 80-year-old Barrie man, who is a nine-year volunteer for the Canadian foreign aid organization.
“They are very poor there and it’s just terrible to see the condition of their feet.”
Potter travelled to Dadaad Camp in Nairobi with other SCAW volunteers to deliver and distribute more than 4,000 bed kits to children, which provide them with a comfortable place to sleep off the hard earth.
SCAW distributes these kits to many impoverished villages in Third World countries.
Potter said he took one look at the children’s feet as they lined up for kits and his heart sank.
“I noticed all these children and mothers with no shoes and their feet were scraped, cut and bruised,” he said, grimacing. “These children walk several miles to school every day in bare feet through broken glass, rocks and mud.
“I just couldn’t bare to see that and I thought that someone had to do something about it.”
Last October, Potter began organizing the Shoes for Africa campaign.
Although this project was independent of SCAW, Potter consulted the group’s Rotary Club contact in Kenya to help facilitate the purchase of shoes.
“I contacted Parmindar Lotay in Nairobi, and he told me to leave it with him,” Potter said, noting that Lotay contacted Bata, an international shoe company, and cut a good deal on 5,000 pairs of flip-flops.
“I got the OK on the deal, and I had started making and distributing DVDs to local schools and churches, and to the local Rotary clubs,” he said.
“For my 80th birthday, I told everyone not to buy gifts, but to donate to Shoes for Africa.”
Potter made presentations to local Rotary clubs, and the community, and has managed to raise $5,000 to purchase 5,000 pairs of shoes.
“We’ve reached our target, and the flip-flops will be made in a Bata facility in Nairobi,” Potter said. “This will help create jobs for the local people.”
Rotary in Kenya will assist in the distribution of the shoes.
With the campaign meeting its first target, Potter now plans to focus on another impoverished area.
“Now that we’ve got enough donations for shoes for Nairobi’s children, I’ll start fundraising for India, Sri Lanka or the Philippines,” he said.
“We’re just a small ripple in the pond, but we are doing something to help these poor people.”
Potter is reaching out the community for help him continue providing much needed footwear to Third World villages.
He has opened an account for Shoes for Africa at TD Canada Trust on Big Bay Point Road.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact Potter at 705-737-2027 or potterdonald@ymail.com.
J.T. McVeigh Photo - Donald Potter holds a picture of the city in Kenya where his Shoes for Africa campaign is directed.
Donald Potter spearheading Shoes for Africa campaign to help the needy
By Nicki Cruickshank, Barrie Examiner
A pair of shoes is a daily necessity to us.
But for thousands of children in Nairobi, Kenya, it’s a privilege few are granted.
Donald Potter saw the battered bare feet of these children during a trip there with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) four years ago, and has a plan he knows will be a ‘shoe-in’ for support.
“We’re trying to get shoes for the women and children over there,” said the 80-year-old Barrie man, who is a nine-year volunteer for the Canadian foreign aid organization.
“They are very poor there and it’s just terrible to see the condition of their feet.”
Potter travelled to Dadaad Camp in Nairobi with other SCAW volunteers to deliver and distribute more than 4,000 bed kits to children, which provide them with a comfortable place to sleep off the hard earth.
SCAW distributes these kits to many impoverished villages in Third World countries.
Potter said he took one look at the children’s feet as they lined up for kits and his heart sank.
“I noticed all these children and mothers with no shoes and their feet were scraped, cut and bruised,” he said, grimacing. “These children walk several miles to school every day in bare feet through broken glass, rocks and mud.
“I just couldn’t bare to see that and I thought that someone had to do something about it.”
Last October, Potter began organizing the Shoes for Africa campaign.
Although this project was independent of SCAW, Potter consulted the group’s Rotary Club contact in Kenya to help facilitate the purchase of shoes.
“I contacted Parmindar Lotay in Nairobi, and he told me to leave it with him,” Potter said, noting that Lotay contacted Bata, an international shoe company, and cut a good deal on 5,000 pairs of flip-flops.
“I got the OK on the deal, and I had started making and distributing DVDs to local schools and churches, and to the local Rotary clubs,” he said.
“For my 80th birthday, I told everyone not to buy gifts, but to donate to Shoes for Africa.”
Potter made presentations to local Rotary clubs, and the community, and has managed to raise $5,000 to purchase 5,000 pairs of shoes.
“We’ve reached our target, and the flip-flops will be made in a Bata facility in Nairobi,” Potter said. “This will help create jobs for the local people.”
Rotary in Kenya will assist in the distribution of the shoes.
With the campaign meeting its first target, Potter now plans to focus on another impoverished area.
“Now that we’ve got enough donations for shoes for Nairobi’s children, I’ll start fundraising for India, Sri Lanka or the Philippines,” he said.
“We’re just a small ripple in the pond, but we are doing something to help these poor people.”
Potter is reaching out the community for help him continue providing much needed footwear to Third World villages.
He has opened an account for Shoes for Africa at TD Canada Trust on Big Bay Point Road.
Anyone wishing to donate to the cause can contact Potter at 705-737-2027 or potterdonald@ymail.com.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Mr. Festival Hydro calls it a day
 |
| From Bangladesh 2011 |
By DONAL O'CONNOR STAFF REPORTER
One could say that Doug Mac-Dougald orchestrated his departure from the board of Festival Hydro.
As a member of the utility company from day one in 2009 following the dissolution of the Stratford Public Utilities Commission, he was an active participant in making provision for regular turnover of Festival Hydro board members.
More significantly, though, MacDougald was a key player on the utility company's board for more than a decade.
"He's quite frankly known as Mr. Festival Hydro," said current Festival Hydro chair Howard Famme. "He served on the board for the past 11 years, four of them as chairman, and all 11 on the finance committee."
During MacDougald's term, said Famme, the utility company paid more than $10 million in dividends to the city of Stratford plus interest of more than $1 million per year for the entire period.
During the city's 2005 budget year, Famme said, Festival Hydro provided revenue amounting to about 7% of the municipal tax levy.
The company, whose shares are wholly owned by the City of Stratford, also made possible the base financing for the Rotary Complex.
"It's been a pretty amazing 11 years," said Famme, who also credited MacDougald for his involvement in the amalgamation of the seven hydro companies that comprise Festival Hydro Inc. -the electricity companies in Stratford, St. Marys, Seaforth, Brussels, Hensall and Zurich and Dashwood.
MacDougald is a partner veterinarian with South West Ontario Veterinary Services located in Stratford, a company that provides services to the swine industry.
"Business is business," he said, when asked what particular skills he felt he brought to Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks, the company that's building the data infrastructure for Stratford's emergence as a digital technology centre.
It's essentially about good business practices and good communication, said MacDougald.
The electrical utility company has made good collaborative decisions giving consideration to providing the best value to the communities it serves.
You can't make short-term decisions when you're running an electrical distribution company, added MacDougald, citing the company's capital policy focused on renewal of infrastructure.
"We've got a tremendous board and tremendous senior management team. They are very capable."
Even with all of its capital layout for infrastructure and keeping up to date with technology, including wireless technology, the company has still been able to return a substantial dividend to the City of Stratford each year.
For fiscal 2011 the dividend paid to the municipality was $1.2 million.
Although MacDougald has stepped down from the Festival Hydro board, he chuckles when asked about his "retirement."
"I'm a real veterinarian not ready to retire," he said.
MacDougald has been involved in dragon boating, in supporting the United Way and Stratford General Hospital Foundation and as a travelling volunteer with Sleeping Children Around the World, a Canadian charity that helps the poorest children of the world.
doconnor@bowesnet.com
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Palgrave PS Collects for SCAW
As posted on SNAP CAledon, January 26, 2012.
We were hoping if SNAP would attend our upcoming Sleeping Children Around the World Assembly at Palgrave Public School on January 27, 2011, 2:15 p.m.. For the 21st consecutive year, the children of Palgrave P.S. will be raising funds to provide bed kits for those less fortunate.
Once again, the Palgrave Rotary has kindly agreed to match each bed kit donation. We are hoping to have people join our assembly or drop off donations at the school. Mr. Dave Dryden from Sleeping Children Around the World along with Wayne Cowell from Palgrave Rotary will be there at 2:15 pm to accept the donations.
Order forms are available in the office or online at scaw.org.
We were hoping if SNAP would attend our upcoming Sleeping Children Around the World Assembly at Palgrave Public School on January 27, 2011, 2:15 p.m.. For the 21st consecutive year, the children of Palgrave P.S. will be raising funds to provide bed kits for those less fortunate.
Once again, the Palgrave Rotary has kindly agreed to match each bed kit donation. We are hoping to have people join our assembly or drop off donations at the school. Mr. Dave Dryden from Sleeping Children Around the World along with Wayne Cowell from Palgrave Rotary will be there at 2:15 pm to accept the donations.
Order forms are available in the office or online at scaw.org.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Historians researching for new publication of east division of Ashfield
As posted by the The Goderich Signal Star, January 25, 2012
Dear Editor,
In the last couple of months a volunteer group of historians have met to research the history of the east division of Ashfield Township, Nile to Lucknow and Shephardton to Lochalsh. A new book published book will replace ‘Frontier Ways to Modern Days’ (Concessions 8 to 14) printed in 1976 and ‘From Bush Trails to Present Tales’ printed in 1980 of Concession1 to 7. It was written 40 years ago.
We will be correcting mistakes and adding information that has come to our attention.
The land ownership has been compiled for each farm from the crown to today. Family trees that we do not need are listed at www.acwtownship.ca or phone 519-528-3710.
We have found many interesting people who had their beginnings in Ashfield such as Murray Dryden, the founder of the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. His grandparents Andrew and Margaret Murdoch Dryden lived at Burnside Farms, Paramount, Highway 86.
We have a list of families from the 1881 Census who have no lot or concession numbers. These residents are no doubt living in the log cabins, which have been vacated by the farm owners who have built new frame, stone or brick homes.
If you enjoy just writing the stories of your family farm, we would like you to join us on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Warren and Marian Zinn.
Marian Zinn,
RR2 Lucknow
Dear Editor,
In the last couple of months a volunteer group of historians have met to research the history of the east division of Ashfield Township, Nile to Lucknow and Shephardton to Lochalsh. A new book published book will replace ‘Frontier Ways to Modern Days’ (Concessions 8 to 14) printed in 1976 and ‘From Bush Trails to Present Tales’ printed in 1980 of Concession1 to 7. It was written 40 years ago.
We will be correcting mistakes and adding information that has come to our attention.
The land ownership has been compiled for each farm from the crown to today. Family trees that we do not need are listed at www.acwtownship.ca or phone 519-528-3710.
We have found many interesting people who had their beginnings in Ashfield such as Murray Dryden, the founder of the charity Sleeping Children Around the World. His grandparents Andrew and Margaret Murdoch Dryden lived at Burnside Farms, Paramount, Highway 86.
We have a list of families from the 1881 Census who have no lot or concession numbers. These residents are no doubt living in the log cabins, which have been vacated by the farm owners who have built new frame, stone or brick homes.
If you enjoy just writing the stories of your family farm, we would like you to join us on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the home of Warren and Marian Zinn.
Marian Zinn,
RR2 Lucknow
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Peter Adams to receive Order of Ontario
As posted by the The Peterborough Examiner, January 21, 2012.
Two weeks ago Peter Adams got some pretty surprising news.
The former Peterborough MPP and MP found out he was awarded the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour. A ceremony for the prestigious acknowledgment takes place Thursday at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
But Adams wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. He was asked to keep the award secret until recipients were announced.
Receiving the Order of Ontario is a tremendous honour, he said.
Keeping it a secret was a bit difficult, he said, particularly during the first few days.
He also had to postpone a couple of meetings scheduled for that day, he said, without any explanation for the cancellation.
With a laugh, he said he has already rented his tuxedo for the prestigious ceremony.
Adams doesn’t really know why he’s been selected.
It’s rare for politicians to make the list, he said, so perhaps it has something to do with his community involvement or academic work.
The synopsis next to his name didn’t offer much insight.
“Peter Adams, of Peterborough, a politician, professor and volunteer whose efforts raised Peterborough’s profile in the 1990s, when the province decided to make the city the new home of the Ministry of Natural Resources.”
“I guess until I hear the citation Thursday I won’t know for sure,” Adams said, after hearing the description.
He also doesn’t know who nominated him, and is hoping next week’s ceremony illuminates that piece of the puzzle.
Adams has received an honorary doctorate from Trent University in 2010 and remains professor emeritus there. He was one of the founding members of the university’s geography department.
He chaired the Sport, Recreation and Wellness for All Campaign at Trent University, which exceeded its goal of $4 million for the new athletics centre at the university.
He’s also authored numerous books and advocates for numerous causes like Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that delivers bed kits to children in developing countries.
But Adams said it’s his work representing Peterborough riding residents that he’s most proud of.
Adams served as MPP from 1987 to 1990 and as MP from 1994 to 2005.
“Being elected as MPP, and MP, so faithfully, by so many people,” Adams said. “That was really the big thing.”
NOTE: Other names on the list include John Tory, former leader of the provincial Progressive Conservatives, and Linda Schular, co-creator and executive producer of the Degrassi television series. There are 27 people who are receiving the order Thursday.
sdeeth@peterboroughexaminer.com
CLIFFORD SKARSTEDT Examiner Former Peterborough MP and MPP Peter Adams, seen March 30 addressing the crowd during the Peterborough Speaker Series, will be invested into the Order of Ontario at a ceremony on Thursday.
Two weeks ago Peter Adams got some pretty surprising news.
The former Peterborough MPP and MP found out he was awarded the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest honour. A ceremony for the prestigious acknowledgment takes place Thursday at Queen’s Park in Toronto.
But Adams wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. He was asked to keep the award secret until recipients were announced.
Receiving the Order of Ontario is a tremendous honour, he said.
Keeping it a secret was a bit difficult, he said, particularly during the first few days.
He also had to postpone a couple of meetings scheduled for that day, he said, without any explanation for the cancellation.
With a laugh, he said he has already rented his tuxedo for the prestigious ceremony.
Adams doesn’t really know why he’s been selected.
It’s rare for politicians to make the list, he said, so perhaps it has something to do with his community involvement or academic work.
The synopsis next to his name didn’t offer much insight.
“Peter Adams, of Peterborough, a politician, professor and volunteer whose efforts raised Peterborough’s profile in the 1990s, when the province decided to make the city the new home of the Ministry of Natural Resources.”
“I guess until I hear the citation Thursday I won’t know for sure,” Adams said, after hearing the description.
He also doesn’t know who nominated him, and is hoping next week’s ceremony illuminates that piece of the puzzle.
Adams has received an honorary doctorate from Trent University in 2010 and remains professor emeritus there. He was one of the founding members of the university’s geography department.
He chaired the Sport, Recreation and Wellness for All Campaign at Trent University, which exceeded its goal of $4 million for the new athletics centre at the university.
He’s also authored numerous books and advocates for numerous causes like Sleeping Children Around the World, an organization that delivers bed kits to children in developing countries.
But Adams said it’s his work representing Peterborough riding residents that he’s most proud of.
Adams served as MPP from 1987 to 1990 and as MP from 1994 to 2005.
“Being elected as MPP, and MP, so faithfully, by so many people,” Adams said. “That was really the big thing.”
NOTE: Other names on the list include John Tory, former leader of the provincial Progressive Conservatives, and Linda Schular, co-creator and executive producer of the Degrassi television series. There are 27 people who are receiving the order Thursday.
sdeeth@peterboroughexaminer.com
Friday, January 20, 2012
Making a Difference One Child at a Time
As posted on TCP News, January 19, 2012.
TCP [The Community Players, New Hamburg, ON] supports Sleeping Children Around the World through show proceeds.
Providing financial assistance and making a difference within the community is an important part of what TCP is all about. With each production, the leadership team deliberates at length what organization(s) they feel they would like to support with a portion of the show proceeds.
In 2011, with TCP’s production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, it became evident that we were telling a story about countries (Egypt and ancient Nubia) where power struggles affected the lives of everyone, often displacing whole societies, and leaving those afflicted by war, with nothing. We were launching our production at a time when that part of the world, modern day Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and others, was experiencing intense political turmoil. With that turmoil in mind, and the effect it could have on the average person, particularly children, we felt that we wanted to reach further afield with our donations.
In looking for an organization to donate to, we came upon Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). SCAW provides 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% of it reaches a needy child. Dedicated to the concept of “freewill giving”, SCAW strives to provide hope and always aims to preserve the dignity of the child.
In an ancient world, such as that depicted in Aida, and in our modern day world, where the needs and dignity of the most vulnerable are often forgotten, we felt that providing some of TCP’s annual donations in the form of bedkits for children in underdeveloped or developing countries was a good place to put our support.
We were pleased to receive a picture of the five children that our funds assisted, in Nicaragua.
SCAW groups have traveled to a number of other locations since May 2011 and TCP’s production of Aida, including Uganda, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Honduras. For more information on Sleeping Children Around the World, and how they are helping those most in need, visit their website at www.scaw.org.
TCP [The Community Players, New Hamburg, ON] supports Sleeping Children Around the World through show proceeds.
Providing financial assistance and making a difference within the community is an important part of what TCP is all about. With each production, the leadership team deliberates at length what organization(s) they feel they would like to support with a portion of the show proceeds.
In 2011, with TCP’s production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, it became evident that we were telling a story about countries (Egypt and ancient Nubia) where power struggles affected the lives of everyone, often displacing whole societies, and leaving those afflicted by war, with nothing. We were launching our production at a time when that part of the world, modern day Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and others, was experiencing intense political turmoil. With that turmoil in mind, and the effect it could have on the average person, particularly children, we felt that we wanted to reach further afield with our donations.
In looking for an organization to donate to, we came upon Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). SCAW provides 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% of it reaches a needy child. Dedicated to the concept of “freewill giving”, SCAW strives to provide hope and always aims to preserve the dignity of the child.
In an ancient world, such as that depicted in Aida, and in our modern day world, where the needs and dignity of the most vulnerable are often forgotten, we felt that providing some of TCP’s annual donations in the form of bedkits for children in underdeveloped or developing countries was a good place to put our support.
We were pleased to receive a picture of the five children that our funds assisted, in Nicaragua.
SCAW groups have traveled to a number of other locations since May 2011 and TCP’s production of Aida, including Uganda, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Honduras. For more information on Sleeping Children Around the World, and how they are helping those most in need, visit their website at www.scaw.org.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Submitted by Lynette Jenkins, January 12, 2012.
On the 3rd December 2011, we had our 13th concert "An Evening With Lynette And Friends" at St. Paul's Bloor Street.
We raised $6,211.40 for Sleeping Children and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves - audience and performers alike.
The performers included Cosburn Middle School Choir and Band; Subhadra Vijaykumar a carnatic violinist; The Natya Tapaya Dance Academy; Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra and students from Rosedale Public School steel drum band; Marni Levit with djembe drumming from Africa; and HMCS York Naval Band (Pictured above.).
Many thanks to the artists performing, the members of SCAW who gave their time to help with sales and bedkit display and the friends who attended and contributed to the evening.
We have booked the church for the 14th concert which will be the 8th of December 2012. Please mark it on your calendars now. The more people who come - the more children we can help.
Thanks for all your interest and involvement.
Lynette
We raised $6,211.40 for Sleeping Children and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves - audience and performers alike.
The performers included Cosburn Middle School Choir and Band; Subhadra Vijaykumar a carnatic violinist; The Natya Tapaya Dance Academy; Toronto All Stars Steel Orchestra and students from Rosedale Public School steel drum band; Marni Levit with djembe drumming from Africa; and HMCS York Naval Band (Pictured above.).
Many thanks to the artists performing, the members of SCAW who gave their time to help with sales and bedkit display and the friends who attended and contributed to the evening.
We have booked the church for the 14th concert which will be the 8th of December 2012. Please mark it on your calendars now. The more people who come - the more children we can help.
Thanks for all your interest and involvement.
Lynette
Friday, January 6, 2012
Caledon community stepped up to help needy over holidays
As posted by the Caledon Citizen, January 5, 2012
By Bill Rea
The holiday season is traditionally a time for people to step up and share with those less fortunate, and many in the Caledon community did just that this year.
...
Ellwood Memorial Public School in Bolton pitched in too. Principal John Stegeman said some 1,500 cans of food were contributed to CCS. He also said the school assembled 67 bed kits to go to Sleeping Children Around the World. As well, the school sponsored a local family in need.
...
ENTIRE ARTICLE
By Bill Rea
The holiday season is traditionally a time for people to step up and share with those less fortunate, and many in the Caledon community did just that this year.
...
Ellwood Memorial Public School in Bolton pitched in too. Principal John Stegeman said some 1,500 cans of food were contributed to CCS. He also said the school assembled 67 bed kits to go to Sleeping Children Around the World. As well, the school sponsored a local family in need.
...
ENTIRE ARTICLE
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.
As published in The Barrie Examiner, December 20, 2011.
As published in the Listowel Banner, December 28, 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.
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
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."
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.
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.
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