Moksha Yoga West Island of Pointe-Claire QC

Submitted by SCAW Volunteer Nicole Jones, March 14, 2013.

We spoke a month or so ago in regards to our yoga studio doing charity classes to support SCAW. Well I'm excited to tell you that over past two months our charity classes raised 1474$. I will be sending the cheque in the mail shortly but I was wondering if you could let me know who/where to send it?

I'm going to email a few pictures from one of our special classes that took place on Feb 24. Monica Healey and Myself team taught for this wonderful cause!

Have a beautiful day.

Nicole Jones

Click images to see a larger version.

Santa's gifts keep on giving: Donation helping kids

As posted by Mississauga.com, March 6, 2013.

By Chris Clay

Visits to Santa at Sherway Gardens over the holidays helped raise more than $40,000 for a charity that works to help children around the world.

Officials from Sherway Gardens were ecstatic after its award-winning Santa Experience, which comes to the shopping centre at Christmas, raised $40,726 that was donated recently to Sleeping Children Around the World. It's an organization that provides bedkits for needy children in developing countries.

"It's great to think that a happy time such as Christmas, where our children our celebrating and having their pictures taken with Santa, can lead to many kids overseas getting bedkits," said Sleeping Children chairman Dave Dryden. "As a result of Sherway Gardens' support, Sleeping Children Around The World has been able to provide approximately 6,000 bedkits to children in countries around the world including India, Kenya, the Philippines, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Honduras and Bangladesh."

The Santa Experience is an interactive play session that includes sing-alongs, dancing and stories and a chance for children to speak with Santa Claus and pose for a picture.

"Since 2002, Sherway Gardens has proudly donated 100 per cent of the proceeds from the Santa Experience to Sleeping Children Around the World," said general manager Andy Traynor. "To date, $245,551.88 has been raised through ticket sales for the Santa Experience which has gone toward helping over 5,000 children worldwide."

For more on Sleeping Children Around the World, visit scaw.org.

Chris Clay

Sherway shoppers support children’s charity with $40K donation

As posted on the Etobicoke Guardian website, March 4, 2013.

by Cynthia Reason

It was Christmas in February for Sleeping Children Around the World this week, as Sherway Gardens presented the Etobicoke-based charity with a cheque for $40,726.88 – the proceeds of the shopping centre’s award-winning Santa Experience.

Dave Dryden, chairman of Sleeping Children Around the World, said those funds will translate into 1,164 bedkits (consisting of a mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothing, towel and school supplies) to be distributed to children from countries all around the world – from India, Kenya, and the Philippines, to Uganda, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Honduras and Bangladesh.

“What I love is the fact that it’s because of kids and Santa Claus that that many kids in other countries get a gift – so it’s just like Christmas for them, too,” he said at Thursday’s cheque presentation, noting the organization distributes bedkits to more than 70,000 kids each year.

“I’ve been on probably 20 distributions and it’s always a humbling experience. What I get out of it more than anything else is a sense of respect for the children and their parents and caregivers, because of what they are living through – and the fact that they are still living through it in a positive way.”

Since 2002, 100 per cent of proceeds from the wildly popular Santa Experience at Sherway Gardens have been donated to Sleeping Children for a grand total of nearly $290,000. Those funds have gone towards bedkits for nearly 6,000 children worldwide over the years.

“What I love about it is that we’ll get pictures soon of the children who have received the bedkits, so it becomes personal. We get to see the looks on these children’s faces when they receive them,” said Lisa Resnic, Sherway’s senior marketing director. “For that, we thank our customers, because they’re the ones raising the money. They’re very loyal to the Santa Experience.”

Twelve years ago, at the behest of their then-resident Santa, Sherway Gardens evolved past the traditional photo-with-Santa and developed an interactive, half-hour Santa Experience whereby kids get to participate in sing-a-longs, dancing and story time alongside Santa, plus get the opportunity to share their Christmas wishes and pose for informal pictures with the big guy.

And the results have proven positive: “I heard this year that for some families, it’s now part of the Christmas tradition in their home to come and visit Santa at Sherway because it’s so theatrical,” Resnik added, noting that what she likes best about the program’s partnership with Sleeping Children is its ‘children helping children’ focus.
Sleeping Children Around the World provides bedkits to children of any race and/or religion who will benefit most – typically those located in underdeveloped and developing countries. No portion of any bedkit donation is spent on administration, as 100 per cent of all monies donated reach needy children.

For more information about Sleeping Children Around the World, or to donate, go to www.scaw.org

Margaret Crossling represents SCAW

Submitted by SCAW Volunteer Michael Crossling.

Margaret Crossling presented SCAW to up to 200 students at Holy Name of Mary College School in Mississauga today.

The students were attending their Justice Day exhibition of various charities, one of which, by invitation, was Sleeping Children. All girls were most interested to hear about the work of Sleeping Children.

Click photo to see a larger version.

Students, teachers do Durham proud

Letter to the Editor, Durham Region website, January 27, 2013.

To the editor:
It is so great to hear that Durham Region consists of such helpful and caring people.

A job well done to the staff members of Courtice Secondary School for raising $2,280 for the Sleeping Children around the World organization.

It seems as if this team of people put a lot of time and effort into raising such a large amount of money. It's impressive that these staff members had the will to undertake such a large effort towards this organization even though they were going through difficult times due to the work-to-rule campaign.

This project has definitely made Courtice stand out and has made Durham Region proud.

Romaisa Pervez

Ajax

Have You Heard what's happening in Durham Region?

As posted on the Durham Region website, January 20, 2013.

DURHAM -- Through Courtice Secondary School's recent Casual for a Cause campaign, staff raised $2,280 for Sleeping Children Around the World. The money bought 65 bed kits for children in developing countries. A Toronto-based organization, SCAW uses $35 donations to provide bed kits for children in 33 countries. Depending on local needs, the kits contain combinations of a mat or mattress, pillow, sheet, blanket, mosquito net, clothing and school supplies.

Donors receive photographs of children receiving their kits or special occasion message. For more information, visit www.scaw.org.

Groups and organizations pitch in to help less fortunate

As posted in The Caledon Citizen, January 3, 2013.

By Bill Rea

The holidays are always a time for giving, and there are many groups and organizations in the community that try to make sure the less fortunate are not left out.

That was again the case throughout Caledon this year.

As usual, Caledon Community Services (CCS) ran its annual Santa Fund, collecting a vast assortment of toys, food and other contributions to local families that have been having trouble getting by.

CCS Communications Specialist Melanie Alderfer-Mowat reported the community support for this year’s Santa Fund was “outstanding.”

She added about 200 families were helped out, including roughly 300 children.

Michelle Stubbs, director of Community Resources for Caledon Community Services stands by a mountain of donations to the Santa Fund. Photo by Bill Rea
For the fifth year in a row, Husky Injection Molding Systems announced it would match every single dollar donated to the CCS Santa Fund up to $25,000.

Caledon OPP was the spirit too.

The Saturday before Christmas saw 40 Caledon students taking the opportunity to spend time with a police officer shopping for Christmas gifts for their families.

Police report each student was provided with a $100 gift card donated by local businesses and schools. They were given an hour to wander the aisles of Walmart in Bolton to make their purchaces. The shoppers were then paraded through Bolton by police cruisers, with lights and sirens blaring, to Robert F. Hall Secondary School. The hungry shoppers and officers were then served breakfast by the officers and staff at the school.

Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School collected about $1,000 in pennies, and Sarah Kan-Hodgson, Zachary Howcroft, Nicole Northey, Christina McArthur and Sara Vani helped move them out.

“This is a project that is very near and dear to my heart,” commented Staff Sergeant Brian Knowler, operations manager for Caledon OPP. “I took part in it for three years at my prior posting in Northern Ontario and the memories of being involved were so positive that I proposed it to the officers in Caledon. I couldn’t have been more pleased with how the day turned out. It was a positive experience for both shoppers and officers and showed a different side of the OPP that the public is not used to. I am grateful that all the people involved; officers, civilian OPP employees, and sponsors, took my simple idea and turned it into the event that it be- came. We are already planning bigger and better for 2013!”

Lily and Mia VandenHoek, and Aaron and David Kimbel were loading contributions to CCS at the Inglewood Fire Hall. They were attending the local Christmas Tree Lighting celebrations.
Sponsors for the event included Garden Foods, Zehrs Bolton, Foodland Caledon East, Tim Horton’s Bolton, Glendale Veterinary Hospital, St. Michael Catholic Secondary School, Countryside Montessori School, Ontario Provincial Police Association, Town of Caledon, Orangeville Honda, Royal Chevrolet Cadillac, Heaven Scent Natural Products, Barlett Family, Oxford Learning Centre, Parson’s Florist, McDonald’s Bolton

Most of the schools in town held charity projects of their own, and many of them contributed to CCS or Shop With A Cop.

Alloa Public School Principial Tammy King said students and staff there conducted a food drive and mitten tree in support of CCS. As well, she said the school helped support a needy family through the Children’s Aid Society.

Shawn Sabourin, principal at Credit View Public School, said they sponsored a disadvantaged family through the Share the Joy program at the Peel District School Board. He said each class designed its own gift basket, and then they were raffled off to raise the money. The school also held a food drive to support CCS and contributed to Shop With A Cop.

Debbie Sutton, secretary at Belfountain Public School, reported the school took part in the Share the Joy program, supporting three families.

Students at Caledon Central Public School raised $1,407 to help a family of eight through Share the Joy, according to Principal Lynn Bristoll, and that was one of several charitable projects the school was involved in.

She added staff contributed to Shop With A Cop and there was a dance for intermediate students, with admission being a food item to go to CCS. As well, the school held a successful Penny Drive. “The penny is becoming extinct here,” she observed. These funds are being used to provide clean water in the Third World through RBC.

Bristoll also said there had been sales of hand-made crafts, with proceeds going to support agricultural projects in Ecuador through Free the Children.

“We are keeping busy, that’s for sure,” Bristoll said.

A mitten drive in support of CCS was one of the projects at Alton Public School, Principal Andrew Greenlaw reported.

“I was very impressed,” he said. “A lot of neat hats and mittens came in. It filled a tree.”

The school also held a food drive in support of the Salvation Army in Orangeville.

Some of the efforts at Herb Campbell Public School were aimed at supporting Share the Joy. Office Manager Brenda Smith also said there was a Candy Cane Tree, from which kids got gift ideas for needy youngsters.

There was a big food drive and Mitten Tree at Macville Public School in support of CCS, Office Manager Sharyn Holloway reported. She said there was a student dance, with a food item being the cost of admission.

Palgrave Public School was again involved with OPP in cramming police cruisers with toys and food. Principal Laurie Johnson was expecting them to fill between two and three cars.

Students at Allan Drive Middle School also filled some police cars. As well, Office Assistant Claudette Brown said they bought candygrams to give to each other, with proceeds going to the CF Foundation.

The efforts at James Bolton Public School were aimed at supporting the breakfast program at another school in Peel. Principal Lisa Miller-Wood said any left over food items were to go to CCS.

There was a 12-day food drive at Caledon East Public School, Principal Laurie Allison reported. She added staff adopted a family through Share the Joy.

The local food drive received support from staff and students at Ellwood Memorial Public School in Bolton.

Principal John Stegeman said the effort collected about 3,000 cans.

In addition, he said the school continues to support Sleeping Children Around the World, and they raised enough to buy 70 bed kits for families in Africa.

Holy Family Elementary School collected toys for CCS, Head Secretary Margaret Proctor reported.

Pope John Paul II Elementary School held a food and toy drive for CCS.

“The kids did a fantastic job,” declared Vice-Principal Maria Parker.

She added the school helped out 31 kids at another area school.

“The community’s been absolutely fantastic,” she said. “Incredibly supportive.”

St. Cornelius Elementary School in Caledon East had a Giving Tree set up in the front foyer. Head Secretary Kerri Badger said it was filled with an assortment of hats, scarves and mitts.

Students also worked on gift boxes. More than 150 of these boxes were collected and distributed through Dr. Andrew Simone’s Canadian Food For Children.

St. John the Baptist Elementary School in Bolton also held a food and toy drive in support of CCS.

Secretary Nadia Cavaliere also said shoe boxes of gift items were assembled at shipped all over the world through the Samaritan’s Purse.

St. Nicholas Elementary School in Bolton held a food, toy and winter clothing drive in support of CCS, as well as the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Principal Eric Fischer praised the support of the community in making the drive a success.

There were several projects at St. Michael Catholic Secondary School, Chaplain Urszula Cybulko reported.

She said each department got two Christmas baskets to fill; one for a local family, and the other to go to a refugee family through Romero House, which assists refugee families in Toronto.

As well, all the home rooms at the school were invited to contribute to the Chalice Program, in support of the Third World.

“The whole idea was global and local outreach this Christmas,” she said.

Things were busy at Robert F. Hall too.

Chaplain Brenda Holtkamp said the school held a Sock Drive in support of the Good Shepherd Centre in Toronto. The effort raised more than 1,700 pairs of socks.

As well, she said the school put together about 15 Christmas hampers for Romero House.

They also collected some $1,000 in pennies to be distributed through RBC in Orangeville, and held a food drive in support of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Both the Salvation Army and CCS have benefitted from the holiday charitable efforts of students at Mayfield Secondary School.

Vice-Principal Gail Shotlander reported the holiday food drive at the school brought in some 5,700 items, which were sent to the Sally Ann in Brampton. She added the class collecting the most items were entitled to a pizza party, but they opted to have those funds directed to the food bank program being run by CCS.

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

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 75^th 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.

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

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.

Eileen Rademacher helps SCAW

Submitted by Eileen Rademacher

Click on graphic to see larger version.

---

Sunday, November 25^th 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

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.

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."

Hitherfield School Helps SCAW

On Saturday, November 24^th 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 10^th Side Road,
Campbellville, ON

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

Click on graphic to see a larger version.

School's website: www.hitherfieldschool.com

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

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.

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.