The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

35 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,A pril 11,2019 theifp.ca Having ample books and learning resources at our fingertips is considered a normal part of life for many, but Rosa De Dieu knows that sourcing read- ing materials can be a mon- umental challenge for some children in her home country. "The kids (in the Philip- pines) are trying their best, sometimes walking one hour to go to school, but there's not enough resourc- es when they get there," said the Georgetown moth- er of two. "The books are falling apart, so they're put- ting tape on them. These are things we take for granted here." It's stories like this that have inspired De Dieu to collect books for youth of all ages, and educational materials, to ship to schools in the Philippines. She's now turning to the local community for donations and hopes to send a hearty shipment before the school year there begins in June. "Most kids there still re- ly on books, as there's not always a signal for the in- ternet," she said. "I would like all kids to have access to books." This isn't De Dieu's first time gathering resources to benefit Filipino schools; she previously collected books as part of a commu- nity outreach program dur- ing her high school re- union. She's always on the hunt for second-hand book bargains and would like to have an even bigger impact this time around, with the help of local residents. "I'm hoping that people will be generous," she said. "Being an immigrant com- ing from the same environ- ment, I want to do some- thing to help these chil- dren." An avid reader, De Dieu, as a child, walked half an hour to the library, or to her aunt's house, to borrow books. She has four elementary schools in mind in Iriga City and Nabua that would benefit from the donations of books and learning mate- rials such as flash cards, puzzles and educational toys. She isn't seeking mon- etary donations and plans to pay out of her own pocket for shipping. Those interested in making a donation can con- tact De Dieu at paraba- kal3@gmail.com to ar- range for pickup. COMMUNITY GEORGETOWN MOM HOSTING BOOK DRIVE FOR CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES Georgetown resident Rosa De Dieu is collecting books to donate to several schools in the Philippines. Melanie Hennessey/Metroland MELANIE HENNESSEY mhennessey@ metroland.com Cell: 416-996-9338 jay@hilltoptreecare.ca www.hilltoptreecare.ca It's Lonely at the Top! YOU ARE IN VITED TO ALL SESSIONS ARE: • FREE TO TRY!• NON-CONTACT! • OPEN TO AGES 3-10! • OPEN TO GIRLS AND BOYS! • STICKS CAN BE PROVIDED! COME AND DISCOVER WHY PLAYING CANADA'S NATIONAL SUMMER SPORT IS THE BEST WAY TO SPEND YOUR SUMMER! UPCOMING TRY LACROSSE SESSIONS: TRY LACRO SSE! For more information: www.bulldogslacrosse.ca Mold-Masters Sportsplex: 221 Guelph St, Georgetown, ON Sat. April 13 9AM 10AM 11AM 12PM 1PM Peanut (2015/2016) Paperweight (2013/2014) Tyke (2011/2012) Novice (2009/2010) Pee Wee/Bantam (2005/2008) Sat. April 20 9AM 10AM 11AM 12PM 1PM Peanut (2015/2016) Paperweight (2013/2014) Tyke (2011/2012) Novice (2009/2010) Pee Wee/Bantam (2005/2008) (Bring your helmet and gloves)