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14 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 12, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Community Foundation supports local schools T wo Oakville schools -- Oakwood and St. James -- are beneficiaries of grants from the Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO). "The CFO has made a significant difference in Oakwood Public School's capacity to meet the needs of our students," says Brian Van Wyngaarden, principal of Oakwood Public School. "Just seeing that people in the community cared about our school has been a tremendous morale boost for both staff and students." A grant from the CFO's De Maio Family Fund enabled the purchase of a wide variety of resources for the school. The De Maio's gift became a reference point for the CFO to invite other grant holders, service clubs and agencies to fund additional items such as: · a five-year commitment to the breakfast program · physical education equipment · information technology items · special education materials "The CFO's successful project with Oakwood Public School is a testament to the success of community partnerships," says Rusty Baillie, CEO. The CFO used a two-step collaborative process with Oakwood Public School: · Needs assessment and ranking of wish list items conducted by the principal and teachers. · Rallying resources donated by the De Maio family, Kiwanis Club of Oakville, Oakville Public Library, May Court Club of Oakville, Halton Learning Foundation and a charitable family. The principal of St. James School, Michelle Braida, was thrilled with generous donations from the CFO's De Maio and Amarna Funds to enhance the literacy and numeracy programs at the school. "The human potential that exists within the walls of St. James Public School is untapped," says Michelle Braida, principal of St. James Public School. "The kids have so much to give if someone believes in them." June Cockwell and Anne Miskey are the CFO's key liaisons on this project. They plan to rally local resources to enhance the school experience for St. James students. Based on staff input, St. James School needs improvements to the library, music and theatrical programs to help teach students lifelong strategies for self-expression. The CFO, with your help and support, is making a difference and leveraging fund holders' dollars through community collaboration. There are still have-nots in this community. If you would like to help the CFO invest in Oakville's social and human capital, contact Rusty Baillie, CEO, The Community Foundation of Oakville, by calling 905-845-7582. Visit our website at www.thecfo.org -- By Louise Brownlee, CFO volunteer BUSINESS PROFILE New free class helps beginning real estate investors profit from investing in nice homes Rob Minton, Broker Author & Consultant A real estate brokerage has been helping beginning investors profit from investing in nice homes without having to touch a screwdriver. Investors who attend a free Real Estate Investing class and are accepted for this program can begin investing with the assistance of an experienced coach. The coaches help you select the right home, avoid inspection pitfalls and lock in attractive profits. In the class, investors will learn how to profit from real estate without having to rehab and renovate distressed homes. A loan specialist who can help you qualify for favorable investor loans will also attend the class. According to Mike Sivula, who purchased nine investment properties after attending the class: "Its my opinion that the class should be a requirement for all beginning real estate investors." Investors profit from nice homes by helping local renters become homeowners through special rent to own programs. At the class, you will learn: How you can buy investment homes with zero down payment* How to profit from investing in real estate without fixing toilets, tearing out walls and rehabbing ugly kitchens. A Secret Wealth Building Strategy that will help you double your assets, cash flow and wealth every two years. How you can dramatically increase your investing cash flow. And much more. This class is now available to residents of Oakville. The first 35 to register will receive $250 worth of attendance bonuses. To register, call (416) 981-3467. Seating is limited and is first-come, first-served. Advertorial *Certain restrictions apply. Must qualify. This report courtesy of Nick Karadza, Sales Representative, Keller Williams Our Town Realty Ltd. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.