20 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday May 26, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Little things mean a lot for Bronte Movers By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF For him it's no big deal. For them, it makes all the difference in the world. Oakville's Bronte Movers was honoured Tuesday by the Halton-based Acts of Kindness Network, which presented owner Ralph Schumann with a plaque and declared his business a Goodwill Ambassador to the network. The Acts of Kindness Network uses volunteers and their services to benefit the mental health community of Halton. It has helped such organizations as Support and Housing Halton and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Bronte Movers received recognition because of the outstanding support it has given the network, donating its time and services. "Ralph and his team have on many occasions delivered furniture to recipients or given us a referral that has allowed us to help other agencies in the community," said Deborah Seigel, Founder of the Acts of Kindness Network. "That's how we've been able to help furnish a safe bed program for the Canadian Mental Health Association and help many other people in the community." This relationship began when Bronte Movers helped the Seigels with their own move. After, the Seigels found they had a number of items they wanted to donate to the Salvation Army in Burlington. "I called Ralph and I said, `Ralph would you be open to extending an act of kindness,'" said Ron Seigel, Chief Recruiter for the Acts of Kindness Network. Without hesitation Schumann agreed WATCH FOR YOUR CHANCE TO $2500 or a presented by T here's No Place Like Home" SPECIAL METROLAND SUPPLEMENT Wina Gift Certificate from ToolPackage (Valued at $1350) LAWN&GARDEN LAWN&GARDEN and the trip was organized and undertaken. At the Salvation Army centre Ron was struck by the reaction patrons had as his donated furniture was being unloaded. "I remember seeing this father and son and as the furniture came off the truck, they were just like button-eyed," he said. "We saw that this furniture was going to have a wonderful home and people in the community who really need it are getting the opportunity to have it." Now familiar with Bronte Movers, it was not long before Ron called again. "It was a washer and dryer, that was donated by a family and Ron called us and asked if we'd be able to deliver it and what sort of charges we had," said Schumann. "I said, `You know what? It's going to a needy family, so we'll do it free of charge." Notifying clients that the Acts of Kindness Network can help them get rid of unwanted furniture is another way Bronte Movers has supported the network. "In our business we deal with a lot of people who are in the downsizing phase of life. Seniors going to smaller places, who are getting rid of stuff from furniture to cutlery to clothing. So, we refer them to Ron's organization and he passes the information on to the people who are involved with finding the people who need these things," said Schumann. While the Seigels do pay Schumann back by referring clients to him, this is not Schumann's primary reason for helping out. "There's lots of needy people around and Ron Seigel and his operation do fantastic charitable work and if I can be part of that, great," he said. "That's what it's all about, making the world a nicer place." DAVID LEA / OAKVILLE BEAVER GOOD JOB: Bronte Movers receive a Goodwill Ambassador honour from the Acts of Kindness Network. From left, Robert Martin, Deborah Seigel (Acts of Kindness Network Founder), Pete Bedington, Ralph Schumann (Bronte Movers Owner), Stanford Lawrence, Veronica Harris, Kyle Leonard and Ron Seigel (Acts of Kindness Network Chief Recruiter. SOLD SOLD SOLD Just Moved? 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