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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 5, 2007 - 27 Transforming lives through the Y fee assistance program FREE REFRESHMENTS!!! Monday, October 8, 2007 Otello's Banquet Hall 2273 Royal Windsor Drive Oakville, ON Preview: 12:00 PM Auction: 1:00 PM M eghan and her six-year-old son Matthew have found a home at the YMCA of Oakville. Matthew, who has severe learning disabilities, faces challenges every day in just about everything he does. And his patient and loving mom is right by his side, as his protector, guide and cheerleader. Since joining the Y in January 2005, both Meghan and Matthew have discovered a new sense of belonging while making great strides in their personal development. Matthew enjoys both taekwondo and swimming. The discipline of the martial art has helped him to focus. At first it looked like learning to swim was out of the question because Matthew found it difficult to quietly pay attention in the pool. "Then the lifeguard suggested Reach for the Rainbow," recalls Meghan. This service provider for specialneeds individuals helps with the Oakville YMCA swim program. Thanks to this individualized attention, Matthew, who had feared getting his face wet, can now swim with skill. In fact, Meghan beams with pride when she describes how her son swam 24 lengths of the Y pool in the recent "Swim the Lake" fundraiser for the Strong Kids fundraising campaign. "It was the proudest night of my life to watch him complete that swim," says Meghan. "Matthew felt a wonderful sense of accomplishment." The family's tight budget has no room for the Y's regular fees. "We wouldn't be able to come to the Y without fee assistance," says Meghan. "We are so very grateful for this help. Truly the Y has changed our lives. My son now believes in himself. For a child who has difficulty learning, this is a huge milestone. And in addition to taekwondo and swimming for Matthew, we can enjoy family fun playing basketball in the gym. It's a great place to be." Meghan, who suffers from a form of dystrophy, has experienced her own personal transformation at the Y. "I needed a cane to walk when I first came here," she recalls. "I gave up the cane a year later after gradually building my strength at the Y. Nestor Granados has been amazing, showing me the right exercises and offering encouragement every step of the way." Swim and Gentle Fit classes helped Meghan to regain her mobility and lose 30 pounds. "I smile every time I walk in the door of the Oakville Y," says Meghan. "I had stopped smiling for a long time. For my son and me, our lives really began again when we joined the Y." Meghan adds, "I hope some day to be able to pay my own way at the Y and to contribute to the Strong Kids campaign so that I can help others. The Y has done so much for us." The Y's Strong Kids program allows children to attend programs that their parents might not be able to pay for in full. Each year, more than 1,500 children and adults take part in Y programs, thanks to those who donate generously to Strong Kids. HOME THEATRE WE HAVE A HUGE SELECTION OF: · 3 Piece Sofa Sets and Sectionals in many designer colours, Italian Leathers to Designer Fabrics · Oak, Mahogany and Cherrywood 9 piece Dining Room Suites, some with matching Buffets and Hutches · 8 Piece Bedroom Suites, including European Designs · Hand Carved Fern Stands · Huge selection of Classical Style Hall Mirrors · Bathroom vanities with Sink · Quality Mattress and Box Springs Sets in double, queen or king, from the highest quality Memory Foam and Pillow Top to Economical Sets · Top quality 72 Pc. Flatware Sets · 10 pc. counter height dinette set (variety of finishes) · Bombay Chest · Wall Clocks · Curio Stands · Electronics · Lamps · Limited Edition Artworks including Bateman & The Group of Seven · Limoges · Figural Pieces · Grandfather Clocks · 4 Poster Bed Sets · Stainless Cookware Sets · Sports Memorabilia · Bronze And Still Much More! Subject to additions and deletions. YOU DON'T WAN T TO MIS S THIS THA KSGIVING EVENT!!! AN FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-888-211-7690 10% Buyers Premium If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. BERTIN STABLES Fall and Winter Lessons and Christmas Camps Now Booking · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) www.bertinstables.com (905) 827-4678 www.bertinstables.com