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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 5, 2007 - 7 Barriers removing obstacles By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF "It's a fantastic program that helps kids achieve and learn, Instead of worrying about where because it takes some of the she'll get money for groceries this pressure off them." week, a 16-year-old T.A. Blakelock student can keep her mind on the books. The student, who asked to remain anonymous, no longer sits in class hungry, or worrying about how she'll get home from school without a bus ticket. She's among more than 30 Blakelock students who have received help from The Halton Learning Foundation, which recently hosted its fourth annual celebration dinner ­ A Brighter Future. The Foundation is an non-profit organization separate from the Halton District School Board that assists students in need by eliminating barriers to learning ­ like hunger, lack of transportation and lack of facilities. "It's allowing me to do better on my school work," said the Grade 11 student. "I really don't have to worry, how am I going to get the money I need this week? Instead, I can think, how can I study for this test?" She has received food coupons, bus passes and more from the Foundation through its Barriers to Learning Program. Blakelock has new musical Stuart Miller, principal, T.A. Blakelock High School "What the barriers program does is it tries to alleviate some of these pressures." Bus passes, food coupons, field trip payments, even paying first month's rent ­ this is just some of the assistance Blakelock students All I Want For Christmas See Youths page 8 APPOINTMENT instruments, exercise bikes and more as a result of the Foundation's work, but it's this barriers program principal Stuart Miller says has made the most valuable impact. "It's a fantastic program that helps kids achieve and learn, because it takes some of the pressure off them," he said. "We want to give all the kids the same leg up, the same opportunity to be successful. That's what the barriers program does." What the principal stresses is that students like this 16-year-old are not alone. "Many students in our Halton schools ­ and it needs to come to light ­ there are many kids in a variety of schools who are in economic difficulties," said Miller. "They're in single family situations, there are stresses at home which necessitate students living on their own, they have all these pressures. We've got students that are trying to learn and are literally hungry. Save 20% on In-Stock Fireplace Accessories "MASONRY & FIREPLACE DESIGN SPECIALISTS" w w w. c o b b l e s t o n e m b e r s . c a David Harvey has been appointed to the position of General Manager of the Halton Region Newspaper Division. In his new role, Mr. Harvey will oversee the Halton community papers which include thes Oakville Beaver, Burlington Post, Milton Canadian Champion, Flamborough Review, Shopping News and Oakville Today. Mr. Harvey has more than 25 years experience with Metroland, most recently holding the position of Regional Director of Advertising, Toronto Community News. 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905.337.2066 YEAR END CLEAR-OUT West media Metroland group check us out at www.oakvillebeaver.com LONDON GOLD Fine Jewellery Co. Ltd. With purchase of furnace & air *Limited Time! Installation extra. GAS FIREPLACE FREE * Cash · 5% GST · $1250 e-bonus · Rebates up to $6000 '08 F150 4.6L V8, automatic, air conditioning, 8 foot box stereo, Stk.# F5570 $ Sale Price 22,595 13,596 , 42,284 62 864 62,864 39 169 39,169 $ 343 68 PER MONTH '07 FORD FOCUS SE 4 cyl., automatic, air conditioning, power locks, AM/FF/CD, Stk.# FS 5398 $ $ Sale Price 239 43 9 PER MONTH '07 FORD EDGE SEL PLUS V6, leather, all wheel drive, navigation, chrome wheels, Stk.# EG 4860 MSRP SALE PRICE Diamond Studs Sale $ Up to 4700 AND Back $ $ 36,945 UP TO $2400 GOV. CASH BACK '07 FORD EXPEDITION LTD Leather, DVD, 20" chrome wheels, captain chairs, Stk.#ED 4796 MSRP SALE PRICE UP TO $1500 Beautiful Diamond Studs Set in 14kt/18kt or Platinum .50 tw from $395 MANUFACTURERS CASH BACK + NO PAYMENT! NO INTEREST! FOR 6 MONTHS *OAC $ $ 42,998 32,703 26,885 '07 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC XLT,V8, automatic, tonneau cover, alloy wheels, Stk.#EX 4643 MSRP SALE PRICE $ $ '07 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE Leather, Pony package, Shaker audio system, heated seats, tinted windows, cloth roof, Stk.#MU 4804 MSRP SALE PRICE UP TO $800 HYDRO CASH BACK *Call for details. Financing Available + $ 33 449 33,449 $ Diamond Studs Make A Wonderful Holiday Gift Receive a $200 Gas Card with Every New In-Stock Vehicle Purchased Dial 905-845-1646 ext. 210 for complete details of each advertised vehicle. LONDON GOLD Fine Jewellery Co. Ltd. Upper Oakville Shopping Centre · 1011 Upper Middle at 8th Line DORVAL DR. AL 905.845.1646 280 SOUTH SERVICE RD. W. OAKVILLE QEW 905.337.0051 8 Locations To Serve You Better! R S. SERV www.kennedyford.ca E IC 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 WYECROFT