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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday February 22, 2008 - 23 YMCA is sharing its stories and its heart Dear Friends: My name is Tim Clarke and I am a long-time member of the YMCA, a member of the board of directors of this YMCA and the chair of the Annual Giving Campaign ­ the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. For more than 150 years, the Y has been investing in the lives of children, youth and families in our communities by providing safe places, caring and trained staff, and programs that teach life skills. Programs that offer recreational activity, personal encouragement and positive role modeling are not frills...they fill basic human needs. These are the building blocks to quality of life and long term success and they are truly worthy of our emotional and financial investment. There is no better way for me to explain to you the impact that the YMCA can have than to share a few meaningful stories: Ryan Ryan is a Grade 4 student who comes from a home that has experienced extreme turmoil and heartbreak, and he has few people he can look up to in life. Being part of the YMCA's After School Program has given "To this day, I still strive to learn skills and trades I had never imagined over three years ago. I applied for a position with the School-Aged Child Care Department, where I was hired as an assistant. Not even a month later, I was promoted to supervisor. "My name is Sarah. I'm 19 years old, and when anyone asks, I tell them that I am very proud to have turned my life around with the YMCA." The validation of our mission is here in our stories. I invite you to read these and others on the YSK website at www.ymcastrongkids.ca, where you can also make an on-line donation to this very worthy cause. Our campaign goal for 2008 is $120,000. I ask you to respond to this call to action and donate generously to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. It is one of the most important things that you can do to build the future leaders of our community. Thank you. Tim Clarke, Chair YMCA Strong Kids Campaign -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville him an escape from the difficulties of his life and has allowed him to act as a role model for younger children. It keeps him occupied with positive activities. Ryan has a kind spirit and can always be counted on to lend a helping hand to others. His mother is amazed and so grateful to see this. She truly believes the YMCA's After School program has something to do with this miracle. Sarah "I had been enrolled in a youth program for behavioural problems for more than a year, when the program hired a man named Steve as a wilderness guide for a YMCA-supervised camping trip. Steve showed me a part of this world I had never experienced and taught me new ways to think and perceive. DEREK WOOLLAM / OAKVILLE BEAVER STARTING STRONG: Catherine Raaflaub and Tim Clarke kick off the Strong Kids Campaign at the YMCA of Oakville. ROYAL CANADIAN SEA CADET CORPS 178 OAKVILLE FOR ALL BOYS AND GIRLS AGES 12 - 18 Do you want: · to enhance your leadership potential/skills? · to go to summer camp for 2, 3 or 6 weeks? · to learn or enhance your swimming abilities? · to learn how to sail? · to fulfill the community service requirements of High School while having fun? If you want to do these things and more, come out and see us on Wednesday nights, 6:30PM 785 Pacific Road, Unit 13/14 CEP Union Hall Oakville, ON For more information: CALL: 905-464-0674 DROP BY: 785 Pacific Road, Unit 13/14 CEP Union Hall Oakville, ON EMAIL: 178sea@cadets.net VISIT US ON THE WEB AT: www.central.cadets.forces.gc.ca/public/ LHQ-QGL/178sea/index_e.html NO COST, NO PRESSUR E, JUST COME A ND SEE WHAT'S IN STORE FOR YO U IF YOU DECIDE TO JOIN UP. TOMMY DOUGLAS: ARROWS OF DESIRE Thursday February 21st Most Canadians under 50 seem to know little or nothing about Douglas Tommy Douglas: Arrows of Desire brings the depth and breadth of the Douglas phenomenon as a great statesman, humourist and storyteller to life! BLACK UMFOLOSI Friday February 29th With a stirring mix of a cappella harmony, authentic costuming, and traditional dancing, Black Umfolosi are an internationally renowned group that will enchant you as they take you on a sensory journey through their culture! THE BIGG SHOW Saturday March 8th Recommended Age Range: 6+ years. As a disciple of the renowned French mime master, Marcel Marceau, Trent Arterberry's The Bigg Show combines mime with comical storytelling and hilarious puppetry. LESLEY GORE "It's My Party" Friday March 7th Don't miss the number one selling female artist from the 60s - Leslie Gore. Enjoy "It's My Party", "Judy's Turn to Cry", "She's A Fool" and "You Don't Own Me" plus many more of the Top 40 hits she recorded all before her 21st birthday! All performances are at The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts To order tickets call 905-815-2021 or 1-888-489-7784 Order on-line www.oakvillecentre.ca