6- The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 18, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com OPINION & LETTERS The Oakville Beaver 467 Speers Rd., Oakville Ont. L6K 3S4 (905) 845-3824 Fax: 337-5567 Classified Advertising: 845-3824, ext. 224 Circulation: 845-9742 Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. THE OAKVILLE BEAVER IS PROUD OFFICIAL MEDIA SPONSOR FOR: NEIL OLIVER Vice President and Group Publisher of Metroland West The Oakville Beaver is a division of IAN OLIVER President Media Group Ltd. DAVID HARVEY General Manager JILL DAVIS Editor in Chief ROD JERRED Managing Editor DANIEL BAIRD Advertising Director RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director SANDY PARE Business Manager MARK DILLS Director of Production MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager CHARLENE HALL Director of Distribution ALEXANDRIA ANCHOR Circ. Manager Take up the challenge He called his journey a marathon of hope. Almost three decades after his journey came to an abrupt halt, Terry Fox continues to inspire hope in those suffering from cancer, their families and friends. In testament to his determination, selflessness and courage, millions of people have participated in annual Terry Fox runs to raise money for research into cancer, the disease that first cost Terry a leg and finally his life. Those annual marathons have raised more than $400 million worldwide in Terry's name for research into cancer since the first run in 1981. Before he succumbed to the cancer that was spreading through his body, Terry ran more than 5,000 km -- 42 km every day through Canada's Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario -- in 18 months, and realized his dream of raising $1 for every Canadian. Much has changed in the 27 years since Terry's death. Children suffering from leukemia now stand an 80 per cent chance of survival, compared with the 30 per cent success rate during Terry's lifetime. As for youngsters fighting cancer of the kidney, some types of lymphomas and almost all types of childhood cancers that have not spread at the time of diagnosis, eight of every 10 will be cured. Still, much needs to be done. Despite vastly improved drugs, technology and knowledge, too many children lose the fight against aggressive forms of cancer. Every Oakville resident, every Canadian, owes a debt of gratitude to Terry and his legacy of hope, as we owe those who still fight cancer, our continued resolve and support. That's why your community newspaper plans to do its part by responding to a recent media invitation sent to us by the Terry Fox Foundation. It's called the Terry Fox Works Media Challenge and it will take place Friday, Sept. 12. The media is being challenged to organize fundraisers in their workplaces, of course in support of cancer research. We have accepted the challenge and Oakville Beaver staff is currently working to put these events together. Now we issue a challenge to all local workplaces to do the same. Some of the ideas we're considering are raffles, a barbecue and lunch with a celebrity. Other suggestions include an in-office garage sale and paper airplane contest. The possibilities are endless. Terry Fox was up for the challenge. How about you? The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to editor@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Some issues just boil down to a matter of respect I read with regret and understanding the debate on the dog issue of using people's personal property as a toilet (My front yard is not your dog's personal toilet, Oakville Beaver, July 4 and Dog markings are not harmful to grass lawns, Oakville Beaver, July 11). With regret, because to me the issue has become skewed. This is not a matter of dog owners vs. non-dog owners; this is a matter of respect. The dog is doing what it needs to do. It is the owners who must have respect for others. With understanding, because I, too, have been frustrated by the inconsideration of the use of my lawn for others' purposes. Just to clarify yes I do own animals. While I choose not to debate the use of urine as a fertilizer(?); even if the point is valid, I will fertilize when and how I desire it. That is my choice. Use of a purchased property is, to the best of my knowledge, the discretion of the owner within the respective by-laws of the city. I disagree with Susan Johnston. While dog owners may feel offended that a particular owner does wish this on their property, this does not constitute narrow-mindedness nor does it mean dogs (and a variety of other pets) don't give love. Most would recognize that if I dump my garbage on your lawn, it would be not only irritating, but a clear violation of your property. Your dog's business is garbage to everyone and certainly me. Is it not possible that as responsible adults we give each other the respect and consideration that we, too, would like? As an addendum, let's mention all you folks that zip by throwing your cigarette butts out the window -- I don't smoke and don't like cleaning those out of my lawn either. Respect others, please. KAREN MILLOY Pud BY STEVE NEASE snease@haltonsearch.com Time to raise a stink about dirty diapers Re: Homeowners left holding dirty diapers, Oakville Beaver, July 16. I can attest to the smelly situation, being a new parent. Let me tell you that the summer has not only brought 30+ degree weather, but also a foul smell within my garage. I don't care what kind of trash receptacle you own, two weeks' worth of diapers is going to stink. I certainly feel sorry for those with more than one child in diapers. I think it would have been reasonable to offer a two-bag per week limit and sell garbage tags like other municipalities. This every-other-week garbage pickup just stinks. PATRICK JONES The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council.The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206,Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. 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