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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 8, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Home sweet home a boost for family By Hiba Kesebi SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER While Alegria Ordinario is in Niagara Falls this weekend, a group of volunteers from the Walls of Hope charity, a non-profit organization whose mission is to renovate the living spaces of families-in-need, will be busy working to give Alegria a most memorable birthday present. What she'll get is a home she deserves, according to Sera Mansueto, founder of the Oakvillebased Walls of Hope. The renovation will take place Aug. 8-11, with Alegria's birthday on Aug. 9. "We'll be redecorating the atmosphere so that they (the Ordinario family) will feel that they have accomplished the one thing that everyone wants a home," said Mansueto, adding that Alegria's story is an inspirational one, and that's why the organization is so From now until August 30th, 2008 All "in-shop" repairs, including windows & screens 10% OFF 20 % All "in-stock" framed mirrors CLEARANCE PRICING ON ALL "IN STOCK" showers doors, sealed units & miscellaneous new, scratched or chipped glass & mirrors OFF 550 Bronte Road, Oakville 905.827.2951 For the Health of Our Community A special thank you to the Diamond Cup Presenting Sponsor; BMO Nesbitt Burns. Their 3 years of support has ensured that the BMO Nesbitt Burns OTMH Regatta continues to be a great success. We would like to extend a thank you to the participants, planning committee, Bronte Harbour Yacht Club, community sponsors and the gold, red and blue flag sponsors for their support in the 3rd Annual BMO Nesbitt Burns OTMH Regatta held on July 26. The BMO Nesbitt Burns OTMH Regatta is the # 1 community lead fundraiser for the Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Proceeds from the event will help the Oakville Hospital Foundation purchase vital medical equipment for our community hospital. eager to help. Alegria, who currently lives in Brampton, arrived to Canada from the Philippines to give her children a better life. After two years of hard work at a Toronto-based call centre, she was finally able to send for her kids. But the joy of being reunited with her two daughters, Alysson, 10, and Alyanna, 8, did not last long because shortly after her arrival to Canada, Alysson suffered a stroke. After 10 days in the intensive care unit at Toronto's Sick Children's Hospital, Alysson graduated to a constant care unit, then to rehab at Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital. Today, she's back home with her family. However, Alysson still bears the physical signs of her stroke, as her right side is still weak. The circumstances have also left Alegria owing $90,500 in medical bills, because Alysson had not been in Canada for the three months required to be eligible for OHIP during the time of her illness. Despite all of these circumstances, Alegria is optimistic. "It's not always meant to get all things in life, you just have to give your best," she said. "But I'm really looking forward to having a good place." Mansueto, whose charity has left nine families smiling since its inception in 2005, learned about "It's not always meant to get all things in life, you just have to give your best. But I'm really looking forward to having a good place." Alegria Ordinario, mother of two Alegria's story from a caseworker in the Peel region. "The charity looks to help families who have had extra-ordinary things happen to them and have done extra-ordinary things," Mansueto said. According to the founder, Alegria fits that description. Despite her daughter's illness and having polio, an acute viral infection spread from person to person that has left Alegria with a hunch in her back and limbs that are not the same size, Alegria's face continues to bear a smile of welcome. "She might feel discomfort, but you'd never know it. Anything is a blessing to her," explained Mansueto. "When you go to her house, she asks `What can I get you? We have this,'" added Mansueto, referring to the way that Alegria treats her guests. "She never tells you we don't have anything." Alegria's story has touched the hearts of those in Brampton. A family has sponsored her stay in Niagara Falls and the mayor of Brampton will be present for the big reveal on Aug. 11. Manseuto and the volunteers will install a new kitchen, redecorate the apartment and put in new furniture. WIN A FREE TRIP* CERONA-42 . Thank you for the health of our community! P: (905) 338-4642 F: (905) 257 -6758 www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com * with purchase of any fireplace for a chance to win * See dealer for details OFFER GOOD UNTIL END OF AUGUST "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 406 SPEERS RD., OAKVILLE ACROSS FROM RONA LANSING 905-337-2066 "When the makeover is done in the living room, I told them (Alysson and Alyanna) that I don't want any mess there anymore," laughed Alegria. "Even now it's a nice living room, even though it's not so fancy, it is organized." According to Mansueto, Alegria's furniture consists of things that were either offered to her, or picked up during furniture pick-up days. Moreover, the family that's sponsored Alegria's trip has also provided her with a nutritionist. Mansueto said consultation with a nutritionist is an important thing to provide to Alegria. "They (Ordinario family) may get peas from the food bank, but sometimes they might not know what to cook with peas," she said. Mansueto also noted that because Alegria's budget only consists of $300 a month for food, it is important to have a nutritionist advise her which foods she and her family need most. The Walls of Hope charity looks to help families who are trying to help themselves, but are constantly hit with what Manseuto describes as a downward spiral. "They're families who whenever they try to go up, something brings them down," said Manseuto. Manseuto believes her charity is able to bring joy into others lives because those who cannot afford to improve their house conditions are constantly reminded of their poverty and their lack of fortune once at home. After a house has been renovated and redecorated, however, all this changes. "The way you feel about your home interior will make you feel different about life," she said. "The biggest impact is on kids. Teenagers come to us and say, `I can finally bring my friends home.'" While the charity receives sponsored and donated items, Mansueto makes it a priority to use only the things that she would put in her own home. She is asking the Oakville community to help Alegria by providing lumber for the kitchen, a black wall unit, school supplies for the Alysson and Alyanna, gift certificates for grocery stores like Food Basics, and a gift certificate for Brampton taxi services because Alegria is only able to get around by Wheel-Trans, which needs to be booked eight hours in advance. Mansueto said she would also like to see that Alegria's daughters get involved with activities like soccer, dance and swimming lessons. To help the Walls of Hope Charity and the Ordinario family, call Manseuto at 416-844-9241.