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24 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 10, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com The stuff that dreams are made of By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Supporters of Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) gathered across the street from its headquarters last week to celebrate the groundbreaking of the widely anticipated Kerr Street Dream Centre. The centre, scheduled for construction next spring, will serve as a community hub for the Kerr Street area that will cater to both adults and youths in need. While organizers are quick to note the centre is not a shelter, they maintain the components planned for it will make a real difference in the lives of those stricken by poverty. "I see individuals and families, who daily face the grinding challenges of living in poverty coming to have their needs met. I see a wonderful new food bank where families can come and get the food they need to put supper on the table for their kids," said Leslie Schroder, managing director of Kerr Street Ministries. "I see a great drop-in centre where people who are often socially isolated will be able to come and build relationships and get the encouragement MICHAEL IVANIN / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER LOOKING AHEAD: Mayor Rob Burton, left, Ibrahim Ibrahim, Councillors Alan Johnston, Jeff Knoll, Mary Chapin, and Malik Ibrahim turn soil at the groundbreaking for the Kerr Street Dream Centre, to be built across from Kerr Street Ministries. they need from each other that only community can bring. I see a place where expecting moms and mothers with young children can come and learn how to care for themselves and their children." Schroder also noted that the centre would serve as a haven for youths, offering a variety of activities for them to engage in, thereby keeping them off the streets and away from the temptations of drugs and alcohol. "I see a space for children to come to after school to be cared for, to have fun together and I see parents who will have the piece of mind that comes from knowing that their kids will be looked after while they have to work," EW N Delicious Meals To Your Door said Schroder. "I see a gymnasium where children of all ages will be able to come and enjoy supervised physical activities and learn some very important skills about leadership and team building. I see a music room and a fine arts room where children will really be able to explore their potential in these areas." Children will also be able to hang out in the youth drop-in centre and benefit from the computer lab in the facility, said Schroder. While visions of what Dream Centre will become are grand, so to is the cost with Kerr Street Ministries Chair Bruce Clark noting that the building alone is expected to cost between $3.5 and $4 million to say nothing of what was spent in purchasing the land, across form Kerr Street Ministries' 484 Kerr Street headquarters, or the centre's future operating costs. Despite this, Clark said, things are looking up as donations to build the facility are coming in. "We're well down the road on funding and fundraising and that's thanks obviously to a community that was able to come up with a lot of funds for it," he said. "The money is all coming from the community as donations. It's not government-sponsored money. We're hoping by the time shovels go in the ground we'll be pretty much funded so we're not carrying great operating costs." Officials with Kerr Street Ministries received further encouragement in their fundraising efforts during last week's groundbreaking ceremony from Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, who made a remarkable announcement. "Another donor has come forward and made a very generous offer to match dollar for dollar contributions up to $200,000," he said. "So, spread the word, spread the spirit and lets look forward to the success of the Dream Centre." For more information on the Kerr Street Ministries' Centre or to donate to it call 905-845-7485 or visit www.kerrstreet.com. Menu Request Line 1-800-786-6113 To order online please visit www.coppercountyfoods.ca $ 10 OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER* *Valid for new customers only on orders of $50 or more. Complete meal prices start from $4.99 · Full colour menu · Over 60 products · Great taste · Nutritionally balanced · Free home delivery · No minimum order · Great prices · Designed for seniors