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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday November 14, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com Thermometer rising as UWO reaches mid campaign T his weekend's Santa Claus parade will pass right by the United Way of Oakville's (UWO) giant thermometer in Kerr Village. While Santa's arrival this weekend marks the season of giving, this week marks the mid point in UWO's annual campaign. The giant thermometer was erected last month to serve as a reminder of the community effort. At mid campaign, UWO has a way to go to achieve the $3.41 million investment goal and is still reaching out to those who have not yet supported the effort. As the thermometer rises, our community becomes stronger and healthier. In the final stretch of the campaign, UWO staff, the Campaign Cabinet, volunteers and staff are working with local companies holding employee campaigns. Some of those organizations are just kicking off and others are in the process of wrapping up. Ford employees held a bake auction, Acclaim Health held a barbecue, Dana Thermal had a pancake breakfast. Appleby College students ran a half marathon. These are fine examples of organizations in our community doing their part to get that mercury rising. At the same time, many individuals have stretched to make leadership gifts of $1,000 or more because of the Sprott Leadership Challenge. This challenge, generously offered by The Sprott Foundation, matches all new or increased leadership gifts donated to the Oakville community. Santa is on his way. The season of giving is upon us. United Way of Oakville needs your help to achieve its goal of $3.41 million to enable the work of 31 local human and social service programs. Donate today through your workplace campaign, online at www.uwoakville.org or by calling United Way of Oakville at 905-845-5571. Christmas fair trade On Friday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Nov. 22, ForestView ­ church without walls will host the second annual Just Christmas Fair Trade Festival. Admission is free to Halton's largest fair trade event and Just Christmas will feature more than a dozen vendors representing artisan groups from around the world, including Ten Thousand Villages and Faces of Fair Trade. Fair Trade is a form of commerce that ensures an equitable and fair partnership between marketers in North America and producers in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other areas. A fair trade partnership works to provide low-income artisans and farmers with a living wage for their work. The fair will run Nov. 21 from 6-9 p.m. and Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 3175 Dundas St. W., on the north side of Dundas between Bronte Road and Tremaine Road. For information, contact 905-825-2992, ext. 224 or paul@forestviewchurch.ca. BERTIN STABLES Fall and Winter Lessons and Christmas Camps Now Booking · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) www.bertinstables.com (905) 827-4678www.bertinstables.com