The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

17 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, April 29, 2009 Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN n By Yvonne Robertson SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Phone: 905-337-5560 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com Carrying the Red Cross in Oakville It was all about recognizing those who spend most of their days giving. Last Thursday night, the staff of the Canadian Red Cross, Oakville branch turned the spotlight on the branch's volunteers at a Volunteer Awards Night at Chartwell Classics Retirement Residence. "Volunteers form a huge part of what we are about," said Oakville Red Cross staffer Teresa Valadares. "We would be nothing if not for our volunteers." Valadares, along with the help of several other staff organized the event with special cognizance that this is also the Canadian Red Cross's centennial year. The co-operation between branch staff and its volunteers has been key to the organization's success over the past century. In large part, that cooperation has helped the Red Cross become one of the largest humanitarian organizations worldwide. At the ceremony, branch vice president Kim Reeves, himself a volunteer, delivered an appreciation speech to kick off the festivities. Reeves presented the various awards, recognizing both retired and current volunteers. Individuals such as Ted Davis, Doris Chappelle and me," Wiega said about her current position as Red Cross transportation driver, "It's a wonderful experience where I'm always meeting new and interesting people." For Wiega, who immigrated to Canada from a wartorn Germany, the Red Cross was one of the most universal symbols. Wiega learned the importance of volunteering from her mother, who was always an active member of their community while taking care of her and her seven siblings. Upon arrival in Canada, Wiega easily recognized the symbol of the Red Cross and decided to do her part for her community "It's all about giving back to your community, which really is a rewarding experience." n Edith Wiega NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER through the organization. "There is a certain thrill and excitement in providing relief during disasters, something out of the ordinary," Wiega reflects on her experiences during the Ice Storm, "It's all about giving back to your community which really is a rewarding experience." THANKS: Edith Wiega and Ted Davis were recognized for their years of service during Halton Red Cross, Oakville branch's Volunteer Awards Night held April 23 at Chartwell Classic Oakville Retirement Residence. Wiega has been volunteering for the past 43 years and Davis has volunteered for 32 years. Today, they are both volunteer drivers. Dee Webber were recognized for their long service. Davis is a current transportation driver and volunteer for 33 years. Webber is also a driver for the Red Cross, while Chappelle has volunteered in many aspects of the organization for 30 years. Oakville branch's longestserving volunteer, Edith Wiega, also took part in the awards night. Wiega has been with the Red Cross for 43 years and in 2001 was the recipient of the Order of the Red Cross, the organization's highest honour. Over the decades, Wiega has accumulated several skills, experiences, and of course, memories. She has assumed many roles from a first aid instructor to the president of the Oakville branch. Her efforts have further extended to the provincial level where she was part of the Red Cross Core Committee. "It really is a privilege for Stephen Lewis visiting tonight Oakville students can hear Stephen Lewis speak on Wednesday, April 29 at $Million Or More Oakville's ($MOMO) Out for Africa fundraising event at a discounted ticket price of $25. $MOMO has a goal of raising $1 million or more for the Stephen Lewis Foundation and its work to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Out for Africa will take place at King's Christian Collegiate at 258 Burnhamthorpe Rd. W. Tickets cost $50 ($25 for students) and are available at www.millionormoreslf.ca, 905-469-6415 or in downtown Oakville at Soleil Spa, L'Atelier Grigorian, and Good Books; Finders Keepers in Maplegrove Mall, and St. Simon's Anglican Church. Doors open at 6 p.m., with Lewis speaking at 7 p.m.