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Knoll keeps centre open by winning video contest Oakville's Michelle Knoll, who helped found the Oak Park Moms and Tots Centre, has won a Royal LePage video contest that has brought $25,000 to the centre -- and will help it keep its doors open. "Winning this contest will cover all our needs for the rest of this year and allow us to focus on serving families," said Knoll, now a director of the centre. Knoll said the prize money will be used to keep programs running at the not-for-profit Oak Park Moms and Tots Centre. Demand on the centre has grown at the same time that fundraising has become more challenging because of the economy. The centre was facing a shortfall of $26,000 needed in additional funding to keep the doors open until fall 2010. And along came the contest and Knoll's effort. As the winner of the My Great Neighbourhood online contest -- a national campaign that asked Canadians why they love their neighbourhood -- Knoll successfully submitted her video showcasing her community and the not-for-profit Oak Park Moms and Tots Centre. In addition to the $25,000 prize, Royal LePage is donating $5,000 to the local women's shelter. Royal LePage selected the winner of the contest based on creativity, originality, how informative and compelling it was -- in addition to the total number of votes it received. To view Knoll's entry, visit http://neighbourhoods.royallepage.ca. Begun by a group of six mothers, the centre is a hidden gem for parents and provides a fun and supportive environment. Last year, it provided programs, resources and community engagement for 700 children and benefitted more than 500 families. Oak Park programs include multicultural programs (Spanish, German, Japanese, South Asian); programs for children with disabilities (Down Syndrome, Autism, ADHD, Asperger's); a food bank; tutoring; settlement support and support for families with disabilities through its Child Development Resource Centre. Infant, toddler, preschool and school-age programs also run at the facility as well as affordable dance and preschool classes with free spaces for families in need. Knoll's video included interviews with local residents and clips of her annual trade fair, which draws more than 1,000 people. Oak Park Moms and Tots Centre is located at 2530 Sixth Line, Unit 9, River Glen Mews Plaza. For information, contact 905-257-6029, michelle@oakparkmomsandtots.ca or www.oakparkmomsandtots.ca. LIESA KORTMANN / OAKVILLE BEAVER DEPENDABLE FRIEND: From left; Matthew Lim, Landon Pilgrim-Laframboise, Michelle Knoll, Sandra Lim with the Oak Park Moms and Tots Centre, Sydney Mitchell, Phil Soper, president of Royal LePage Canada, Elora Chambers and Brydon Smith, as Knoll collected Royal LePage's My Great Neighbourhood $25,000 grand prize this week. Ready for Winter? T he Home of Fine Broadloom Since 1952 USE THIS HANDY AUTUMN CHECKLIST TO MAKE SURE... *While supplies last. Schedule annual furnace inspection with a registered and certified heating contractor. Check that furnace vents are not blocked from the outside by any objects or Open Mon-Wed. 9-5 Thurs.-Fri. 9-7, Sat 9-5 Green Rd. Grays Rd. Centennial Prwy. Beaulieu For Timeless Quality, Service & Price other obstructions. Store fuel outside in a shed (or detached garage), in approved containers and away from heat sources. Only operate portable propane heaters outdoors ­ never in an enclosed area or near a door or window. Barton St. E. www.vartanianrugs.com 320 Green Rd. at Bar ton · Stoney Creek · 662-6395 905-560-1166 To order your FREE* Autumn Safety Packet from Technical Standards and Safety Authority visit www.safetyinfo.ca/fall or call 1-877-682-TSSA.