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6 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday,April 20, 2010 OPINION Mission accomplished Slowly, but surely, we are seeing signs the recession is losing its death-grip on our economy. The stock market has bounced back to pre-recession levels, the housing market has heated up nicely and employment figures, while not dazzling, are certainly more positive than they were at this time last year. Perhaps another indicator locally is that the United Way of Halton Hills managed to not only meet, but exceed, its 2009 fundraising campaign target of $300,000. The recently concluded campaign, which began last September, managed to bring in a total of $306,000-- a marked improvement over last year when only $281,000 was raised (with the same goal of $300,000). "We had some really good local business support and some excellent third party fundraising events," said United Way of Halton Hills executive director Janet Foster. Foster was quick to also point out that the local United Way is quite unique in that it is an almost entirely volunteer-run organization (with the exception being one staff member and a part-time bookkeeper). The successful campaign is a testament to the hard work of those involved with the local United Way which, this year, will fund 19 agencies (up from 14) and 26 programs. Congratulations are due to all involved with the United Way for a job well done and a thank you is also issued to every resident who donated to this most worthy organization. 905-873-0301 Publisher: Ken Nugent General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor: John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) Accounting Rose Marie Gauthier Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) WEB POLL RESULTS Hydro rates will be increased by 12 % starting May 1. Are these rate hikes... · Too high; I won't be able to afford my hydro bill (89%) · Okay; I accept electricity is an expensive resource (11%) Steve Nease Go to www.independentfreepress.com Letters to the editor Volunteers the key to school's success Dear editor, Life's most persistent and urgent question is, "What are you doing for others?"-- Martin Luther King, Jr. On Tuesday, April 20, the staff and administration at McKenzieSmith Bennett Public School will be hosting a volunteer appreciation breakfast at the school as a way to thank the many volunteers who have selflessly helped our children. It truly takes a village to raise a child and their efforts go a long way to make this happen. On any given day you will find helpers reading to students, sorting books, organizing materials, planning events, tending gardens, attending field trips and meetings, or serving up a warm delicious breakfast. They work early in the morning, late at night or find time during the day to help our staff and school administration make M-SB a great place to be. They give a few hours or many. They do this to help our future citizens be in a positive, caring, safe environment where they can learn, grow and succeed. National Volunteer Week reminds us all to say thank you to those who contribute hundreds of hours of service for our community. They are truly an inspiration for our children and for each of us. Thanks to all the volunteers at M-SB for making it a great place to be and doing so much for others. You are all M-SB stars. Melissa Secord, M-SB School Council Chair their preparation in advance of the food drive and on the day of the food drive. This year we had a number of other groups of youth and adults help out. The collection, sorting and moving of the donated food went very quickly with all the willing hands. Thanks also to all the volunteers, companies and groups who assisted before, during and after the food drive. Some of these were Acton High School, Bethel Christian Reform Church, Crossings Community Church, Home Hardware, Tim Hortons, Councillor Jon Hurst, Maple Lodge, R/M Construction and all the businesses in Acton who put up posters. We also appreciate the coverage we received from The New Tanner and The Independent & Free Press. The shelves are full and we will be better able to assist those who use the food bank. Thank you. Arlene Humphreys Acton Foodshare Chairperson (Editor's note: This letter, which appeared in the April 15 edition, is being re-run as some supporters were inadvertently omitted.) Foodshare thank you Dear editor, Acton Foodshare would like to thank the community of Acton for its generous donations of food and money during the recent annual Scout/Guide/Calvinist Cadet Food Drive (April 10). We received 6,660 pounds of food and $626.75. We presently use 4,000 to 4,500 pounds of food per month so these donations will really help. It has been a difficult year for many due to job losses and more people have had to use the food bank. Special thanks, of course, go to the Scouting, Guiding, and Bethel youth groups and their parents for their energy and enthusiasm and the food bank volunteers for Letters to the editor policy Letters must include an address and daytime telephone number. Anonymous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. The Independent & Free Press The Independent & Free Press is published Tuesday and Thursday and is one of several Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited.