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KSM gets the word out that poverty is here Continued from page 3 5 · Thursday, February 14, 2013 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com "If everyone gives a little bit, then we will be able to continue serving the community and giving these families that are struggling a heads-up. I started talking to people about Kerr Street Ministries and I told them a little bit about what we do," said O'Neill. "It's amazing how many people were surprised that there (are) many people below the low-income cut-off line." O'Neill said close to 15 per cent of the Oakville population ­ more than 26,000 people ­ lives below the poverty line. He wants to promote campaigns based on love and compassion because people are extremely generous when they see a need. "If they can talk to their neighbours and friends and they can gather a group of people, together we can all give a little bit and make a big difference," said O'Neill. For example, he suggested families could take money they've earmarked for fast food and donate it to KSM instead. "There are a lot of families that don't have this option. There are a lot of families struggling just to put food on their table. Let's take this (money) and give it to Kerr Street Ministries so they can help those people in need," said O'Neill. KSM serves hundreds of people each week Full Delivery: "There are a lot of families struggling just to put food on their table." Gary O'Neill, executive director Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) through its after-school programs, community meals and the food bank, among other initiatives. When it comes to the food bank, KSM could "always use more," O'Neill said, adding it goes through food quickly and there isn't a sufficient supply. "We're dependent on the weekly (dona- tions). Right now we probably have about three days spare," said O'Neill. "If people want to do food drives or drop off food, we're always appreciative of that." One of his long-term goals for the charitable organization is to make it and the Dream Centre an integral part of the community by partnering with local schools and businesses. "Together we can work together to make this a better community for everyone. It's a real effort to create that community where we have relationships with people and we can get (them) the help that will truly make a difference." For information, visit www.kerrstreet.com. Inside Opinion.............................................6 Health.............................................15 Sports..............................................16 Classified........................................21 Co m Tiger Direct, Frescho, Food Basics, Metro, Oakville Swim Academy, Gino's Pizza, M&M Meats, Home Hardware, Hudson Bay, Drug Trading, Hoppers Pharmacy, Real Canadian Superstore, Corbeil, My City Auction, Cobs Bread, Starsky Finest, 2001 Audio, Longo's, Michael-Angelo's, No Frills, Home Outfitters, Sobeys, Fortinos, FM Windows & Doors, Staples/Business Depot, Nature's Source, The Brick, Canadian Tire, Centennial Windos, Pharmaplus, Reliance Home Comfort, Rexall, Sears, Shoppers Drug Mart, Toyota, Walmart, Pharmasave, Sears Optical, Best Buy, Future Shop For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com me Auto rcia ·H l·L om if e e ·T ra ve l Free Quotes Volunteer, feel great! Make a difference in people's lives. AMAZING RATES! Fast Service... ADRIAN KEITH 2345 Wyecroft Road, Unit 18, Oakville L6L 6L8 905.847.0400 · akeith@all-risks.com www.ymcaofoakville.com Voted #1 Best Insurance Brokerage & #1 Insurance Broker by Oakville Beaver readers 2012 Burlington 20% to 50% off Sofa Sale THOMASVILLE BURLINGTON 2269 Fairview Street, Burlington Ph. 905-631-6000 SPECIAL FINANCING AVAILABLE Please see store for full details INTRODUCING... IN-STOCK SALE 50-75% off ALL BROYHILL