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Apa awarded for going above and beyond for community by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 9 | Friday, March 22, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville Toyota Scion and Lexus of Oakville President Frank Apa has been awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to the community. Apa was notified of the accolade late last year and recently received the medal in Ottawa. He says he was speechless when he found out. "I had no idea that I was even being considered for this award. I believe anyone would be overwhelmed to receive a medal of any nature from the Government of Canada," said Apa. It took him a while to fully understand the significance of the medal, he explained, adding it's a great honour to be recognized for his charitable efforts. Apa has supported a wide-range of community groups and non-profit organizations over the years including The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, the Salvation Army and local sports teams. His car dealerships recently partnered with former Toronto Argonauts coach and player and Oakville resident Michael `Pinball' Clemons to support community charities and children overseas. "The community has supported us and (helped) our business grow and be successful. It is only right we give back to our community," said Apa. Oakville Toyota Scion and Lexus of Oakville President Frank Apa with Eve Adams, Parliamentary Secretary to Canada's Minister of Veterans Affairs. photo courtesy of Frank Apa "It is a high priority for us and a great deal of thought goes into our sponsorship process." One of his contributions, in particular, is near to his heart -- the creation of the PATCH program for the Oakville & Milton Humane Society (OMHS). He founded PATCH in 2002 after his dog of 15 years, Patch, died. Patch was a long-time friend and a company mascot. Apa said the initiative is "near and dear to my heart." "It was an emotional time for me. He was here every day and was involved in all of our advertisements. The sales manager and the humane society came up with the idea, which we have been funding continuously," said Apa. The concept of PATCH, which stands for People and Animals Together Create Harmony, involves the humane society visiting schools to educate students on the responsibility of pet ownership. Information is shared on proper pet care, safety around animals, pet overpopulation, animal cruelty and animal rights and laws. A small animal is also brought to the school so students can interact with it. "The belief is when you're kind and gentile to pets, it will help you in your personal life in having the same qualities when you're interacting with others," said Apa. In July 2012, Apa donated a Toyota Sienna van for use in the humane education program. The van allows the humane society to expand PATCH and bring it to more classrooms each year in Oakville and Milton. The van is visibly marked with a tribute to Patch and is on the road to bring lessons of compassion, respect and kindness to children in the community. The creation of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is to honour last year's 60th anniversary celebrations of Queen Elizabeth's accession to the throne. The medal is Canada's way of honouring the Queen for her service to the country while recognizing significant contributions and achievements made by Canadians. SAVE THE TRIP TO TORONTO ­ PAY NO ADMISSION FEES OR PARKING ­ GET HOME SHOW DEALS RIGHT HERE IN OAKVILLE! SALE ENDS MARCH 30, 2013 Accessories Hose Kits On Sale! Save on our Best Selling Central Vacuum Equipment ­ all the central vacuum equipment and accessories you need to BEAM CLEAN YOUR HOME! HOME SHOW SPECIALS On Sale! SERENITY POWER UNIT · · · · · 600 air watts of power Ultra quiet serenity system Beam Deluxe Air Kit Complete set of deluxe tools Permanent HEPA filter Save $ OFF M.S.R.P. $1,350 700 Model # 060199 · Deluxe Eureka Hard Floor Steamer · Dust mop · Hose cover BonusValue us Bond inclu ed CLASSIC POWER PERFORMER · 550 air watts of cleaning power · Powerful enough for even large homes · Beam Deluxe Air Kit · Complete set of attachments · Permanent HEPA filter $230 Save $500 OFF M.S.R.P. $1,050 $ Model # SC375A only SALES · SERVICE · SELECTION · QUALITY BRANDS · INSTALLATION 649 99 Model #SC225 $ 905-257-6145 Clean Starts Here! Trafalgar Ridge Shopping plaza 2379 Trafalgar Road (in the Winners/HomeSense plaza) Beside Scotia Bank Tues.-Fri.10-5:30 Sat. 10-3, Closed Sunday, Monday. only 549 Model #060199 99 Voted Best Vacuum Store Since 1999 Voted Best Customer Service