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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 30, 2015 | 4 KSM benefactor wishes to remain anonymous by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff While many see Oakville as an affluent community, Gary O'Neill sees another side -- one that struggles to make ends meet. The executive director of Kerr Street Mission (KSM) says through his work he comes across residents everyday who find themselves in tough circumstances that make it difficult to provide basic needs for themselves and their families. The struggle is real in Oakville, even though residents may not see it, O'Neil explains. "Many people wonder who is struggling and why. Some people are struggling with physical or mental health issues -- issues that they didn't choose or ever expect," he said. "Some people are struggling because of age -- seniors who just don't have enough income... Then there are others that have an education -- they have immigrated, or come as refugees to Canada, only to discover there is little to no value placed on their education and experience and they are stuck in low-income jobs." KSM began as a small food share cooperative under the banner of Kerr Street Community Services 20 years ago and was formed with the hope of demonstrating God's love and compassion in practical and tangible ways. Today, it provides essential programs and services for families and their children, wheth- er it be through its community dinners, food bank or youth afterschool and dropin programs. Lots going on at KSM Dream Centre On a Tuesday morning (Oct. 28), the 19,000 sq. ft. facility that boasts a kitchen, dining hall, children's room, gym, youth centre, fine Gary O'Neill arts and music rooms and a computer lab is buzzing with activity. Moms and their babies have gathered in the gym, a parent group is meeting in the board room, volunteers are stocking the food bank shelves, bread is being moved out into the front lobby and there are one-on-one meetings with residents to discuss their situation. KSM considers itself Oakville's Mission of Hope -- a place that fosters compassion and empathy for each other. "Our building is a gathering place and a hub of care -- where the town comes together-- where people come to serve and be served," said O'Neill. Many people wonder who is struggling and why. Some people are struggling with physical or mental health issues -- issues they didn't choose or ever expect. Some people are struggling because of age -- seniors who just don't have enough income... Then there are others that have an education -- they have immigrated, or come as refugees to Canada, only to discover there is little to no value placed on their education and experience and they are stuck in low-income jobs. executive director, Kerr Street Mission (KSM) He noted private donors have played a major role in helping KSM keep its doors open so it can meet the needs of the community that continue to grow. Donations made up 87 per cent of KSM revenues last year, according to the 2014 financial statement on KSM's website. Gifts in kind accounted for 3 per cent of revenues while grants made up 10 per cent. O'Neill shared with the Oakville Beaver how a local family recently approached KSM and offered to match, dollar-for-dollar, all new monthly donations until $75,000 has been raised. Benefactor wishes to remain anonymous The benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, hopes to inspire others to "make a difference" by committing to monthly donations that will help KSM maintain its program and services and possibly expand its reach. "The majority of us in Oakville are blessed with so much," he said. "We are just asking everyone to consider sharing a little for the sake of their neighbours in need." If we all contribute something -- however little it is -- and share the responsibility it could go a long way in helping families in crisis, O'Neill added. Monthly donations also provide KSM with more predictable funding and a consistent flow of revenue, he said. O'Neill hopes residents will rise to the benefactor's challenge. "People contributing helps us grow capacity and grows our ability to respond to people in need," he said, adding KSM's future looks bright with a number of "amazing opportunities" on the horizon to partner with other organizations to better serve those that are need in Oakville. To make a donation, visit www. kerrstreet.net, mail cheques to Kerr Street Mission, 485 Kerr St. Oakville, Ontario, L6K 3C6, or drop by the office. Gary O'Neill Each year, more than 30,000 visitors drop in to access Kerr Street Mission's services. Christmas Wonders annual program It supports more than 1,200 at Christmas, provides 1,000 spots for its Summer Day Camp and serves more than 26,000 meals. Among its services, KSM is partnered with other organizations to deliver prenatal classes, budget and debt counselling, income tax filing, and English as a second language classes. It also collects used computers, refurbishes them and distributes them to families in need and hosts youth programs such as an afterschool homework club and a leadership development program to equip teens with the tools they will need for a better life. Although it has faced some financial challenges in recent years, O'Neill noted KSM is on stable ground now thanks to volunteer contribution, donations and a "lean operating budget." 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