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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 24, 2008 - 29 Blakelock trick or treating for Fareshare Oct. 31 support the effort by collecting cans of food. The student council at T.A. alloween is the night each Blakelock is presenting a challenge to year children dress up and all the Oakville high schools. Halloween for Hunger will hopecollect candy door to door. It is a special tradition that has created lasting memories for so many. T h i s Halloween night, Friday Oct. 31, T.A. Blakelock High School students will be collecting canned food items in the school area between 6-8 p.m. for Blakelock's first Halloween for Hunger food drive. The food bank is in need of rice, canned pasta, coffee, tea, pudding, fruit cups and baby diapers. All donations will go to Oakville's Fareshare food bank located at 1240 Speers Road, Unit 6. Halloween for Hunger is an initiative created by Craig Kielburger, founder of Free the Children. The aim of his organization is to improve the lives of children living in poverty around the world. Craig and his brother Marc Keilburger have written a book entitled Me to We. The premise of the novel is to shift our thinking from the individual and focus more on the needs of those around us. An example could be as simple as opening a door for someone, saying please and thank you or collecting cans of food for a local food bank. In today's world, we are all consumed with our busy schedules. but for one night, why not think of taking care of each other? The goal of the Halloween for Hunger campaign is not only to help the children of the world, but members of the local community in need. The rising cost of food has severely restricted donations. Compounding the problem is the large number of new families seeking help through Fareshare, leaving many families hungry and without hope. With Christmas just around the corner, this Halloween is a perfect opportunity to embrace the joy of giving. Take the time to think of the needs of others. It is a cycle that can only be broken by the support of the community. Luckily, Blakelock students are not the only school making a difference. Abbey Park High School in Glen Abbey is also organizing a Halloween for Hunger campaign. Blakelock is striving to embrace the challenge by aiming to collect more than 15 mini vans full of food donations, Abbey Park's record last year. The main objective, however, is to help those in the community. The event is not limited to high school students. Everyone planning on trick or treating, in addition to the schools canvassing, are encouraged to By Grace Johnson GRADE 12, T. A. BLAKELOCK H.S. H fully become a town-wide event in the very near future. The reality is that not everyone in the community is fortunate to have enough to eat. The students at Blakelock are committed to aiding those in need. As leaders of tomorrow, these young students are actually taking action to help today. The hope is that this event is the first step in combating the suffering of many who live in Oakville. The dedicated volunteers at the Fareshare food bank and T.A. Blakelock High School are working to change that one can at a time. So get off your can and donate.