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Pitching into the Dream Centre Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) and Mayor Rob Burton will team up on the softball diamond this summer in the Mayor's Invitational Tournament. It will support low-income families living in Oakville. The Mayor's Invitational Tournament will raise money to offset operating costs of the soon-tobe-built KSM Dream Centre, which will house youth and community programs serving the Kerr Street neighbourhood. "Kerr Street Ministries does important work to improve the welfare of families and youths in the Kerr Village area, and I'm proud to work with our community partners to help them make their Dream Centre a reality," said Burton. The Mayor's Invitational Tournament is an all-day softball tournament, with 16 teams vying for the championship. The registration and sponsorship fees will raise funds for KSM. Oakville companies have already snapped up all 16 spots. "The Dream Centre will be a second home for at-risk youths in the community," said Colleen Semkiw, who serves on the KSM board of directors. "We are grateful to Mayor Burton and all of the teams that will be participating in this year's event." The tournament will be held on Thursday, July 16 at Trafalgar and Glenashton Parks. KSM's $4.5-million Dream Centre will be an 18,000 -square foot facility, enabling the relief agency to expand its programs and services in the Kerr Street community. It will house the KSM administration, a chapel, community rooms, gymnasium, youth drop-in centre and more. In addition to its food bank and summer day camp, Kerr Street Ministries offers regular programs for children, youths and families, and partners with other community services to advocate for those who need help on a wide range of issues from legal services and professional counseling to health needs, subsidized housing and more. "We've outgrown our space," said managing director Leslie Schroder about KSM's current facility at 484 Kerr St. "Our move across the street into a new, bigger building will help us expand our reach into the community." Schroder said the financial and volunteer support of churches is key to Kerr Street Ministries' ongoing success and to date, some 40 local churches have thrown their support behind the dream of the Dream Centre. The Centre will be more than just a building -- it will be a warm, welcoming and safe place for the community. It will be a place where youths can build upon their talents and get assistance with everyday JON CURRIE / OAKVILLE BEAVER things like homework. COVERING THE BASES: From left, Mayor Bob Burton, architect Ian Starkey, contractor Peter Vicano and of the It will be a place where families Kerr Street Ministries board member Colleen Semkiw attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Kerr Street Ministries' struggling for help financially can Dream Centre at the corner of Kerr Street and Prince Charles Drive. turn for assistance and take advantage of programs, such as the food bank and the Christmas program. It will be a place where children discover their potential, giving hope for the future. According to KSM, the number of people living below the poverty level almost doubles (from 7.7 per cent in Oakville) to 14.2 per cent in the Kerr Street area; 19 per cent of families in the community are single-parent families and based on information Celebrate the memories of historical from Statistics Canada, Kerr Street Sky Club with professional dance is rated as the highest risk commucompany danceScape and your nity in Halton. hosts Alex Reynolds and Beverley About $1.5 million is still needCayton-Tang. Dance the night away ed to fund the project. For more under the stars at Discovery Landing information or to make a donation, (or in The Observatory in case of call 905-845-7485 or visit www.kerrstreet.com. inclement weather) at the Waterfront 15 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, July 3, 2009 th is yea r's s m ore th an m usic at It' t l! Ja zz `n Blu es FesJi va 17-19 u ly at Downtown Burlington. SUMMER SPECIAL! $25 CALL NOW! SPECIAL OFFER 5 SESSIONS OF DANCING NEW STUDENT OFFER By Yourself or with a partner (OVER 21 YEARS OLD) BERTIN STABLES · Weekday Lessons 4/$120 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-2pm - $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) Summer Lessons and Summer Camps · more fun · self confidence · meet people · grace & poise OAKVILLE 225 Lakeshore Rd E HAMILTON 1092 Main St W 905-522-3237 Reserve your seat today through RecExpress! TTR# 198508 For more information call 905-335-7766 or visit www.burlington.ca www.bertinstables.com (905) 827-4678 www.bertinstables.com (Free Parking Available) 2nd Flr (Lakeshore & Church Entrance) Hamiltonstudio@fredastaire.ca Oakvillestudio@fredastaire.ca 905-815-3237