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Student plants seeds of hope for needy kidsBy David Leathrilled to receive a spider plant from my scienceOAKVILLE BEAVER STAFFteacher, Mrs. Milner, when she was leaving theschool to have her baby. With my care over 18A Grade 4 St. Vincent Catholic Elementarymonths, that plant began to grow babies. At first ISchool student is taking her love of plants andwas just going to give them away to friends, butusing it to care for children in need on the otherthen decided there were too many, maybe I shouldside of the world. sell them. Then I thought we could sell them forNora Maloney, 10, will be holding a fundraiserBethany Kids. Using plants to raise money andon Saturday, May 7, to benefit the St. Bethany Kidsawareness for children in need, in a way that wasHospital in Kijabe, Kenya.meaningful to me, felt right.The hospital, which St. Vincent school has beenAt the coming event, dubbed The Bethany Kidssupporting for a number of years, performs surger-Seeds of Joy Plant Sale, Maloney and her friendsies to correct physical disabilities on childrenwill be selling the spider plants she has grown aswhose parents who can't afford such care.well as annuals, herbs, veggie plants and seeds sup-Many of the children who attend the hospitalplied to her by Sheridan Nurseries.are treated for such conditions as clubfoot, spinaSpecially painted terra cotta pots will also bebifida and hydrocephalus.sold, however, the customers also have the optionDue to the ongoing conflict in nearby Somalia,of painting the pots themselves at the event.many of St. Bethanys patients are also childrenMaloney has also approached Black Forestwho either got caught in the crossfire or werePastry Shop about supplying various goodies shedeliberately targeted.can sell at the event.The doctors at the hospital do not receive a sal-Maloneys mother Sonya said she is proud of herary, however, donations are still required as eachdaughter for what she is doing, but noted other kidssurgery they perform costs around $450.from St. Vincent school are also doing remarkableThis is where children like Maloney come in.things like making and selling bracelets to raiseThroughout the last four years at my school, St.money for the St. Bethany Kids Hospital.Vincents in Oakville, I learned about Bethany KidsIts not about writing a cheque, she said.Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, through our annualIts about sharing your talents. Nora lovesschool-wide Lenten initiative. Ive always felt myplants and this project totally spoke to her.MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVERheart was trying to push me to help the children inThe event will be held in the driveway of theSHARING WITH OTHERS: Nora Maloney, 10, paints a pot for her plant sale fundraiser on a meaningful way to me, said Maloney.Maloney home, located at 503 Macdonald Rd.,Saturday, May 7 that aims to raise money for a hospital in Kenya that treats children in need.Ive always been interested in plants and wasfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.OAKVILLES NEWEST SPAMothers Week *Special!FREEBook a Massage &Bottle of Opi *Pedicure and receive a FREENail Polish.FREEManicureBottle of Opi *With any nail service.OOfffefre re exxppiirrees May 1115, ,2 200111.1.Nail Polish.*With any nail service.Offer expires May 11, 2011.Gift Certi cates 2460 Neyagawa Blvd. Unit #3AvailableOakville, ON L6H 7P4 Tel 905 257.0778HappyMothers DyCall 905 257.0778 to book your appointment11 Friday, May 6, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.insideHALTON.com