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Oakville church `written up' for good deeds in Liberia by Nathan Howes Special to the Beaver 29 | Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com When Oakville's Marvin Dahn returned to his native Liberia late last year, he received a hero's welcome. The people of Bonlay village were grateful to Dahn and Oakville's Trinity United Church, to which Dahn belongs, for sending them children's soccer clothing and equipment last summer. Dahn spent approximately two months overseas to see firsthand the result of the charitable effort. "The kids shared a level of appreciation (for me). Everyone was dancing for me and thanking me. I got more than a thousand thank you's from everybody," said Dahn. "Everything about this whole situation is emotional because these are just ordinary people." The soccer gear was gathered through a clothing drive held by the Oakville church in March 2012. The congregation gathered enough apparel to fill four containers and raised $1,000 to cover the shipping costs. As the barrels were transported to Bonlay from Liberia's capital city of Monrovia, police accompanied them to deter theft, said Dahn. "When you see a group of desperate people who want something, sometimes some of them go (to great) lengths to get it. Having a police officer present at all times helped deter anyone who stepped out of line," said Dahn. The village children were so elated with the clothing they started wearing From left, Trinity United Church Rev. Darrow Woods, Marvin Dahn, and Ernie Nock hold newspapers from Liberia and a plaque carved by children there commemorating Dahn's visit to Bonlay, Liberia. photo by Nikki Wesley ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) the jerseys and shoes to school as regular outfits, he said. "Some of the kids don't have a uniform. Some of them have no shoes or slippers," said Dahn. "I heard one lady specifically telling her son, `This is going to be good for you to wear to school.' I just didn't say anything." Dahn said the children then established a league that included residents of six villages because there were enough jerseys and equipment to go around. "This was a thousand per cent success because it got to the people. They appreciated it and it's used for more than what we had it intended for," said Dahn. Even the containers have been useful in other ways, he said, noting residents use them to store water. "It's difficult for people to go back and forth to the creek to fetch water every time. You can put a lot of water in there," said Dahn. Rev. Darrow Woods said Dahn's efforts "really brought home" how different life is in Liberia. "Here, I turn a tap and all the fresh, clear water I want is there. There, they have to struggle and go looking for water every day," said Woods. Dahn was interviewed by two local newspapers and given a wooden plaque depicting a map of Liberia. "I felt like I was somebody important at the time. Everybody wanted to get an interview with me and that was a little bit of a shock," said Dahn. When he goes back to Bonlay later this year or early next, Dahn wants to help rebuild a school's foundation because it is made of mud. If it isn't properly secured with cement, "the rain will wash it away," he said. "I've got a home (and) I like my job, but I would rather do this if I can help change somebody's life," said Dahn. "The level of poverty there is unspeakable. There should be no reason why another human being (should) be living like that." CGA Ontario and the DeGroote School of Business welcomes Disney Institute to Mississauga RESTAURANT & PUB Volunteers sought to help with daffodils The Halton unit of the Canadian Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to help sell daffodils and daffodil pins during the 2013 Daffodil Days campaign. The annual fundraising campaign runs from Thursday, April 4 to Sunday, April 7 in Oakville and Burlington. Volunteers are being asked to participate in two-hour shifts, which will be located at local LCBO stores and grocery stores. Volunteers are also asked to sign up with a family member or friend. Student volunteers and community groups are also welcome to participate. Those interested in volunteering during the campaign can register by visiting http://vhub.at/Halton or by calling 905-845-5231. EASTER CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH JOIN US AT HAMPTON'S RESTAURANT LOCATED IN THE QUALITY HOTEL & SUITES FOR EASTER BRUNCH ON SUNDAY MARCH 31, 2013. ENJOY AN ELABORATE BUFFET PRESENTED WITH ALL OF YOUR FAVOURITES. CHILDREN CAN ENJOY AN EASTER EGG HUNT, AND AFTERWARDS, THEY CAN ENJOY OUR ACTIVITY AREA WHERE THEY CAN COLOUR AND PLAY. Are you ready to bring clarity to your business? To begin a new era of focused leadership that will inspire excellence throughout your organization? Then you're ready to D'Think. problems and seeing what's probably already right in front of you ­ easy, effective solutions. With Disney Institute, you can learn to think differently. Are you ready? BUFFET INCLUDES: Carvery of Ham and Prime Rib Scrambled Eggs · Bacon & Sausage · Pancakes Tossed & Caesar Salad · Seafood Salad Baked Salmon Platters · Assortment of Fine World Cheeses · Pasta of the Day Home style Potatoes · Fresh Garden Vegetables Home Baked Breads · Muffins, Croissants, Danishes · French Pastries, Tortes, Cakes & Pies Glass of Chilled Mimosa · Coffee or Tea $ We will be offering two seatings for our brunch. The 10:30am seating will be available until 12:30pm, and our 1:30pm seating will be available until 3:30pm. Please call us at 905-847-1566 or email hamptonscatering@hotmail.com to book your reservation. 905-847-1566 Located in The Quality Hotel & Suites, 754 Bronte Road R0011943303 26.95 PER PERSON Children 12 and under HALF PRICE Children under 5 EAT FREE CGA Ontario and the DeGroote School of Business welcomes Disney Institute to the Mississauga Convention Centre Wednesday, May 29, 2013, 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM, $495.00 +HST Register Today: execed.degroote.mcmaster.ca