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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, April 26, 2013 | 10 Volunteer gives warm welcome to newborns Headshave by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff When a new baby comes into the world at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH) in many cases one of the first pieces of clothing they are given is a knitted hat to keep them warm. Members of the community volunteer their time to make these small, but thoughtful gifts so those first days are a little more comfortable for Oakville's newest arrivals. Bronte's Carol Snowball is one of the Good Samaritans who knit for the newborns. For the past two to three years, Snowball has created countless little hats and blankets bound for OTMH. "My next door neighbour works in the labour and delivery (department of OTMH) so I just pass them on to her and she takes them and gives them out," said Snowball, who was born in Bronte and has three children. "It's just something I do to occupy my time. Ever since I learned how to crochet it's been an addiction." Snowball said her mother taught her to knit when she was young, a skill she practised often when her own children were at home. `Lovely personal touch' Recently a friend taught Snowball to crochet, which she enjoys tremendously. One day, a neighbour who works for OTMH suggested Snowball use her talents to help keep the hospital's newborns warm. Snowball agreed and now completes some 20 hats and four to six baby blankets a month. The knitted caps are available in the traditional pink and blue or variegated, while the blankets are often Since 1952 Carpet Cleaning Specialists mixed with white yarn. Snowball said she has also made baby hats and blankets for some of the newborns in her neighbourhood. All of this hard work has not gone unnoticed. "It's such a pleasure to distribute these handmade blankets and hats to the newborns and their parents," said Kathryn Doren, patient care manager of the Maternal Child Department. "It really is a lovely personal touch and the efforts of those in the community, who lovingly knit these items for the babies at OTMH, is appreciated by everyone." Snowball said while she knits simply because she enjoys the hobby, it is nice to be recognized for her talent. "Even people thinking of me is really great," she acknowledged. "I just love to do it and (the fact) they can use them... is why I do it." helps support Ayverie, 8 Eight-year-old Ayverie was diagnosed with a malignant tumour on her brain stem at McMaster Children's Hospital in February. To make her feel better about her hair loss from the chemo and radiation treatments she is undergoing, Ayverie's mother and aunt are shaving their heads -- the effort will also act as a fundraiser for donations to the Hamilton hospital. The event is set for Saturday (April 27) from 1-3 p.m. at the River Oaks Community Church, 2435 Munn's Ave. -- 35-50 families are expected to attend. In addition to the head-shaving, there will also be free face-painting for children who attend. To learn more about Ayverie, visit www.facebook.com/ AyveriesJourney. New mom Agata Bak shows off her daughter Charlotte Rory McLean in her new knitted hat and blanket. photo courtesy Halton Healthcare Sevices On The Spot! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WALL TO WALL FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS PERSIAN & ORIENTAL Raffle supports Home Suite Hope Home Suite Hope's (HSH) Spring Hockey Raffle draw is set for Tuesday, April 30 at Boston Pizza. Tickets are available at the 270 North Service Rd. W. Boston Pizza, at Revera Kensington Retirement Living, 25 Lakeshore Rd. W., or through Jules Graham-Hood of HSH at 416-5676356 or jules@homesuitehope.org. Tickets cost $5 each, three for $10, or seven for $20. Proceeds will benefit HSH, which provides transition housing to single parents facing homelessness. HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! The Place You Live Can Be The Place You Love Voted #1 Favourite Interior Decorator Truck Mount In-Plant Service Water Damage Restoration See the transformation of what we can do in relation to others! Open Your Home & Hearts to a Student From Spain This Summer VOTED BEST CARPET & RUG CLEANERS 13 YEARS IN A ROW! Drop-off Discount! 25% Red Leaf Student Program needs families in Oakville and Burlington to host a Student from Spain in July and August. Students attend classes and activities Monday to Friday. FREE 250 mL SPOTTING BOTTLE www.onthespotcleaning.ca Bronte Remuneration of $ 70000/4 weeks paid to host families. 905-825-4256 1446 WALLACE RD. OAKVILLE, ON QEW Speers Wallace BEAUTIFUL LIVING www.interiordesignoakville.com 905.257.6556 Veronica 905-637-0879 For more information