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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 22, 2007 - 7 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Blood donors needed Re: No vacations for donations, Oakville Beaver, Aug. 15 On behalf of Canadian Blood Services, I would like to thank the Oakville Beaver for their continued support by engaging Canadians to save lives by donating blood regularly. As stated in your editorial, there is no `vacation' from the demand for blood. As I write this letter, patients continue to wait for blood and blood products to support their surgeries, treatments and therapies. The end of August and going into the final long weekend of summer, is especially difficult, but this year moreso than others. A series of interrelated events this summer -low attendance at blood donor clinics, donors not honouring their appointments and Canadians not putting in blood donation as part of their summer planning -- have reduced the availability of blood for hospitals. We have put plans into place to increase blood collections over the coming weeks, and they are starting to pay some dividends, but we need the help of your readers. If you have ever thought about donating blood, or if you are a donor who hasn't given in the last two months, we need you more than ever. Please call 1 888 2 DONATE today and book an appointment--before the Labour Day weekend if possible. On behalf of the patients we serve, thank you. Your commitment saves lives. RENEE NAIMAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR, CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES Woman thanks Humane Society On Monday, July 30 at 9:20 a.m. I called the Oakville Humane Society in tears. My favourite cat, Sherlock, had been having seizures. She was 11 years old, and I did not know where else to turn. Vets visits can be so expensive these days. Bonnie Isenburg from the Oakville Humane Society was at my house a short time later, and took us both back to the hospital where we were met by Dr. Dev from The Fourth Line Animal Hospital. I think both these lovely people were angels in disguise -- and I am so very grateful for their compassion and their care. Does anyone else know that it is against the law to dispose of a pet once they have died? It costs to have them put down humanely (euthanized); it costs to have them preserved and it costs to have them cremated and buried. Luckily my sister was able to help me make the decision not to let my precious cat (child) suffer any longer. Sherlock crossed the Rainbow Bridge quickly and peacefully. Bonnie, Dr. Dev -- I won't forget you, and thank you Oakville for our Oakville Humane Society. GAIL HINGSTON P.S. Bonnie just dropped off Sherlock's ashes, in an Urn with a plaque saying "Mom Sherlock." Right to my door! How caring is that! And because of the donations received, my cat got the care she needed. Please, if you have pets or not -- remember the Oakville Humane Society when you are looking for a charity to support. And if you need a pet, please go to the Humane Society, there are so many pets there waiting to be adopted. Free concerts should be free It seems that the Town of Oakville is a "meanie" in its relationship with the people that present concerts for the engagement of its residents. As a visitor recently one evening in Coronation Park to enjoy a concert, I learned that the volunteers who offer their skills, who provide their own instruments and music, actually have to pay the Town of Oakville for use for the bandshell during the concert. The City of Burlington, in contrast, pays those who present concerts in Central Park, or if pay isn't accepted, offers and alternative to the musicians, such as use of City facilities for rehearsals. It's certainly pretty degrading for a member of the musical group in Oakville to go among the audience soliciting donations to help out with the rental fee. Let's hope that Oakville can seek revenue from another area, rather than the musicians that give such pleasure to the many families that come to Coronation Park. SYLVIA OPL If you have a news tip or story idea, call the Oakville Beaver at 845-3824. We're open longer to serve you better BMO Bank of Montreal® is excited to introduce new extended hours at the following branches in Oakville commencing Monday August 27, 2007. It's our way of thanking you for your business. OAKVILLE TOWN CENTRE BRANCH Monday to Wednesday Thursday & Friday Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. OAKVILLE PLACE BRANCH Monday to Wednesday Thursday & Friday Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. ® Registered trade-marks of Bank of Montreal