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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday January 18, 2008 - 19 Youth program leads to bright futures N o child anywhere should die before he or she could reach their full potential. -- former U.S. President Bill Clinton. These strong words were delivered by Clinton, who was the inaugural speaker for Transitions for Youths' Champions of Youth speakers series in Hamilton, Ontario last spring. Ellis Katsof, Executive Director, of Transitions for Youth (TFY) agrees. Katsof speaks passionately about the various programs run by TFY since 1981, programs that make a difference in the lives of our community's most vulnerable, at-risk youth and their families. This year Katsof introduced the Oakville Recreation Mentoring Program, to get kids aged seven to 13 actively involved in community-based recreation programs. For 10 weeks each child will attend a recreation or arts facility with a volunteer mentor. The mentors attend with them, encouraging them to participate and to feel good about themselves. Hopefully the children will continue to actively join arts or recreation groups on their own. "Knowing how to `recreate' is crucial to a child's social and physical health," Katsof explains. "When children do not learn how to enjoy recreation, they often have a social disability, similar to a learning disability, and could be impaired in their future social development." It is the lack of recreation skills, along with other social skills, which can lead to a higher involvement in criminal activity, lower school grades, and greater usage of drugs and alcohol, he added. "It is crucial that all children develop healthy recreation skills, " says Katsof. And this program will hopefully give the little boost that some of our more vulnerable young citizens need. To learn more about The Community Foundation of Oakville, contact CEO Rusty Baillie at 905-845-7582 or visit www.thecfo.org. -- Submitted by Kate Jones, CFO volunteer January Warehouse Unbeatable Savings up to It is one of many youth programs for which the Community Foundation of Oakville (CFO) has provided grants over the years. "We're excited to help fund a project based on research that suggests that helping our most vulnerable kids learn to develop friendships, get along with others and participate positively in their community can help them reach their potential," says Anne Miskey, Director Community Initiatives for CFO. 50% There's never been a better time to buy Quality home furnishing at unbeatable prices! Genuine Leather Sofa/Loveseat IN STOCK SPECIAL $ Sale 1999 2 PCS $ 3499 Reduce Reuse Recycle Introduction to Cataract Glaucoma Management T uesday, January 29, 2008 6:30 pm Displays and Refreshments 7:00 pm Presentation by: Rajiv Bindlish, MD, FRCS(C) Ophthalmologist, Halton Healthcare Services Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital 327 Reynolds Street, Oakville, L6J 3L7 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT CALL 905-338-4379 OR 905-873-0111 (4379) In Partnership with: Authentic Reclaimed Solid Wood Sleigh Bed Old World Flair with Today's Function! Large Screen T.V. Entertainment Unit Several sizes & finished to choose from NOW IN STOCK $ $ 699 LIMITED QUANTITY KING AVAILABLE 1299 NOW SPECIAL BUY $ Don't miss out on these great savings! NOW IN Supported by an educational grant from: 599 $ 999 Heritage Furniture STOCK Since 1977 4205 Fairview St. Burlington · 905-634-5298 HUGE CLEAR-OUT! MATTRESS PRICING SALE! MA ENORMOUS SELECTION! EVEN BIGGER SAVINGS! $195 Burlington 665 Plains Rd. E [Between Francis & King] starting at DONT PAY UNTIL 2009 * Hand Crafted Custom Mattresses For Over 40 Years! Oakville 490 Speers Rd. [Between 4th Line & Dorval] Burlington 5280 South Service Rd. [Between Burloak & Appleby] DE IN CAN A DA *Interest free financing for 1 year OAC. . See in store for details. Some terms and conditions may apply. IQ U É AU CA www.royalmattress.com AD (905) 842-9442 (905) 681-6062 (905) 639-7881 R FAB N A