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22 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday April 26, 2008 www.oakvillebeaver.com National Volunteer Week April 27 -May 3, 2008 VOLUNTEERS GROW COMMUNITY Cheers to Volunteers! By Carlye McLoughlin OAKVILLE BEAVER SPECIAL JANICE EKELAND AND JUDY ARNDT KERR STREET MINISTRIES PHILIP CASIMIRI MEDICAL FIRST RESPONDERS AT ST. JOHN AMBULANCE, JEANNIE MEYER SEXUAL ASSAULT & VIOLENCE INTERVENTION SERVICES OF HALTON For the past three years, Volunteer Halton's National Volunteer Week Committee has held a random draw to honor three outstanding volunteers nominated by local agencies to receive a gift and recognition for their tremendous hard work. With an overwhelming response this year, it is clear that Oakvillians are dedicated to enriching the lives of those in need. Introducing this years selected volunteers... Known as the `Christmas Angels' Janice Ekeland and Judy Arndt are proud and dedicated volunteers at the Kerr Street Ministries. Every year they coordinate the Christmas Store by collecting new gifts for all ages beginning in September. In 2007 they helped more than 1000 people have happy Christmas. In addition, Janice and Judy work every Saturday at the Kerr Street Market Food Bank. To Janice and Judy, volunteering has been the most fulfilling and rewarding experience and they couldn't see themselves doing anything else. They VOLUNTEER SERVICES UNIT 878-5511 ext 4716 Box 2700 Oakville, ON L6J 5C7 The Halton Regional Police Service has long been supported through the efforts of hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to our Service. We would like to recognize and thank the members of the Victim Services Unit, Auxiliary Policing Unit, Communities on Phone Patrol, Acton Store Front, Community Consultation & Community Policing Committees, and others for their dedication and hard work. Together, we are commited to ensuring that Halton remains as safe tomorrow as it is today. make a difference to so many lives by giving themselves. A strong supporter of women's issues, Jeannie Meyer is the Board Chair for the Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS). Jeannie has volunteered for the non-profit organization for more than 18 years and goes above and beyond what is asked of her because of her belief in SAVIS and the good the organization provides to women and their families. As the Volunteer Divisional Superintendent of Medical First Responders at St. John Ambulance, Philip Casimiri put in 500 volunteer hours in 2007 and lead a team of Medical First Responders to 3000 hours served in the Oakville community. First Responders are highly trained volunteers who provide effective first aid services to individuals, and promote awareness to the citizens of our community. They provide a first aid station at recreational events and corporate functions. Volunteer Halton proudly thanks and honours these exceptional people and their dedication to volunteer work in the community. Their contribution to the community is invaluable. Thanks to all our Volunteers! Thank you for your compassion, commitment and generosity. More than 700 children in our community benefited from your support. A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our Distress Line and Board Member Volunteers for their dedication and commitment in making a difference in our community! Distress Line Volunteers listen from the Heart To get involved contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton (905) 339-2355, 464 Morden Road, Oakville. www.bbbshalton.ca Call Us. We Care. We Listen. 905-849-4541 Special Olympics Ontario Oakville Volunteers We want to thank our volunteers for their ongoing support and dedication throughout the year. Volunteers contribute their time and talents to Special Olympics Oakville and provide a positive impact on our athletes, their families, and caregivers. Our programs offer athletes the opportunity to learn new skills, increase their fitness levels and to have fun! Thank you! For Information visit our Website: www.oakvillespecial-olympics.org p y p g