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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 9, 2010 · 36 Living Oakville Beaver LIVING EDITOR: ANGELA BLACKBURN By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Phone: 905-337-5560 Fax: 905-337-5571 e-mail: ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com Boutique for those in need of a prom dress ppleby College's Prom Project is trying to reach local youths who want to go to their prom. Particularly those who may be finding it tough to find the right dress or suit -- that is, one they can afford. A group of five Appleby College female students, and teacher Melissa Fernandes, are out to ensure every teen in town has the chance to be part of the rite of passage. To that end, they want to hear from any local youth who may find financial obstacles in their path. Those they do hear from will be able to attend a gala boutique being hosted at Appleby at which they will be able to choose a free prom dress or suit on Saturday, April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (for girls) and Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (for guys). Interested students need only RSVP to mfernandes@appleby.on.ca or leave a voicemail at 905-845-9641, ext. 342 -- leaving a first name only and indicating if they will be bringing A NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER FUN FOR ALL: Clockwise from left, Appleby College's Alex Berin, 16, Laura De'ath, 18, Nikki Kipp, 16, and teacher Melissa Fernandes organize the dresses donated for the Prom Project. With lots of dresses -- and suits for guys -- in hand, the group wants to hear from local youths who may be struggling with the effort to attend the prom. a guest along. "At the event, students must flash their student cards to prove they are enrolled in high school," said Fernandes. "Light appetizers and refreshments will be served. A seamstress and a few volunteers will be on site and all confidentiality will be maintained at the exclusive event, students need not provide their last name, their school or any other information," said Fernandes. Hundreds of donations have been made since the Prom Project was launched last fall -- from ever-so-gently-used to brand-new donations, which were handed over by Oakville's own By Tocca and Mainstream, two downtown Oakville business that have, together, donated more than $25,000 worth of dresses and accessories. Dresses and suits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Fernandes, word of the project in the community drew a great response. While donations have poured in, the Prom Project organizers say they See Prom page 37 Riding raises cash to feed orphans Riding a bike for one hour can change the life of an orphaned child at the third annual Ride for Rafiki on Sunday, April 11. Residents are encouraged to gather pledges and then join the fun between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Revolution Health & Fitness located in the Upper Oakville Shopping Centre at Upper Middle Road and Eighth Line. Rafiki is an orphanage and school that cares for 35 children living in Tanzania, East Africa. It was built and is supported almost entirely through gifts from the public and students in Oakville. "Our goal is to raise funds to feed the children for another year as well as support their medical and educational needs," said Catherine Mulvale, founder of Strategies for LIFE that runs the Rafiki program. "Money from previous rides has allowed us to provide nutritious meals to these beautiful, resilient children who are now healthy, happy and full of hope." To become or sponsor a Rafiki Rider or learn more about Rafiki, visit ww.RideforRafiki.ca or contact 905-827-9633. Kinsmen hosting a magic show OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO STAR GRAZING: Tom Mulvale, left, and Ray Hawkins participate in last year's Ride for Rakki in support of orphaned children living at Rafiki in Tanzania, East Africa. Mario and the Magic Coat is coming to the Oakville Town Hall Atrium on Saturday, April 17. Magic tricks, songs and audience participation take the children on an exciting journey to learn that you can do just about anything if you believe in yourself. The show that will support the efforts of the Kinsmen Club in Oakville will be at 2 p.m. in the Town Hall located at 1225 Trafalgar Rd. The show is ideal for children between the ages of three and eight years and their accompanying adults. The duration is about 90 minutes, including an intermission during which pop and candy will be sold. Companies may purchase blocks of tickets to be distributed to their employees or donated to local causes by the Kinsmen Club of Oakville. For further details call 1-866-7222218 and leave a message for Harvey Talbot. Reference the Magic Show and a return phone number. The ticket price at the door is $15 for each adult or child. The Kinsmen Club of Oakville will direct the funds raised by this project, to various causes. For information about the Kinsmen Clubs of Canada, visit www.kincanada.ca.