continued from p.15 there with the kids. There are times when it's a really easy place to be and times when it's tough because you are talking to children who have had really traumatic experiences in their lives." Sometimes that's difficult, but it's always worthwhile, he notes. Death is often a taboo subject for adults, let alone children, Hopkins says, explaining people's gut reaction is to not talk about it or change the subject. "Children want to tell you about their Children need to get feelings off their chest lives. Try telling your child not to tell you about the movie they've seen or the day they've had -- they just want to give you all the details," he said. "Well, here's maybe the biggest event of their life and our gut reaction is to tell them not to talk about it? They need to get it off their chest and this place (Lighthouse) gives them the outlet to do just that." When asked, Hopkins said it would be difficult to identify any one particular moment that stands out for him since he's been at the Lighthouse, but noted it's rewarding to build, over time, a level of trust where the children feel like they can open up. "There's no big, aha moment. It's just something that develops over time," he said. Hopkins credits his desire to volunteer to his mom, who he says was always taking the time to be involved in their community. And he likes it. "It's almost selfish in that there's a reward for me -- I feel better. I have children and I want the world they live in to be better," said the father of two boys. "The thing with volunteering, you'll get something out of it and your community will be better for it." Anyone aged 18 or older, who is interested in volunteering at the Lighthouse Program can contact program director Candace Ray at 905-337-2333 or cray@ grievingchildrenlighthouse.org. An open house at the program's 82 Wilson St. location will be held May 7 from 4-6 p.m. -- refreshments will be served. Anyone interested in attending is asked to RSVP by emailing info@grievingchildrenlighthouse. org. 19 | Friday, April 25, 2014 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com # in Patios & Driveways! 1 J.M.C Concrete Interlocking LIKE US ON LTD · Free Estimates · 24 Hour Service · STAMPED CONCRETE · INTERLOCKING · EXPOSED AGGREGATE · FLAGSTONE · FRENCH CURBS · RETAINING WALLS · GARAGE FLOORS · FREE ESTIMATES Ask for European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship www.jmcconcrete.ca 905-878-8595 JOHN "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 Special 20% Off KITCHEN & BATHROOM CABINETS GRAND HAMILTON SHOWROOM NOW OPEN Don't miss this! Arlene Dickinson Breakfast Seminar Series Oakville Beaver C O R P O R AT E S P O N S O R A breakfast meeting with guest speaker: *LIMITED TIME OFFER. Since 1977, Laurentide has been complementing North American homes with innovative and functional cabinetry. Combining state-of-the-art technology with traditional European-style craftsmanship, we have developed a recognized reputation in SHOP & COMPARE OUR PRICING creating dream kitchens, baths, closets and wall units for discriminating customers that balance function and beauty. From customdesigned work for single residential projects to an entire multi-unit project, we have the experience and ability to do it all. We manufacture our own cabinets. PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH J U N E 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 4 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 35 YEARS SHOWROOM Hamilton Location 111 Brockley Dr. Hamilton, Ontario 905.573.2311 Visit our showroom online @ www.laurentidekitchens.ca. Mon.-Fri. 9-5pm, Sat. 10-3pm, Sun. & Evenings by Appointment *SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. Scan to Purchase Tickets Date: June 2nd 2014 - 7:00am - 10:00am Venue: Burlington Convention Centre 1120 Burloak Dr., Burlington Tickets: $90 plus HST Call : 905-632-4444 for more info.