THE CANADIAN STATESMAN, DECEMBER 13,2000 PAGE A9 Region plays elf to Santa Harris with toll-free line Durham Region is helping Mike Hams compile his Christmas list this year after the premier recently pledged to personally sec that every child in Ontario has a present this Christmas. As Pickering Councillor Maurice Brenner reports, that promise has resulted resulted in an "unprecedented number" of inquiries from Durham residents who are asking for help in getting children's children's names on the list. "On Friday I was getting calls from all over the Region asking whether there was any way I could ensure their (children's) names will gel on the premier's premier's Christmas list," said Coun. Brenner who serves as the Children's Advocate for Durham Region. "Most of the people were concerned the (premier's (premier's phone lines) were busy and that it was long-distance (to call Queen's Park)." ; So, the Region is dedicating an existing existing toll-free line to accept phone calls from residents here who want to see a child's name added to that list. All of the phone calls will be logged and the names and addresses will be forwarded forwarded to the premier's office. ; "While the Ontario Works program continues to show a decline in recipients, recipients, Durham continues to face an increasing increasing level of child poverty as a result result of those leaving the system falling between the cracks," Coun. Brenner said. "This, coupled with a declining level of sustainable affordable housing, is directly impacting on the ability of many families to ensure a good Christmas for their children." Coun. Brenner also said families on social assistance here used to be automatically referred to agencies such as the Salvation Salvation Army for help during the holiday season. But, that doesn't happen any more so families often fall through the cracks. "Each year agencies agencies across the Region are taxed to the limits co-ordinating co-ordinating their efforts to help these families, but with declining declining revenues from all levels of government many fear that some may miss out," he said. Coun. Brenner believes the establishment of the Region's phone line will give die Region the opportunity opportunity to refer families to agencies agencies such as the Salvation Army for help this season. Holiday Closure of the Region's Waste Management Facilities The Region's Waste Facilities in Oshawa, Port Perry and Blackstock will be closed December 24th, 25th, 26th and 31st as well as January 1st. These sites will also have reduced hours on December 23rd and December 30th, opening at 8:00 am and closing at noon. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, January 2nd 2001, from 8:00 am to 4 pm. J.R. McCorkell, P. Eng. Commissioner of Works Fax it : ©je Canadian Statesman 623-6161 Dr. John Balenko 0623-7412 Dr. Karl Vermeulen ©623-7100 GENERAL FAMILY DENTISTRY EMERGENCY CARE AVAILABLE Q Sedation Q Children's Dentistry --x Q Peridontist Q Orthodontics LijerJigntistiy^) 60 LIBERTY ST. SOUTH fgSX BOWMANVILLE W/ ® H IS -rilHI.IGIITTOUCII" , He's encouraging anyone who contact their local Salvation one who knows a child in need wants to help a needy family to Anny for more information. Any- shouldcall 1-800-372-1102. 4 DAYS ONLY! THURSDAY DECEMBER 14 - SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 æ\0Q, - K x k : * >' . aHkE MWW , 5rN£"y 4 '4 *4 hurry in for the 4 -? J SALE ON NOW V* ^ BEST SELECTION W t OUR ENTIRE STORE OFF OUR REGULAR PRICE • all notions • all drapery • all drapery hardware • all ribbon, lace, trim • all broadcloth, linings • all interfacing o • all Christmas • all metallics • all fashion fabrics • all polar fleece • all iron drapery rods 1801 DundasSt. E. Whitby 721-9152 CANADA'S LA*CUT V# FASHION FABRIC DISTRIBUTOR LOTS OF FREE PARKING 600 Grandview St. S. Oshawa 436-7589 Mon. ■ Fri. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 12-5 p.m. Please note in some locations items may be sold at a lower price than our regular chain store price. Where this competitive pricing occurs the advertised savings will be off our regular chain store price. ALREADY REDUCED CLEARANCE CHILDREN'S OUTWEAR SEARS OSHAWA ONLY KENMORE 3-SPEED AIR PURIFIER #32212. Sears reg. 119.99. 59.99 ALL SPRINGMAID® PILLOWS Sears reg. 25.99-35.99. Each 10.99-15.99 The Christmas Wish Store NP1232700 Copyright 2000. Soars Canada Inc. ALLTRENDZONE FASHION JEWELLERY Jewellery available inmost stores. Selection may vary by store Selection may vary by store. 'Savings are taken from Sears original tickets prices. Some prices may previously have been marked down. BOOTS & HIKERS 5-PIECE CARD TABLE AND CHAIR SET Chairs feature deluxe cushioned back and seat. #73442. Sears reg. 179.99. 139.99 Save $40 SENNHEISER HEADPHONES High-definition hi-fi stereo headphones. #20298. Sears reg. 189.99. nr SENNHEISER ALL NOVELTY BODY PILLOWS, WRAPS, THROWS AND COORDINATING CUSHIONS Selection may vary by store REGULAR-PRICED OUTERWEAR AND WINTERWEIGHT ACCESSORIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY WINTER BOOTS PRICED LUGGAGE ALL REG. SANTA'S HOLIDAY EXPRESS' ELECTRIC TRAIN SET #; , 88'i.i Sears reg. 249.99. 179.99 CRAFTSMAN 1 16",40CC GAS CHAIN SAW WITH BONUS CASE 199.99 NET LIGHTS Sears reg. 9.99-19.99. Set 4.99-9.99 3-SPEED CONSOLE HUMIDIFIER Features 1.14 amp motor. #29%b Sears reg. 199.99. Save $ 55 105-PIECE DRILL ACCESSORY SET Wide assortment of drill bits for wood and metal. #76978. Sears reg. 99.99. Save $170 13.2V, 1-HOUR CHARGE CORDLESS DRILL WITH CASE Save $30 SONY MINI SYSTEM STEREO Features 160 watts total power, 3 way speakers, J disc CD changer and dual cassette deck #28073. Sears reg. 399.99 SONY