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(From page 33) sec that all the time," explained Laura. But she noted that every time the Foundation goes to work to grant a child a wish, "we know what the final outcome is going tobe." The Foundation only works with children whose illness is terminal. There is nothing in Laura's background to suggest she would one day be involved so di- rectly in this kind of remarka- ble work. Up until 1983, she was a home-maker, raising two daughters, while her husband worked as an ambulance driver. But one evening, she saw a documentary on TV about the Make-A-Wish-Foundation in the United States. She contacted the Ameri- can organization and found to her amazement that nothing similar existed in Canada. That got the ball rolling. She began to do all the ground- work, and the next year, was granted a charitable licence number. Her office was the kitchen table with a borrowed type- writer. Her commitment more than made up for any initial lack of business acumen. In 1986, the Foundation granted the first wish to a young boy who wanted to meet Mr. T. and other cast members from the TV show the A-Team. He got his wish, and the photo of him between Mr. T. and George Peppard hangs in the re- ception area of the Pickering of- ce In all, 20 wishes were granted to kids across Canada that year; 85 the next year; then 150; and last year246. The Foundation now has an office in every province of Canada. NHL hockey players and of- ficials put on golf tournaments and turn the proceeds over to the Foundation. Yuk-Yuk's raises money; 8o does Queens University; an auction last year on the floor of the Toronto Stock Exchange raised $200,000. Private citizens send in do- nations, as little as $5. Groups hold bake sales, run-a-thons and so on: High powered busi- ness executives tell Laura "if you are evernin a bind and need something, just pick up the phone..." Two years ago, Laura was honoured for her work when Lt. Governor Lincoln Alexander presented the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Laura's work takes her away from home and her fami- ly, days, often evenings and weekends. "We just do the best we can, Scouts to deliver apples Another thing for which we local people are thankful is clear weather to allow pleasure in nature's beauty, travel for fami- ly gatherings, or a chance to share the harvst or give thanks within a Church Service. The Island United Church had 2 reasons for the people to attend in large numbers, where special preparations had been made in artistic decorations and special music by the loyal choir, which had been faithful through the summer months, anda fine or- chestra. The second reason along with thankful worship was to give welcome and support to the new, young minister Rev. Lynne Belfry-Graham in her new endeavours. Next Saturday morning you may expect the Boy Scouts at your door with their first, seasonal project, a supply of shiny, red apples, which they will have spent some time in polishing for your pleasure and an effort to raise some money for future projects. Then Sunday morning October 15, at 10:30 a.m. the Island United lie EMMERSON INSURANCE BROKERS LIMITED 193 QUEEN ST, PORT PERRY, ONT. LOB 1NO (416) 985-7306 ALL LINES OF GENERAL INSURANCE NATIONAL TRUST A Division of National Victoria and Grey Trustco 15 1 Year Annual Interest 10% % 5 Year Annual Rates Subject to Change without Notice Vix Scugog Island Area News by Mrs. Earl Reader Church will celebrate another an- niversary. A former minister, Rev. Barry Pogue, presently of Durham College staff and with whom we've had frequent con- tacts, will return to us again to give us one of his refreshing and stirring messages. It will be a pleasure to talk with him and his wife again during the following Social Hour, at the near by Com- munity Hall, following the church service where Manchester con- gregation joins us. At the church service, or by mail, you will have an opportuni- ty to help build up the slack finances, to give encouragement for the year ahead and ease some concern. Allan and Evelyn Redman are quite proud to welcome a third grandson, Jacob Wesley. Last Thursday evening there was a larger gathering of Chris- tian Women at the Masonic Lodge. HELEN M. PEEL D.C. REVA J. BATHIE D.C. are pleased to announce BRADLEY CARMICHAEL R.M.T. (Registered Massage Therapist) is now associated in the practice of massage therapy with Dr. Peel and Dr. Bathie. 186 Casmir St. Port Perry 985-3702 EXPERTS! Linda and Marylou Decorate with confidence at - sikkens _- CENTRAL PAINT Benjamin Moore & & WALLPAPER 295 Ritson Road South -- OSHAWA -- 434-3939 (©) Para Paints available PORT PERRY STAR -- Wednesday, October 11, 1989 -- 35 try to keep plugging along," she told the Star. The requests to grant a wish to a dying child come from many sources; social workers, friends of the family, neigh- bours, medical people, some- times the direct family. "There are no strings at- tached. But we only get in- volved after the parents have agreed," said Laura. When the Foundation takes a child to Disney World, for example, the entire family-- parents, brothers and sisters-- make the trip, usually for a week. "We look after everything: flight, hotels, meals, spending money. We don't want the fami- ly to have to think about any- Wish foundation makes dreams a reality thing except enjoying their time together," she explained. It can cost up to $5,000 to send a child and family to Dis- ney World. It is Foundation pol- icy never to enquire about a family's finances. "We don't care if the family can afford it or not. That's not our business. A child's wish is just that," said Laura, "and those kids have a right to have their wish come true." For information about this Foundation that makes dreams come true, or how you can help with a donation, contact, The Children's Wish Foundation of Canada, 1730 McPherson Court, Unit 30, Pickering. L1W 3E6.Orcall 416-831-9474. 52 Water St., Port Perry PHONE 985-4241 MON-SAT 9 Lu AM to 5:30 Fw SUNDAY 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM There's nothing else like it! Our new LIST PRICE: $4529. SPECIAL SALE PRICE John Deere AMT 600. It's almost a truck. All Materials Transport gives you true hauling ability. Not just travel. Takes loads up to 600 pounds on flat land. Dumps them, too. High flotation and anti-skid features minimize surface damage. 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