www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 13, 2006 - 31 Fill the farm with four-legged charm Oakville residents can give memorable gifts that make a difference by purchasing a Living Gift from Ten Thousand Villages. This gift enables families in developing countries to raise animals, grow food and educate their children all the basics in life that many of us take for granted, particularly during the holiday season. The Living Gift is a special holiday program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), designed to inspire alternative gift giving ideas that meet simple human needs for good health and a decent living. Here's how it works: customers choose from five Living Gift projects, buying it for a loved one, colleague or friend. In return, they are given a detailed description of the project to pass along to the recipient. For an additional $1, customers can purchase a handmade card and dove ornament to complete their gift. Last year, Ten Thousand Villages raised close to $571,548 in Living Gift donations for MCC almost seven times the amount raised in 2004. Thanks to the Living Gift donations: · 66,330 chickens were purchased to help refugees resume farming after returning home to Croatia; · 6,918 goats were raised through community agriculture projects in Central Africa; · 4,287 school kits enabled children to learn in Laos, and; · 223 tonnes of corn provided food for families during the drought in Burkina Faso. This year's projects, which range in price from $15 to $116, include purchasing trees for reforestation efforts; providing learning materials for preschoolers affected by poverty and AIDS; purchasing livestock for hardworking families and supporting artisans in crafting a life of dignity. The Canadian government will match donations three to one for the latter project -- up to $50,000 a year -- allowing more women in Bangladesh to earn a decent income. Individuals interested in purchasing a Living Gift are encouraged to visit Ten Thousand Villages at 189 Lakeshore Rd. E. The Living Gift Program will continue through Dec. 16. Ten Thousand Villages is a non-profit, fair trade organization that provides vital, fair income to people in the developing world by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. TOY DRIVE With the holiday season fast approaching many of us will be thinking of the children in our community which are less fortunate than our own. In keeping with the Spirit of giving you are invited to participate with the Canadian Pet Connection in their... 6th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE 7th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE SALON S PA Christmas C Gift Packages FULL DAY AT THE SPA Spa Bath with Foaming Sea Salts Dr. Schrammek Facial Treatment Body Massage, Manicure, Pedicure, Shampoo and Style, Spa Lunch Bring in a NEW UNWRAPPED toy & you will receive a Gift for your Cat or Dog Compliments of the Canadian Pet Connection Toy Drive in effect until December 23rd. For more information call. Third Line at Upper Middle Rd 905-847-3299 The Oakville Children's Choir Glenda Crawford, Founder/Music Director presents 5.5 Hrs. - $397 HALF DAY AT THE SPA Dr. Schrammek Facial Treatment Manicure, Pedicure, Back and Neck Massage, Shampoo and Style 4 Hrs. - $252 AROMATHERAPY RELAXATION Aromatherapy Facial Back and Neck Massage, Manicure, Shampoo and Style 3 Hrs. - $180 OASIS Spa Bath with Foaming Sea Salts Dr. Schrammek Facial Manicure, Shampoo and Style COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 p.m. St. John's United Church 262 Randall Street, Oakville Box Office (905)337- 7104 3 Hrs. - $173 SPECIAL OCCASION Facial Treatment, Neck and Back Massage, Shampoo and Style 3 Hrs. - $155 STRESS SOLUTION Specialized Facial Shampoo and Blow Dry 2 Hrs. - $110 Come and sing your favourite carols of the season at the OCC annual Christmas Carol celebration, accompanied by guest organist Andrei Streliaev. All tickets $10 139 Thomas street Downtown Oakville 905 · 849·6414 www.lilianne.com Sponsored by www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org All ticket proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton