www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday December 10, 2008 - 17 Re-thinking your holiday shopping list By Angela Blackburn OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF If you're brainstorming what to get someone for Christmas who really doesn't need much, think about helping them give a gift -- to someone fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. The purchase of a $Million or More Oakville ($MOMO) gift card could be a gift for you to give someone -- and a gift that allows its recipient to feel good about helping someone in need. While it has been available year round, after its introduction just before last Christmas, the spotlight is on the 2008/09 edition of the $MOMO gift card, which is going on sale this week. "In this world of plenty, you may not want another CD or book that you wouldn't get for yourself," said $MOMO co-chair Ann Mulvale. Oakville's former mayor is asking residents to rethink gift giving if they have the option and is appealing to local youths, faith organizations and service groups to join others in giving a gift that can help. The $MOMO gift card has changed its look this year and now sports the familiar $MOMO logo of Halla the elephant, which was generously created by Oakville Beaver artistic director Steve Nease. Mulvale said Nease's donation of his talent and time is an example of giving what you have to a cause. Similarly, the $MOMO gift card is available downtown Oakville through Soleil Salon and Spa at 267 Lakeshore Rd. E.. Its owner, Diana Saulez has carried the gift hope for the future. It is the result of many sectors within the community wanting to reach out via the Stephen Lewis Foundation to show concern for the people of Africa afflicted with HIV/AIDS, an illness that has resulted in more than three million orphans. The campaign is intended to be an extension of Oakville's community-based fundraising campaigns: as a short-term addition to Oakville's giving priorities. It is not an effort to re-direct citizens' support for the many worthwhile and important priorities here at home. $Million or More Oakville provides an opportunity for Oakville to support a critical international cause, to build upon the inspirational leadership which Oakville is known for, and to contribute in a signifi- cant way to the 2008 and 2009 World AIDS Day global campaigns. The $MOMO gift cards bear the trademark Halla and an explanation that a donation in the recipient's name has been made to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Anyone wishing to distribute the cards to their community, can contact Mulvale at 905-844-4721 or Peter Knox at 905-848-5044. Season's Greet s ing cards year round, but has even donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation instead of sending Christmas cards to her clients. "We are very appreciative of her commitment and the example she is providing," said Mulvale of the alternate gift giving. Sally Armstrong, honourary $MOMO chair has said we are the means of grace for the people of Africa. $MOMO is a fundraising initiative to raise $1 million or more within the Oakville Community to help support the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) in its efforts to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa and allow those affected to build ACURA of OAKVILLE's First Annual "Live to Give" Food Drive " ALL DONATIONS WILL BE MADE TO Acura of Oakville invites Oakville and area residents to stop by our new, conveniently located, state-of-the-art facility to obtain a "Food Drive" bag and help us in our quest to help and give hope to our community's most vulnerable citizens! There are nearly 2000 individuals that we want to help, and we need your support. Please come by, pick up a bag, and return it filled with your food or monetary donations (cheques payable to Kerr Street Ministries). From November 26 to December 20, Acura of Oakville will collect the community's contributions on behalf of Kerr Street Ministries. We look forward to handing out as many bags as we can, to clients, friends, neighbours, and local business representatives, to help make a difference at this special time of year! Please, help us help those who need it! Sale aids Animal Aid Foundation Find the purr-fect gift for your cat and the best dog-gone present for Fido. Animal Aid Foundation's Christmas Gifts For Pets will be at Oakville Place Friday, Dec. 12, Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14. The fundraising sale for the foundation that assists animals across Halton and Peel, will run on the mall's lower level. For more information, visit www.animalaidfoundation.ca. ACURA OF OAKVILLE 905-825-8777 | www.acuraofoakville.com 1525 North Service Road W., Oakville On L6M 2W2 (3rd Line & QEW) Monday to Thursday 8am-8pm, Friday & Saturday 9am-5pm JOIN US IN HELPING OTHERS. PICK UP YOUR FOOD DRIVE BAG TODAY.