www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, October 3, 2014 | 8 KSM's stories of poverty aim to break the cycle by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) is launching a monthlong campaign in October to raise awareness of poverty in Oakville and funds to help those facing it locally. The campaign was inspired by the United Nations declaring Oct. 17 International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, says KSM executive director Gary O'Neill. It's also no coincidence October was chosen for KSM's month-long mission. "Thanksgiving is a time to pause and reflect; it is a time to stop and consider the things we to enjoy. CONCRETE ExposEd aggrEgatE (pebble) · DRIVEWAYS · FRENCH CURBS · PATIOS · STEPS · WALKWAYS · GARAGE FLOORS uality At Its Best! Call Fernando FREE ESTIMATES 905-844-5518 1-888-944-5518 www.concretetrimmings.com www For many of us, it is a time to situation and can have a better celebrate with family and food. tomorrow," O'Neill said. There is a real spirit of generosity KSM works with a "skeleton" at Thanksgiving as we are staff and the labour of volunteers reminded of all that we have and student placements to help been blessed with," said O'Neill. provide its services. In the past, it "(But) we can't forget poverty had depended on a small group of is not just a word -- it is a real people and organizations to fund situation for a lot of people. It its efforts, but now, O'Neill admits, is their life. For many, it is their KSM needs a "more consistent future. It is what they struggle flow of revenue." with every day." It has an annual $1.2 million KSM wants to tell the stories budget, or $100,000 per month. of real people -- through "KSM is not just an organization columns appearing in the -- it is the community serving the Oakville Beaver this month community," said O'Neill. Gary O'Neill -- to increase awareness and "We couldn't help people understanding of the financial without the volunteers that come situation some in Oakville face. to sort and distribute food, or "It is easy, and incorrect, to think it is that people prepare and serve the food. We couldn't give kids a are lazy and don't want to work," said O'Neill. safe place to come, or the opportunities to learn and "There are many different reasons that people develop, without the help of volunteers and other find themselves in financial struggles... (but) does organizations that come to run programs. And we it really matter why? If you don't have enough can't survive without the generous donations from money to secure the basic necessities of life, you the community. need help -- and if you don't get help, what "For the month of October, look for the KSM happens?" column and read about real people's stories. As part of the campaign, the non-profit, We hope reading about the real situations our Christian-based organization wants to spread the neighbours are facing, it will stir the love and word in the community that it exists to help. compassion in our hearts. And we hope it inspires "KSM is not just providing help for immediate people to take action." needs... many people are in a situation that, with For more information, call KSM at 905-845the right help and support, can move to a better 7485 or visit www.kerrstreet.net. Back Yard SpecialiStS FALL INSTALLS AVAILAbLE LEISURE CENTRE Authorized Dealer of YOUR SAFETY COVER SPECIALISTS! MADE IN CANADA lazboyspas.com La-Z-Boy Spas offers 9 models that are loaded with standard features and are backed by our 100% no nonsense, no fine print guarantee. Spas starting from $3999 5430 Harvester rD., Burlington 905-631-0837 · 905-389-6610 www.foxpoolandspalc.ca · www.lazboyspas.com LEISURE CENTRE 5430 Harvester RD, Burlington · 905-631-0837 foxpoolandspalc.ca