www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 27, 2016 | 36 Trillium grant money invested in priority areas and youths continued from p.34 YMCA of Oakville Board Chair Michael Shaen told guests. "Thanks to this initial grant, by the end of 2015 we were able to offer a total of 33 free programs serving 2,300 people that were identified by the Priority Neighbourhoods Project in Kerr Village, Dorval community, Clearview community and the Sixth Line and Elm Road area," he said. "These programs, many of which are focused on physical activity and the arts, were designed with the healthy development of children, youths and families in mind and to combat some of today's most pressing social issues." The latest funding will help the Y meet changing needs and offer free, accessible programs to more people. The programs remove participation barriers caused by financial and transportation issues. The YMCA has also connected with local school boards and other community partners to build on programs within the four priority neighbourhoods, according to Teresa Rinaldi, Y manager of community initiatives. Youth Engagement Initiatives -- Just the Guys, Together As Girls (TAG), Youth Leaders, Newcomer Youth Leaders and Halton Sport Leadership -- will run at more locations to "build skills within youths and give them service learning opportunities and job-readiness skills," she said. Emmanuel said OTF doled out cash four years ago to help the Priority Neighbourhoods Project get started. "It feels good today to be here to help you expand it and take it to the next level with the $250,000 grow grant you received in March." OTF , one of the largest granting foundations in Canada, supports nearly 1,000 projects annually in Ontario. He applauded the Y's strong business case for both its Priority Neighbourhoods Project and Youth Engagement Initiative. The latter helps youths realize their potential through leadership training, skills development, employment readiness and mentoring. YMCA of Oakville President and CEO Kyle Barber said it's exciting for the YMCA of Oakville to boost its impact in the community. "Thanks to this funding provided by the foundation, our Youth Engagement Initiative will help create experiences among young adults to create healthy, active living, build assets and develop leadership skills," he said. Iroquois Ridge High School student Thomas Evans shared his experience of the programs. He began attending camp at the Y as a tween Factory Trained Service Tech & Electronic Electronic Fireplace Fireplace Specialists Specialists We Service: CFM, DRU, GSW, Hunter, Insta-Flame, Valor, Napoleon, Regency, Majestic, Heat-N-Glo, Heatilator, Selkirk, GTI, Dovre, Paci c Energy, Town & Country, Security, HearthStone, Montigo, Lennox, Temco, Kingsman, Polaris, Heritage, Drolet, Continental, Vermont Castings, Osburn & many other brands. GAS FIREPLACE REPAIR Solving Problems Since `82! 82! 905-523-8751 905-845-0701 @gasfix.ca and, after joining the Just the Guys program a few years ago where he works with boys aged 10-13 engaging them in sports and games. He also volunteers helping swim instructors teach children how to swim. "If I didn't find the YMCA... I wouldn't have met my best friend today," he said, noting YMCA programs are a great way to build friendships. Flynn said investing in children and youths is one of the most important investments to make. "Thanks to two grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the YMCA of Oakville will be able to offer programs for young people in our community, especially those facing barriers, to develop strong social, emotional, and leadership skills," he said. "We are fortunate in our community to have organizations like the YMCA that offer such inclusive programming so that everyone has an opportunity to succeed." He said the Y has become the "go to" organization that is always ready, willing and able to make positive change in the community. Naidoo-Harris told youths, "We're here because we're trying to do what we can to give you the support and services to help you all get the healthy start in life." For more information, visit www. ymcaofoakville.org. www.gasfixrepair.homestars.com Private Functions for Christmas with early bookings Cut and Save! You never know when you will need us! 10% off 10% off with early bookings Corporate Functions Now borrow up to $15,000 with an Installment Loan. For details, visit us at: 2460 Neyagawa Blvd 905-257-1917 198 Speers Rd 905-338-6000 Installment loans offered in select provinces only. Loan principal amounts vary between $1,000 and $15,000 based upon income and other qualification requirements, including a credit check. Loan term is based on the amount borrowed. Loans have terms of 12 to 60 months with payments scheduled based on your income deposit dates at the time of loan origination. The APR for the loans is 59.9%. Ask a Money Mart Customer Service Representative for details. MONEY MART® is a registered service mark of National Money Mart Company. © 2016 National Money Mart Company. All rights reserved. Buy One entree Dish anD receive We can help. Not valid with any other offer. Expiry November 15, 2016 $6.00 OFF halF price OFF a 2nD pita a 2nD entree Dish 905.845.7937 Buy One pita anD receive Not valid with any other offer. Expiry November 15, 2016 376 Iroquois Shore Rd. Oakville Buy 2 slices FrOm the Dreams cheese cake FactOry & receive yOur chOice OF 2 Free cappuccinO,espressO, cOFFee Or tea Weekdays 11am-3am · Weekends 11am-4am www.montfortrestaurants.com "It feels good to know it's all taken care of." Over 70% of people polled* admit it... they don't know the details of their partner's funeral and cemetery wishes. How about you? Thinking ahead makes sense, so discover your options. Discuss it with your loved ones. Pre-planning is easy with the Family Registry Estate Planner from Arbor Memorial. $5 domestic pints during World Series games! Saturday night's Musical Guest: Speakeasy Call today to order your FREE Planning Kit 905-257-1100 glenoaks.ca Glen Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery Proud supporter of the Oakville Rangers Trip Advisor's highest rated Oakville pub DIAMOND by Arbor Memorial Dundas St. Oak Park Blvd. Trafalgar Rd 3164 Ninth Line (403 & Dundas St.) Mississauga/Oakville, ON Taunton Rd. 231 Oak Park Blvd, Oakville The Pipes & Taps 289-863-1155 Hays Blvd Oak Park Blvd Arbor Memorial Inc. * Arbor Memorial Inc. survey of 1,033 Canadians conducted by Environics Research Group Ltd. in August 2015