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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 6, 2007 - 17 Hannah says everyone should have a home By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Hannah Taylor was five years old when she saw a man eating out of a garbage can. At age six, she sprung into action. Fast forward five years, and Taylor's efforts have translated into more than $1 million raised to help alleviate homelessness in Canada through her very own awareness and fundraising organization: The Ladybug Foundation. Politicians on Parliament Hill, kids in schools across the country and CEOs of major Canadian companies have all heard the 11-year-old's message: "Everyone should have a home." The Winnipeg resident ­ clad in a red and black outfit, just like her favourite bug ­ was in Oakville on Monday to spread the word at St. Mildred'sLightbourn School. "What I came here to talk about is why I care about the homeless, and why we all must care about people without a home," Taylor told students. After rolling out her ladybug bag on wheels and introducing her stuffed ladybug mascot, Dotty, Taylor ­ standing on a box so she could reach the microphone ­ explained how her journey began after her mom told her why a man was eating out of a garbage can. "I felt so sorry for him," said Taylor, a Grade 5 student. "For a very long time, I thought about that man, and worried about where he was and what he would be eating." Her mom told her if she did something to help change the problem, she would stop worrying about it. "She was right. I don't worry so much anymore, because I know I can help and so can you," Taylor told students. Among the ways she's been helping is through public aware- BARRIE ERSKINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER BUSY LADYBUG: Hannah Taylor is seen here fielding questions after giving a presentation at St. Mildred'sLightbourn School on Monday. The 11-year-old has raised awareness about homelessness and more than $1 million to help the homeless through her organization, The Ladybug Foundation. ness and education programs, fundraisers like selling ladybug scarves, bracelets and pins, and starting sponsorship and donor programs. There's also the ladybug jar campaign ­ Taylor and her mom have painted thousands of ladybug jars for people to fill with spare change for the homeless. These efforts and Taylor's candid stories of the "beautiful" homeless people she's met over the years help put a face on homelessness. "I know some people are afraid of homeless people, but they are great people wrapped in old clothes with sad hearts," she said. "Don't be afraid of them, just care for them and be kind to them." A video showing her visits to shelters was just one way she got her main point across about the homeless: "They are just like you and me." Taylor also told students "just a regular kid" ­ she even talked about how she just got caught up on a lot of math homework ­ who saw a need to help out. "If we never give up, and we care enough for each other, anything is possible." Anything like the fact that she has her own foundation to help the homeless, that she's one of 12 nominated for a Brick award recognizing young people changing the world, and the fact that Hannah's Place ­ a 100 bed emergency homeless shelter ­ is now up and running in Winnipeg. "I never thought all this would happen ­ I thought this would just be something I would talk about at home and at school," she told The Oakville "I felt so sorry for him. For a very long time, I thought about that man, and worried about where he was and what he would be eating." Hannah Taylor, The Ladybug Foundation about a few of her homeless friends, like Joe in Toronto. The two always eat hotdogs on a park bench when Taylor visits, often to give him a warm blanket, or just a hug. Incredibly composed for an 11-year-old, Taylor says she's Beaver. "I'm really happy it became a foundation." Taylor's a seasoned veteran when it comes to handling questions. "You don't have to be shy," she said, encouraging kids to put their hands up after her presentation, and apologizing for not knowing their names when she called on them. Her message got through to many students in the gym. "I thought it was really inspiring," said Jacqueline Olson, a Grade 7 student, who had heard of Taylor's work before, but had never heard her speak. "It's really cool. I didn't know someone her age could do that much." Added 12-year-old Lauren Miller, "I thought it was really inspiring that she was able to do all that, and that she achieved more than she thought she would. "Now that we've seen everything about homeless people in a different light, it makes you want to help." When told her words inspired others, a smiling Taylor said, "I'm proud of what I do, but I'm also proud of the people who have helped me. I didn't do this alone." Among those helping is St. Mildred's, who gave a donation to the Ladybug Foundation on Monday, which Taylor packed away in her ladybug bag. The school will also be selling bracelets and scarves for the cause. The financial help, Taylor told students, is just one way to help the homeless. "You can help homeless people in lots of ways. You can share what you have," she said, "but mostly, you should just be nice to them." To find out more about Hannah Taylor and The Ladybug Foundation, visit www.ladybugfoundation.ca. Think Eastman Estate Think TM Discover the Eastman Estate for country estate elegance in a highly insulated (R-16 Value) steel door. Call your Garaga Experts garage door consultant. Estate elegance 3170 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 17/18 Mississauga www.bmgaragedoor.com Mark Brousseau (905) 569-9133 /(866) 836-5553