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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 26, 2007 - 29 HLF aims to level the playing field By Tim Whitnell SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Looking back while pushing forward will be the focus of an upcoming fundraiser for kids and teens. The annual celebration dinner highlighting the work of the Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) takes place next month. The organization's success stories and future goals will frame the essence of the fundraiser. A Brighter Future Supporting Students, Strengthening Schools is the theme of the Halton Learning Foundation fourth annual Celebration Dinner, slated for Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5:3010 p.m., at the Oakville Conference Centre, 2515 Wyecroft Rd. This year the annual celebration dinner will highlight the work of the HLF and showcase student talent. Damon Allen, quarterback for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, will be guest speaker with CH TV news anchor Dan McLean as the evening's emcee. The event is intended to be an opportunity to showcase the success of the past year for the HLF while providing an opportunity to highlight its Eliminating Barriers Fund and the effect on students who received such support. "In a community as wealthy as Halton it's hard to believe that about 10,000 chil- dren live with poverty every day. As a result many children are unable to take advantage of the variety of learning opportunities that many of us have come to expect," said Susan Busby, chair of the HLF, commenting on figures she's read in reports on poverty prepared by Community Development Halton Busby noted that in response to those needs the HLF established the Eliminating Barriers Fund to partner with corporate and community donors to assist students. Barriers to Learning provides student bursaries in addition to supporting literacy and nutrition programs. "If kids don't have food or clothes, or gloves, work boots or a bus pass to get to a co-op program, the costs can be prohibitive (to participate)," said Busby. The Halton Learning Foundation is the fundraising body of the Halton District School Board. It is an alliance of community leaders and staff who raise funds and seek resources, beyond provincial government funding, to enrich learning and eliminate barriers for students. "Many school boards are now creating foundations," said Busby, noting the Halton public school board was one of the first. "The idea started with the Mike Harris government (funding) cuts in the late 1990s but it wasn't until the last three or four years that it has been (done here) in a meaningful way. We raised $465,000 in the past year. I'd like to see that we raise $1 million a year," said Busby. The 2006-07 school year saw a significant increase in funds raised and support provided to students and schools of the Halton District School Board by the Halton Learning Foundation. A total $276,100 in grants was dispersed by the HLF to schools and students in 2006-07 in enrichment, eliminating barriers and scholarships. Eliminating Barriers funding totalled $178,000 with $60,000 going toward bursaries for more than 350 students for food, clothing, school supplies and transportation costs, $85,000 to purchase literacy and other resources for 12 schools and $30,000 to support breakfast programs in 10 schools. The enrichment fund provided $82,000 for purchasing musical instruments in five high schools and 15 elementary schools ($20,000) and to buy physical education equipment for four secondary schools and three elementary schools plus one set of aerobic steps for board-wide use ($12,000). Enrichment funds supplement learning opportunities in the area of the environment (ecology, recycling, the Bronte Creek program), and technology (technology for skilled trades and the Halton Skills Olympics). HLF scholarships grants totalled $16,100. Application deadline for HLF grants is Friday, Nov. 30. Tickets to the dinner cost $85 each. For information, contact Pat Wright at 905-335-3665, ext. 3207, orwrightp@hdsb.ca. Enjoytoday. Invest for tomorrow. Reaching your current and long-term financial goals is easier when you have a Financial Advisor who works with you to build and maintain an investment plan ­ complete with solutions that are tailored to your personal situation. 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BERTIN STABLES Fall and Winter Lessons and Christmas Camps Now Booking · Weekday Lessons 4/$107 or $35/Lesson · Saturday at Farm 10am-3pm $40 (Children 5-12 yrs.) www.bertinstables.com (905) 827-4678 www.bertinstables.com CORRECTION NOTICE The Sopranos: Season 6, part 2 (HD DVD) The Sopranos: Season 6, part 2 (Blu-ray) M2140047 (HD DVD) M2140053 (BLU-RAY). On page 12 of the Oct 19th flyer, sku 2140047 and 2140053 are vendor delayed. Product shipment will be Friday. Issue raincheck to customers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.