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KCC program taught more than 120 kids the value of food Continued from page 1 9 · Thursday, August 23, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com bration takes place next Monday (Aug. 27). At graduation, the class prepares a meal they share together just as a family would. "We do two sessions a week and it's the same 15 kids for the entire month. They come in twice a week and then at the end of the month we do their graduation," said Granger. For nine-year-old Matteo Khawaja, the program gave him an opportunity to help other children less fortunate than himself. "We decided we would put together this little camp and let other kids (be) nicely treated so they can come to cooking class and try nice foods," said Khawaja. "I participated in all the events to make the kids feel special. Everybody here is very special." One day he helped one of his classmates who was struggling with his shoes. "Their big toe was sticking out of it (and) I donated my sneakers. These other ones actually fit him. They were really nice shoes," said Khawaja. One of his favourite things to make was peach crisp. He said he couldn't wait to bake it at home. "I especially liked eating it. It was down in less than a minute," said Khawaja. Now that he's prepared some dishes, Khawaja will make meals at home because he's a "natural born cooker," he said. "My sister likes to cook fish with my dad, but I like cooking steaks," said Khawaja. He even came up with his own recipe to boil a steak, seasoned with herbs. He hasn't tried it yet, but he is anxious to do so, he said. KCC expanded the program this year at every Longo's Loft, offering sessions to more than 120 children. Sessions are held in conjunction with a summer camp program at Oakville's Donaghey Square. "Once they've completed their three sessions, they're a little more rounded and will have a basic idea about everything," said Granger. To eight-year-old Logan Dewsbury, a friend of Khawaja, KCC meant bringing people together and learning how to cook. "I joined the program because it (looked) fun and I would have something to do in the morning," said Dewsbury. "I learned how to cook things that are really yummy." He can now make, among other things, sandwiches, pasta, blueberry turnovers and pizza. For Dewsbury, the most difficult food to prepare were the blueberry turnovers. "It was really fun and if it's (the program) there again, I'd be glad to go," he said. Granger added the KCC program is great because one can see the kids learning. "A lot of these kids came in and had absolutely zero knowledge of anything. By the end of it, they were making their own turnovers and fresh pasta. It was unreal to watch." For more information on KCC, visit www. kidsculinary.ca. PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog HONOURARY Participants in the Kids Culinary Community program had a graduation ceremony at the Burloak Longo's Loft on Wyecroft Road Monday, where the class prepared a meal and shared it together. Above, the graduates celebrate with KCC founder and chef Julia Hanna, MPP Kevin Flynn and volunteers. At left, Hanna prepares to serve a peach crisp the class made, while Abie Lawani watches. A second graduation for the remaining participants is scheduled for next Monday (Aug. 27). CHEFS: BACK TO SCHOOL UNIFORMS Presents The 17th Annual TM ALTERATION SPECIALISTS A Fundraising Initiative of The Rotary Club of Burlington Lakeshore Preferred Cu Alteration & 20% OFF stomer coupo n Embroidery Expires Sept 30, 2012 We Alter All School Uniforms SHERWAY GARDENS 25 The West Mall, Toronto Stage Sponsor FAST, PROFESSIONAL AND AFFORDABLE OAKVILLE PLACE Pants Hemmed While you Wait CanadasLargestRibfest.com Labour Day Weekend! Aug. 31st - Sept. 3rd Spencer Smith Park, Burlington 240 Leighland Ave, Oakville (905) 849-0711 (416) 695-7559