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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, December 14, 2012 · 18 The Regional Municipality of Halton Access Halton at: www.halton.ca Dial 311 Safetynet meets its calling Continued from page 13 Halton Small Business Centre Halton Region's Small Business Centre would like to thank the many business professionals who volunteered in our Access to Professionals Program this year, offering guidance and support to new entrepreneurs and businesses in Halton. We look forward to continuing our relationships in the year ahead. Accounting/Bookkeeping BDO Canada LLP, Burlington SB Partners LLP, Burlington The Art of Accounting / Newhouse Rusin LLP Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisors, Burlington Kaizen Accounting, Burlington Workload Solution Services Inc., Oakville Laura Pavli BDO Canada LLP, Burlington BDO Canada LLP, Burlington Bookkeeper Trainer.com, Oakville Steffensen & Co., Milton BDO Canada LLP, Burlington Business Advisory Associates, Oakville Business Consulting/Coaching e-Spot and enSpire Coaching, Oakville Bella Tesori-Specialty Retail, Burlington Michael Wells HR Consulting, Oakville Financial/Real Estate/Insurance Utter/Morris Insurance Brokers, Burlington Business Insurance Services, Burlington RBC Royal Bank of Canada, Burlington Legal LSUC# 41620N Ballagh Edward LLP, Hamilton , Daniel Brinza Intellectual Property Law Corporation, Burlington Notary Public, Solicitor Haber & Associates, Burlington, Milton Simpson Wigle LLP, Burlington Simpson Wigle LLP, Burlington Business Lawgix, LLP, Oakville According to its website, it provided 12,000 articles of clothing last year to local families. Safetynet's clothing bank serves approximately 3,500 people annually. "A great number of the families are here for clothing for children. What people don't realize is (that) Oakville does have a number of issues with people living below the poverty line," said Shields, adding Safetynet addresses generational poverty through education -- offering free tutoring and music programs. "(For) someone who is living below the poverty line and their child is suffering with their academics, (paying for) tutoring is not an option. Not only are we tutoring the child and helping with their academics, we're also mentoring the child in the importance of a continuing education," said Shields. "Hopefully, they will get a skill or trade or a college (or) university education -- something that will enhance their career, thus breaking the generational poverty." Through tutoring and music programs, Safetynet provides about 320 hours of lessons a month and services approximately 110 children a year. The music program provides youths the opportunity to learn piano, guitar, violin or vocals. "For someone below the poverty line, they simply can't afford music lessons for their children. Study after study shows the importance of music for the developing brain," said Shields. "It also gives children another outlet to be constructive as opposed to the Internet." Shields has 26 years of experience as a social worker and helped youths in Toronto for a number of years before starting Safetynet. On Saturday (Dec. 15), Pick of the Crop will also donate 10 per cent of its sales in toys to Safetynet. "It's an obligation of a charity to make sure we're doing something to get people self-reliant." Toys for children and youths up to age 18 can be dropped off all-day Saturday at the Pick of the Crop Toys and Books at 245 Lakeshore Rd. E. For more, visit www.safetynetservices.ca. 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See store for details 2012 100% Satisfaction Guarantee* Be part of Halton Region's Access to Professionals Program. This program connects new business start-ups in Halton with business professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to help these new businesses achieve their goals. The Access to Professionals Program includes mentoring, coaching and providing youth entrepreneurship and general business start-up advice. To We Service All Makes of Gas Furnaces We will pay the HST for your next home comfort system maintenance Expires 12/31/2012 Coupon must be presented at time of service · 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE · QUALIFIED MECHANICS · QUALITY WORKMANSHIP · 24 HR. HOTLINE Showroom Hours: QEW Mon-Fri 8 am - 5 pm Oakville Speers Rd Sat 11 am - 4 pm 905-825-1893 h Showroom Phone: Burlington 905-825-1929 Lakeshore Lakeshore Rd Rd 905-335-3203 90 2086 Speers Rd. Oakville Bronte Rd Bronte Rd SPECIAL OFFER SYSTEMS Please contact us, as soon as possible, if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. 131212 www.applebysystems.ca Third Line Third Line APPLEBY