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Thanks -- the 2013 Kidney Walk surpassed its fundraising target I would like to say thank you for the Oakville Beaver's support in giving us coverage of the third annual Kidney Walk. Thank you to Beaver photographer Graham Paine for his photography work under not so good weather conditions. As the co-ordinator and a former dialysis patient of 10 years and a transplant in 2005, I was overwhelmed with this year's turnout of more than 100 participants who walked 5 km in the rain. We had many different groups ranging from medical personnel to dialysis patients and those who support them. Thank you to all our volunteers who did everything from organization and registration to clean up after the event. Thank you to family -- my wife Doris, daughter Karen, son Kyle, my son's girlfriend Melanie MacMurchy for all the extra responsibilities they took on as I was not well enough to help much this year. Despite nasty weather, the conversation still seemed to centre on the great time and meeting many different people. One of them was a young man named Brett Volpe who took part last year. This year he had full intentions of doing the walk again and was injured in a soccer game which left him with a badly twisted ankle as well as a broken tibia in his leg. He was not deterred and did all 5K on crutches with the support of his family. MC Martin Kosterman carried the umbrella to keep the rain off of him. That was a show of spirit and enthusiasm and his Team Keep it Renal raised $1,500. The event concluded with food, drinks, and announcements from Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, Dr. Andreas Pierratos, Nephrologists at Humber River Regional Hospital, Terry Young, Kidney Foundation of Canada Ontario Branch President, Martin Kosterman our MC and myself, walk coordinator Ron Newman. Our top three fundraisers were Marden Hewitt (Team Andy's Angels), Michael Dakins (Team Baby Owen) and Neil Szeverenyi (Team Snafu). Team Baby Owen raised an astounding $9,830 -- almost one-third of the total. Visit http://kidney.akaraisin.com/halton13 for the full story. There were also winners of numerous games and challenges. Thanks to all our sponsors and also to the Kidney Foundation of Canada/Central Ontario Branch and all its staff. In all, we surpassed our $25,000 target by raising a phenomenal $36,000. I was so overwhelmed. Thank you very much for your dedication to the cause of kidney disease and I do hope I can count on all of you coming back next year with the same enthusiasm and spirit you all showed on Sept. 21 under unfavourable conditions. As I say, "I believe we can achieve, I did and we will and you did." Thank you. See you all in 2014. Ron Newman/The Dialysis Dude, Kidney Walk co-ordinator, Halton Letters to the Editor 7 | Friday, October 4, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Oakville mayor pens letter to Harper Editor's Note: The following was a letter dated Oct. 1, 2013 and sent to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a copy of which was filed with the Oakville Beaver. On behalf of Oakville Town Council and concerned residents in Oakville, I would like to encourage your government to continue with its efforts to secure the immediate release and return home of detainees John Greyson and Tarek Loubani. I've been advised that these two gentlemen, who were on a humanitarian mission to Gaza as part of a Western University sponsored program to train doctors in Advanced Trauma and Life Support, have been held without charges at Tora prison in Egypt since Aug. 16, 2013. Based on recent news reports, it appears that the prison term has been extended for another 45 days. Oakville residents are familiar with Mr. Greyson, who exhibited his work at the Oakville Galleries in 2009. It is my understanding that your government has issued statements calling for the release of Mr. Greyson and Mr. Loubani, actions which Oakville Town Council and the residents of Oakville wholeheartedly support and appreciate. Please be advised that you and your government have the full support of Oakville Town Council and the Town of Oakville as you work towards securing the immediate release and return home to Canada of these two men. Thank you for your efforts. Mayor Rob Burton, Town of Oakville Since 1952 Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. Carpet Cleaning Specialists On The Spot! RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL WALL TO WALL FURNITURE & UPHOLSTERY AREA RUGS PERSIAN & ORIENTAL Unique one of a kind piece! 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