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The Oakville Beaver, Tuesday December 21, 2004 - A3 T h e S p ir it o f C h r is t m a s G iv in KAREN NEW MAN/SPECIAL TOTH EO AKVILLE B E A V E R P E TE RC .M cCUSKER / OAKVILLE BEAVER SEWING FOR CHARITY: Gelbumie School sewing students recently donated some handmade items and $363.50 to the Oakville Humane Society. The money was raised by the sale of hand-made items at the school's annual Christmas Craft Show. Pictured here are (l-r, front row) students Le-Ann Patton, holding a Jack-Russell Terrier, Christine Sevadjian, Dana Silvestri, Mary Binko, Cora Fellows and Robyn Carlton. In the rear (l-r) are Kathy Towers, Majenta MacLeod and Brenda Hall, the sewing teacher from You CAN Sew. BRIGHT WISHES: Oakville Beaver employees (far left and right) Kay Johnstone and Paula Kozbial, were on hand to help Oakville Salvation Army volunteers (centre left and right) Peter Perkovic and Judy Knox pick-up the toys that have been donated to The Jingle Bell fund, in conjunction with the Bright Wishes Fund from Metroland. Bright Wishes Fund overwhelmed by public response to campaign If the first year results for the Metroland West Bright Wishes Fund are any indication, next year can't help but be even better. According to Oakville Beaver Advertising Director Kelly Montague, their were more walk-in visits by mem bers of he public than ever before and more staff participation in raising funds for this year's three beneficiaries: The Salvation Army , Oakville Community Church Jingle Bell Fund, Halton Women's Place and the Burlington-based Miriam Child Family Support Group. The Fund, a new joint initiative between the family of publications that includes The Oakville Beaver, ran for two weeks this month in an effort to make Christmas a happier time for those in need. Scores of people swung by the Beaver offices at 467 Speers Rd. and dropped off canned goods and financial donations as well as new, unwrapped gifts for children, teens and women under the lobby Christmas tree. "The response was wonderful," said Montague. "This was also the best year for cash raised by staff." For example, $1,000-plus Was raised from a raffle held during this year's Metroland West Christmas party and $100 came in from Monday's pot luck lunch. Accounting held a gingerbread draw while Circulation held a basket draw. "It was a really good internal cam paign," said Montague. At press time, the Salvation Army had picked up its donations. In addition to the Oakville Beaver, Metroland West includes Formula Media Group, West of the City, Metroland West Printing Group, City Parent and Forever Young. PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: Clanmore Montessori students raised $702.61 to sponsor a Christmas for a family of five through the Kerr Street Ministries. The money was collected by giving all 42 Clanmore elementary students an empty pop can and asking them to fill it with pennies. The fundraiser was initiated by the Johnson family (pictured here, l-r) Dominic, Emily, Annie-Rose and Sarah. Jingle Bell Fund quietly provides for those in need at Christmas By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Jingle Bell Fund may not be the highest profile charity, in town but it more than embodies the true spirit of Christmas. `To me, it's a special project, especial ly for the children who may not have a voice," said Salvation Army Community Services Co-ordinator Aisha King. The fund is used for the Salvation Army's Christmas voucher program, its outreach activities and also to purchase gifts for the Toy Depot, especially hardto-buy-for teenagers who are often passed over this time of year. "We can put a smile on children's faces when they find a gift under the tree," said King, who added that some funds are used to sponsor youngsters for camp. In 2003, the fund generated $8,295 in donations and so far this year $6,836 has been collected. Started in 1995 by local business men and women in partnership with the Salvation Army and The Oakville Beaver, the Jingle Bell Fund was headed up for several years by Don and Julia McGowan. Past fundraising initiatives included the Jingle Bell Package - a poinsettia and gingerbread house for $100 - dressdown days in area workplaces and even a gala show by the Famous People Players at the Oakville Centre in 1999. 'The Jingle Bell Fund helps us help others," said Major Rolf Guenther, who thanked Oakvillians for the past and cur rent generosity. The Christmas voucher program, which replaced the traditional Christmas hampers, offers families the chance to sit down to a real holiday dinner by provid ing chits worth $25 per adult and $15 per child. After all, many families have a hard time affording the comparative luxury of a Christmas dinner, particularly after paying for the basics like rent and spend ing more than usual on some Christmas extras. "We give because people are in need ... no strings attached,' said Guenther. "That's why we have people here from all races and religions. The only prerequi site here is need." Guenther added that, because of the different cultural backgrounds of clients, vouchers, rather than the full turkey dinners given out in past years, allow them to purchase whatever they want. "There is ^ lot more diversity now so people can buy according to their tradi tion of what is a Christmas dinner," said Guenther. "It's not up to us to decide what others eat for Christmas." Passing through the Salvation Army Christmas Toy Depot at Hopedale Shopping Centre, registered clients (who must reside in Oakville to receive services) pick out gifts and stocking stuffers from donations labeled accord ing to gender and age. Approximately 1,000 local children are expected the benefit. To register, call Diane at 905827-6523. Cheques, payable to the Salvation Army Jingle Bell Fund, can be mailed to The Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville, Ontario, L6K 3S4. BARRIE ER SKIN E/ O AKVILLE BEAV ER TOY DEPOT: On hand for the opening of the Salvation Army's Toy depot at the Hopedale Shopping centre were (l-r( Michael Loftus, of Hopedale, Major Rolf Guenther, of the Salvation Army, Allan Horton, Chair of the Salvation Army Community Council and Susan Smith general manager of Hopedale. 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