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The money will be sent to Global Medic to pay for three treatment systems that will pro- vide water to up to 3,000 people per day, said Cap Cowan, chairperson of the chu rch's world and community outreach program. Stoufiville United Church's Living Waters for Haiti fundraising campaign has surpassed the $5,000 mark WNG: Paws to Read at Stouffville library Mitchell Parcells rads to Eneda in a program where children read to dogs to help with read- ing skills at the Wtchurch-Stouffville Public Library last fall. A new program is starting. United church helps In Ham BY SANDRA BOLAN sbolan@yrmg.com Reading out loud in front of one’s class- mates can be such a paralyng experience for some children that even the most basic words can become garbled. The child, then feels even more embar- rassed than before and their self-confidence takes a hit that knocks it down to the depths of despair. But reading aloud doesn't have to be a humiliating experience. _ Three years ago. the Whitchurch- Stouffville'Public Library introduced the Paws to Read program to children aged seven to 14 who were either shy or lacked self-confidence when it came to reading out loud in front of others. The premise behind the program, which is run by the non-profit organization Thera- peutic Paws of Canada, is that children read a book of their choosing out loud to a specially- trained therapy dog. “When reading to a dog. the dog doesn’t judge you, doesn't care if you make a mis- take â€" it builds their confidence," said Anne Houle. co-ordinator of children and youth services at the library. The Child is net. however, completely alone with the dog; its handler is nearby to offer assistance in Choosing books as well as Four-legged book buddies inspire confidence in kids For more information. go to wwwglobalmedicca Chrlstlan school students chlp In Students raised the money by wearing a hat to school one day, for the price of a Ioonie or more, buying extra recess time. a bake sale and with a casual dress day for a loonie or more. Stouffville Christian School recently raised $1,291 for Emmanuel International Canada's Haitian relief fund. While there are no statistics available indicating the program is a success, both Ms Houle and Ms Love have seen first-hand the changes it makes in children, which means to them. the program is working. Ms Love noted one child who came to the program terrified to read aloud to people and even Eneda. But by the end of the eight-week session. this child was confident and readily reading out loud to a group of people. In Stoufiville, children read to a German shepherd named Eneda. “(She) just lays calmly and quietly beside the child," said Ruth Love, Eneda’s owner. “The dog is a presence to give them confi- dence.” Ms Houle also recalled one child who was adamant that he would not participate, no matter what. "Now he loves it," she said. The program runs on Thursdays from 4 mSpm. “We would like another dog, but it’s a long process to get them qualified," Ms Houle said. in helping sound out words, which may aid in lessoning the frustration of aloud reading for these children. For more information or to register fora session. contact the library at 905-6427 7323. For more infonnation, go to wwweicanadaorg STAFF FILE PHOTO/NICK MANYSHYN Jr. A nocwy WIS rm bomugh ton at 73% pm. at the Stouffvil Arena. Game 3 is in Stouflville on Monday at 2:3( PLANNER Wesley United Chumh, Woodbine Avenue and Aumm Road, m its annual music man at 7:30 pm. Vocals and irSUUmentats. Tndets are $12 atthe doon Pancake and sausage luncheon on Sun- day at 12:30 p.m.Tnckets an: 35. rum HOCKEY The Stouffvflh ' opens the Jr. A hockey ' Pow WW 7: _ p'm; 03031 Beach on Musselman's Lake. Funds raised go to the Ballantrae Scam The seventh annual Whnchurch-Stouflviue Winter Car- nwalisonfmm 1m4p.m.wim Stouffville Secondarys team is hosting a WWW: nd- miserfor its British trip atthe Mamham Faugounds 1mm 7 m 11p.m.Tnckets am $25 from the school 0! 905-640-4204. in Stouffville on Monday at 2:30 pm. your WESLEY MUSIC WHAT A MUCH WINTER FUN :- wuy uuuvv- “n "Cliv- will be mm at the saver Jubilee Club, 6297 Main St, at noqn. Cost is .7 f'_AAAA.-..A_A I... AL- Toaddanmutothish‘m’ng. eâ€"maillim Masonatjmasonermgoom Ewntorganizencanaboregisterwim POPatyoria'egionoom tohawewntslistedfweonline. 905-642-READ For mom community events, vi: t yorkregionoom and click on PO . personal online plannen 37. Entertainment by the Stouflvme Secondary Choit. " wipewn' .All nucleon».ch 1163mm|monnaflon The Whitchurcn-Stouflvule Pubflc Library hosts a workshop for writers aged 14 to 17 from noon to 5 pm. Cost is $20. Instructor is Chanene Jones. For more information, call Anemndngdrop-in jforbwnespeoptewm behudmmundayat "mm Public Ubrary. attheSiNet Asouplundflaseniots Ibe Family m Ohm at SW19 Unmd Chum beam at 6_p.m: Papgake PLEASE” IEETYDU TEENWRITE” SOUP AND SON“