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| KSM 's Christm as program helping fam ilies in need .Q CD E Q CD by M arta Marychuk Oakville Beaver Staff "O Q C LU LU < o E o q d o *-> sz in a CD CD g For many people living in Oakville, Christmas may be in jeopardy of being celebrated without gifts under a brightly-decorated Christmas tree, followed by a big holiday meal. Sadly, for many in the community, the holidays are marked by hunger and need. More than 18,060 people in the Town of Oakville are living below the poverty line, explains Agnes Unger Stassen, program co ordinator of the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program at Kerr Street Mission (KSM). Unger Stassen started the Christmas Wonders program 14 years ago to help families at Christmas time -- "so every child has a toy under the tree and every family has food on the table. Christmas should be the one day when people should not have to worry about food and clothing," Unger Stassen added. W hen Unger Stassen began the program, she said there were only 10 families in need. That number has grown to 400-plus families this year. Over time, the Christmas Wonders program was re-named Christmas Wonders and Beyond in response to community need throughout the year. People don't stop eating after the holidays, she added. Right now, there are 1,103 individuals registered with KSM. Unger Stassen says that Agnes Unger Stassen welcomes clients lined up for the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program food gift card give away at Kerr Street Mission (KSM) Thursday, Dec. 7, afternoon. | Nikki Wesley/Metroland number is expected to grow to 1,200 people by the holidays. Through the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program, each registered person receives a $75 food/gift card and families receive a box filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, pajamas and a toy for children. Unger Stassen says they give gift and food cards to families, because that enables people to buy the food and gifts of their choice. KSM co-ordinates the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program with other social service organizations to ensure nobody is misusing the system. Individuals are also assessed to ensure the need is real. This year, she said more people, more newcomers and larger families are turning to KSM in search of assistance. One woman who has nine children came in, said Unger Stassen. KSM began its fundraising drive in November, with the goal of raising $350,000. So far, Unger Stassen says it has raised $141,000. For anyone who would like to sponsor a family: $50 purchases two food cards; $100 purchases food cards and gift cards; $500 provides `Christmas in a Box' for a large family; and, $1,500 provides `Christmas and Beyond' support to a family for one year. To sponsor a family, people can call 905-845 7485, ext. 208, or email agnes@kerrstreet.com. Doctors recommend the k y B o o t "kyBoots help you keep balance and activate your muscles, from your toes to your back: they are helpful in the treatment of pain in the heels and forefeet, and are a method of choice to support the treatment o f pain in the Achilles tendon and back." -D r. M arkusM u ller, specialistinorthopaedicsurgery, footsurgeryp ra ctitio n er, Lucerne D ivision of KyBoots w ill help you with.... · Back Pain · Improving circulation · Knee pain · Strengthening muscles · Foot conditions · Improving posture MOHAWK 3 swiss technology S m a r t S t r a r iH ) FOREVER CLEAN' O v e r 8 0 C o lo u rs Starting at $ 3 .9 9 L u x u rio u s M o d e rn & T rad ition al A re a R u g s In stalled i f m iK o d fi /)n/G 40% O ff JLleuitiin1 9 2 1 228 K IN GST. E. Hamilton 905-546-1921 SUPERSTORE Up to Enjoy a FREE Kyboot walking test, at the Medicine Shoppe on Lakeshore Rd. East R ichard Price P harm acist/O w ner c a .c o m A Trusted name in Oakville for over 20 years! 267 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-1 SERVICINGI THE OAKVILLE COMMUNITY CO FOR OVER 20 YEARS! TRAFALGAR VILLAGE, (across from Oakville G o Station) Oakville 9 0 5 .849.4472 w w w .k y b u n .c o m 9 0 5 .8 4 2 .2 7 7 0