OCF set to unveil Oakville's Vital Signs By Louise Brownlee, volunteer Oakville Community Foundation s the Oakville Community Foundation (OCF) gears up to launch its second Vital Signs report, it is also celebrating its 15th anniversary. The OCF has deep roots in the community. Since its founding in 1994, it has supported more than 145 local charities and provided more than $12 million in grants for a wide range of community needs. "Building community vitality is the purpose, promise and passion of the Oakville Community Foundation," said June Cockwell, OCF chair. Community vitality defines the unique spirit that flourishes when people believe the community holds possibilities for everyone. It is measured by how well people's needs are met -- from basic needs of sustenance and shelter, to those that give quality to life. "Our tagline, All for Community, reflects our role in building community vitality by bringing people together, educating them about the community's strengths and weaknesses and offering ways to make Oakville a better place to live. We are grateful to our generous volunteers and donors who help us make a difference in Oakville," said Cockwell. Over the past 15 years, the OCF has brought people together, connected donors to community needs and helped build strong and resilient places to live, learn, work and play. "There are many residents who are still unaware of the suffering hidden behind the beauty of this leafy town," said Cockwell. "The OCF is at the centre, working with the Town, Region, agencies, friends and fund holders to research those areas where we can make a difference. We published the first of our annual Vital Signs reports in 2008 and pinpointed problems such as child poverty, illiteracy, mental illness." The 2009 report titled: Possibilities -- 2009 Vital Signs Oakville will be released on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at Sheridan College. It identifies some of the gaps that exist in our community, as well as highlights some assets that make Oakville strong and healthy. "We are very proud of the OCF's role in building Oakville's Heritage Trails in partnership with the Town of Oakville and in setting up endowment funds, which support youths, the environment, heritage and literacy in Oakville," said Cockwell. Roger Brenninkmeyer, a new volunteer with the OCF said his involvement with the foundation has helped We Service: CFM, DRU, GSW, Hunter, Gas Fireplace Repair 15 · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, October 2, 2009 Solving Problems Since `82! Experience Insta-Flame, Valor, Napoleon, Regency, Majestic, Heat-N-Glo, Heatilator, Selkrik, GTI, Dovre, Pacific Energy, Security, HearthStone, Montigo, Lennox, T Temco, Kingsman, Polaris, Heritage, Drolet, Continental, Vermount Casting, Osbourne & many other brands. is the Difference! 905-845-0701 ifr @gasfix.ca A his family feel a sense of belonging. "My wife and I recently moved to Oakville. I have discovered so much about this community through my volunteer work for the OCF. I feel part of Oakville now." If you would like to get involved with the hub of Oakville's charitable activities, contact Rusty Baillie, CEO, Oakville Community Foundation, by calling 905845-7582. Check out our website at www.theocf.org. The Oakville Community Foundation builds vital futures for our community by working with caring people to build endowments, by granting funds to the widest range of local charities and by bringing people together to build participation and strengthen community philanthropy. -- Submitted by the Oakville Community Foundation Join Us Sunday October 11th Seatings from 1pm - 6pm ingeborg shoes Traditional Family-Style Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings Please call ahead for reservations. FITNESS SANO shoes for a better body shape Adults $25.95 Seniors $18.95 Kids (12 & under) $14.95 Kids (4 & under) FREE OAKVILLE AT TRAFALGAR 590 Argus Road, Oakville 905-842-5000 www.hioakville.com European Engineering Combined With Traditional Workmanship 63731562 "Building on the Brightest Ideas Around Glass" 905.849.0266 INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE by M E P H I S TO 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA 905-823-7415 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 Sun. 11 to 4