COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS

Take the time to remember a loved one this holiday season by Adding an Ornament to the Tree of Remembrance

    Loretta Tompkins, Revenue Development Chair of Palliative Caregivers Sudbury/Manitoulin, on the far right, and Jeannette Carriere, Coordinator of the Warmhearts fundraising project, are shown with five of the volunteers who have been spending time at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre helping people “remember their loved ones” who have passed away.

    The volunteers shown in the photo with Jeannette and Loretta, are: (standing from left to right) Marina Lamoureux, Dennis Mount and Esther Tardif. Seated are Jean Manuel and Noella Poitras.
“We know how difficult it can be for families during this time of year. We encourage them to take the time to remember their loved ones this holiday season by hanging an ornament on our Tree of Remembrance, ” Maryann Lepage, Executive Director.

   Memories are sometimes all we have left after the death of a loved one. The thought of forgetting their face, their ways, their likes and dislikes make us hold on to our grief long after they are gone. As memories begin to fade, we need to find ways to bring memories of our loved ones into the holiday traditions. Warmhearts Pallliative Caregivers Sudbury/Manitoulin can help you celebrate the life of your loved ones. Purchase a snowflake, write the name of your loved one on it and hang it on our tree for all to see. This will help keep memories alive through the holiday season!

The community is invited to purchase an ornament and write in the book of memories, from now until December 23^rd. For the convenience of people living in Valley East and Capreol, one of the three trees in the area is located at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. You can make the Tree of Remembrance a part of your holiday tradition. Ornaments are $5.00 each and all monies raised from this initiative go to Warmhearts Palliative Caregivers Sudbury/Manitoulin to support individuals and families facing end of life challenges.

In the following photo, Val Mazzuca, owner of the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre is shown adding several ornaments to the tree in remembrance of family members who are no longer with us today.

Knights of Columbus #5005 Deliver 142 Christmas Food Hampers to Needy Families

The Co-Chairs of the Christmas Food Hamper Committee, shown in the photo below, have nothing but praise for the hard working volunteers who helped fill 142 wonderful Christmas Hampers for needy families in Valley East. The hampers were delivered on Saturday, December 19, 2009. "It takes a lot of work to sort out the food, vouchers and gifts so that each family receives about $200 worth of donations," Fern Gascon, shown on the right in the photo below along with Dorice Menard explained. "We receive the food from the generosity of the entire community with schools and organizations collecting supplies during the fall and then giving it to us to distribute."

Any surplus food is sent over to the Good Neighbours Food Bank in Hanmer so that they can better serve their regular clients. The Knights of Columbus have been responsible for the Christmas Food Hamper delivery since about 2004 and each year the need has been increasing. "We started out delivering about 85 hampers and now we are up to 142," Gascon declared.

Local Charities Being Challenged By Recession

   The global recession and the depressed economy is causing major problems for many local charities. Mary Lou Bolger, on the right, Treasurer of the Kin Club of Valley East and Melinda Serre, a placement student with the John Howard Society are shown during one of the dozens of hours they spent volunteering their time selling fireworks for the Canada Day celebrations. This is one of the major fundraisers of the Kin Club and this year sales were expected to be off significantly because of the poor economic conditions that prevail this summer.

   This drop in revenue from fund-raising is being felt by most major fund-raising organizations, with reports of as much as a 35% drop off because of the economy. Mary Lou explains, “It is understandable that the amount of money available for donations would be less this year than at other times. But the unfortunate thing is that as the economy gets worse, the individual requests for assistance from groups like the Kin Club increase. More and more people are finding it hard to cope financially, so they turn to groups like ours for support. But our resources and the resources of all charities are being depleted faster than they can be replaced, so we know we are heading for some very challenging times.

   This summer and fall will be particularly difficult for many needy families in the area, so local residents are urged to give what they can to organizations that are trying to help out.

A New Leash On Life - Pets Are Looking For Foster Parents

   In the year 2000 a few animals lovers got to together and formed a small association called Pet Save. They were a committed group of people who appreciated the value of animals in their lives and just wanted to help a few dogs in need of a second chance. Originally Pet Save only rescued dogs but by 2002, recognizing that this was a community with a severe cat overpopulation problem, they began to take in stray cats. Operating on the principle that all life is precious, Pet Save was proud to be the only no kill shelter operating in the community.

   By the year 2003 the group became a registered charity and has grown to over 200 volunteers, saving over 2500 cats, dogs, bunnies and even a few pot belly pigs along the way.

   Today, Jill Pessot, Director and one of the Founders of Pet Save, continues to follow her passion and as a result, Pet Save is growing in leaps and bounds. Over 1200 cats and dogs are rescued and distributed annually, with the numbers expected to increase tremendously in the next few years. Jill believes that every person has something to offer a homeless or orphaned animal and one person at a time can make a difference!

The group’s mission is to rescue abandoned, abused and neglected dogs and cats throughout Northern Ontario and ensure that every pet receives "A New Leash on Life".

In order to accomplish their goals and objectives, Pet Save is in need of volunteers and foster parents who are willing to take in a rescued pet for a short period of time until the organization finds a permanent home for the animal. Pet Save is also in need of financial assistance, so any donations would be welcome. The vet bills to treat many of the rescued and abused animals is quite significant. All help is appreciated.

For more information you can phone (705) 692-3319 or go to the web site at www.petsave.ca

First Annual Yellow Brick Road Is A Huge Success For Kin Club of Valley East

   The Kin Club of Valley East held a Yellow Brick Road fund raiser to raise awareness and money for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre.

   Coordinator, Manon Bolger, shown 2^nd from the right in the photo, is a Service Director with the District C.F. Foundation as well as a member of the Kin Club of Valley East. In addition to Manon, District C.F. & Service Director Randy Cruickshank from Newcastle , Ontario and Deputy Governor Kathy Alexander from Keswick , Ontario came up to spend the day with the group and help out.

   According to Manon the event turned out to be huge success. Three tables were set up in the mall, one for the selling of the foot prints, one with Cystic Fibrosis awareness materials and one representing the Kinsmen & Kinette Clubs of Canada as the District Membership Director with information on the organization.

   The one day event raised $817.92 for Cystic Fibrosis with the sale of the foot prints and silent auction.

   The picture for the silent action, which is shown in the group photo, was donated to us by ALL INK located in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre and the winner was Jean Proulx of Kapuskasing!

   Manon expressed appreciation to everyone who supported the event, “We want to extend a very special thank you to Bob Kirwan, the management and staff of the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre and all who purchased a footprint on our yellow brick road helping us to get "one step" closer to finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.”

      Josee and Natasha Trottier are shown in the photo below planning their foot prints on the floor in the mall.

Kin Club of Valley East Sells Canadian Hockey Book To Raise Funds

   The Kin Club of Valley East has joined forces with other Kin Canada clubs across Canada to sell an exclusive hockey book that will benefit local community charities and Cystic Fibrosis research.

   Three of the members of the Kin Club are shown in the photo spending time at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre one Saturday afternoon selling the books. From the left are Les Mayer, Jeanine Bolger, and Paula Mayer.

   The book is called Greatest Moments in Canada Hockey History and it is a soft cover commemorative book that recounts Canada’s 50 all-time greatest hockey games and its unforgettable heroes throughout the country’s storied hockey history in NHL, junior’s, women’s and Olympic competition. The Kin Club of Valley East hopes to sell the 144-page book to members of the community over the next few weeks. The book includes about 125 unforgettable photos, as well as feature stories on Conn Smythe, Foster Hewitt, Jean Beliveau, Rocket Richard, the birthplace of hockey, the early years of the National Hockey League and the Toronto Maple Leafs-Montreal Canadiens rivalry.

   "With the purchase of this book, you not only helping Kin Canada raise funds for LOCAL community charities but also to fund research and treatment programs for the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF)”

   Please contact the Kin Club of Valley East to get yours today the cost is $20.00 with $5.00 going to C.F. and $5.00 to local charities. You can phone the Kin Club at 969-0387 or e-mail kinclub@persona.ca or jbolger778@hotmail.com

“Making The Community Safer Is One Phone Call Away”

The Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers is a non-profit community program involving the co-operative efforts of the police, the community and the media. Crime Stoppers is based on the simple principle that for every crime committed, someone other than the criminal has information that would solve the crime.

Setting up public displays in local shopping centres is one of the methods Crime Stoppers employs to make people more aware of their mission. Three members of the Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers recently set up at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. In the photo we have: Paul Berardi, Director; Deborah Rousseau, Office & Event Coordinator; and Seann Kirkby, Volunteer.

“Crime Stoppers takes calls from people who want to report a crime and wish to remain totally anonymous,” explained Deborah. “You never have to identify yourself or appear in court. We issue you an identity number for further reference and we never contact you. You contact us. We just use your information to help us solve the crime. All of our calls are taken by a police officer and our phone system does not allow us to use caller ID or to track your call. Your identity is even kept confidential if you earn a reward of anywhere from $50 to $2000 for your information if it leads to an arrest in any serious crime or recovery of drugs or stolen property.”

All of the money raised for Crime Stoppers comes from donations or fund-raising, so if you are interested in helping this organization you are encouraged to contact Deborah at 675-8477 or visit their web site at www.sudburycrimestoppers.com. You can even submit tips online.

In the last ten years Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers has received over 34,000 calls and given out over $400,000 in rewards. A total of almost 3000 arrests have been made resulting in over 5000 charges. To give you an idea of the impact of Crime Stoppers, during those ten years over 75 weapons and over $10 million in property has been recovered. Incredible as it may sound, over $31 million in drugs have also been seized as a result of the calls made to the Sudbury Rainbow Crime Stoppers. This is one initiative that works in the fight to reduce crime, and it is just one phone call away.

Habitat For Humanity Receives $10,708 From Eva Lanctot Realty Family Fun Day

   When the Sudbury Chapter of Habitat For Humanity opened up their first house in 1996, it marked the beginning of a new era for families who were struggling to find decent living accommodations. On June 27, 2008 , the 4^th home will be dedicated on Velma Street in Val Caron, and will provide a home and a brighter future for a single mother and her three children.

   The future also looks bright for Habitat For Humanity thanks to people like Eva Lanctot who continue to go out of their way to support charitable causes in our community.

   On May 24, Eva Lanctot sponsored a Family Fun Day at the Knights of Columbus centre in Hanmer which raised a total of $10,708 for Habitat For Humanity. In the photo she is shown presenting the cheque to representatives of the organization. From the left we have, Roger Tessier (Faith Chair), Louise Tessier (Family Selection Chair); Eva Lanctot; Lise Reault (Executive Officer); and Jack Lanctot (Chair of the Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District).

Eva Lanctot Realty is one of the most successful real estate companies in the region, but success wasn’t handed to Eva on a silver platter. “When my husband and I came to Sudbury in 1961 we had 4 kids, no place to live, no job and no prospects. We even received help from places like the Telethon and the Salvation Army. We bought our first home in 1962 in the Valley for $2700 and I spent 20 years working as a bus driver before I got into real estate. Now, I’m helping kids I drove as a bus driver buy their homes.”

Eva Lanctot has always believed that “What you give is what you get!” and so for her, the opportunity to help an organization like Habitat for Humanity is something she does without hesitation.

Eva Lanctot was inducted into the Valley East Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and continues to be one of the most avid supporters of minor sports and cultural activities involving children. The success of the First Annual Charity Concert for Habitat for Humanity is just another indication of how the town continues to embrace Eva Lanctot and everything she does for the people of Valley East .

Alison Boyd is shown in the photo receiving one of the famous “Eva Hugs” from Eva Lanctot during the special family fun day and Charity Concert. Alison’s mother, Edie is shown in the background looking on. “This town has been very good to me and my children,” Eva explained when asked why she takes such great joy in sponsoring events such as the Family Fun Day. “For me, there is nothing I like better than doing something that will help make children happy. It’s all about the kids!”

Capreol Citizens On Patrol Definitely Making A Difference In Their Community

   John and Linda Goddard have been members of the Capreol Citizens on Patrol for over three years. During that time they have become part of a group of approximately 25 concerned citizens who have been the “eyes and ears” of the police.

   “We have definitely noticed a big improvement in the number of crimes committed in our town since the C.O.P. program was introduced,” explained John.

Citizens on Patrol is a community crime prevention initiative involving specially trained volunteers who conduct mobile observations of neighbourhoods with a mandate to detect suspicious, disruptive, and criminal behaviour. The mission of the C.O.P. program is to “build safer communities by mobilizing citizens throughout Sudbury to participate in a community-based crime prevention initiative in cooperation with local law enforcement.”

Applicants who wish to become a volunteer with Citizens on Patrol may apply online at www.police.sudbury.on.ca. They must be a minimum of 18 years old and pass a police background check. Once the application is processed, successful persons are contacted for interviews and must complete one full day of specialized training.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about the program is asked to contact the coordinator at 675-9171, Ext. 2335.

Habitat for Humanity Receives Generous Donation For Project

   Jack Lanctot, Chair of the Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District and Lise Rheault, Executive Officer, on the far right, gratefully accept a $5000 donation from Lori Moggy, centre, Account Manager with Genworth Financial Canada for Northern Ontario . Lori, who is also the fund-raising chair for Habitat for Humanity, was pleased that her company recognized the importance of supporting such a worthwhile organization.

   Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District builds homes with volunteer labour and as much donated or cost-reduced material as possible. Fund raising takes place to help offset expenses of materials, services and land when they are not available through donations. Financial support is received from individuals, corporations, service groups and the faith community. That is where companies like Genworth Financial Canada are so valuable to the cause.

   Mortgage payments from current homeowners are retained by the affiliate, which holds the mortgages to fund future projects.

   According to Jack Lanctot, “We consider this a hand up, not a hand out.” In other words, habitat houses are sold to families, not given to them free of charge. In addition, families help to build their own home. By building homes at low cost, requiring very little or no down payment, and not charging interest on the mortgage, Habitat for Humanity is able to provide an opportunity or a "hand up" to buy a home for families that would not otherwise qualify for a conventional mortgage.

   The Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District also operates a ReStore at 250 Frood Road in Sudbury . There are over 50 such stores across

Canada

.

“These stores are the primary resource for fundraising for our home builds,” stated Lori. “Whether you are repairing your home or rental property, building a cottage or hunt camp, you are encouraged to visit the restore for the widest selection of used building material at the best price in Sudbury . Shopping at the ReStore not only saves you money, but also helps Habitat for Humanity build homes for the less fortunate in our community.”

There are many benefits to shopping at the ReStore. For example, when you shop at the ReStore you save money that can certainly be put to good use today. You are also helping the environment by using some recycled materials that otherwise might end up in a landfill site. Finally, you are helping your community since the proceeds from the ReStore help Habitat for Humanity build homes for low income families.

The cheque presentation was made at the site of the “Richer Build” on Velma Street which is the 4^th new build for Habitat for Humanity Sudbury District. For more information about the organization call 688-8808.

Sudbury Action Centre For Youth Mother’s Day Basket Raises Funds For Important Summer Projects

Linette Filippini, Youth Program Facilitator for the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth has spent several days in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre with members of her organization selling raffle tickets on a Mother’s Day gift basket. The money raised will be used to help pay for a summer initiative for the youth.

   The Sudbury Action Centre For Youth is a non profit, charitable organization that has been providing essential services to at risk youth for the past 20 years. The group has been recognized both locally and nationally for its contribution toward the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, homelessness, and employment. The Peer Mentoring Program teaches youth how to help other youth in our community and encourages them to get involved in community development. The harm reduction program received the Donner Canadian Foundation Award for Excellence in the treatment & Prevention of substance abuse. The Employment Program assists people who have a difficult time finding and keeping full time employment by offering help with job search and opportunities for casual labour day jobs.

   The Action Centre For Youth provides a drop in where youth are able to gather for support, socialization, and recreation. Youth have access to crisis intervention, counselling and referral services, as well as support groups that help them deal with such issues as anger and addiction. Through a developed partnership with N-Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, they were able to offer additional supports and a warm meal in the evenings from 4pm to 8pm. Currently, the program is going stronger than ever with youth sign-in records being broken almost monthly.

   This agency has built a solid reputation in the community for the innovative, creative, and flexible ways in which it delivers services to at risk youth. Their ability to work with the community to identify local needs, map resources, and share expertise, space, and assets to meet these needs is extraordinary. In the interest of the youth, this agency has always ensured that the services provided were unique. The Centre is a safe haven for vulnerable youth, and we provide a triage of human services at the street level. The Centre routinely refers youth and their families to existing services and in turn receives regular referrals from community services.

   For more information about the Sudbury Action Centre for Youth, you can visit their web site at www.sacy.ca or call 673-4396.

Valley East Community Theatre Raises Funds and Awareness Of Grass Roots Cultural Needs

Sandra Desjardins, Secretary of the Valley East Community Theatre Group, puts the finishing touches to the Annual Valentine's Penny Table at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre. Each year at this time the group organizes a huge penny table sale to help raise much-needed funds for the theatre group and generate renewed interest among residents interested in the development of the arts and cultural sector of the community. Shown examining the array of prizes is Marcel Legault, a trustee with the French Catholic School Board and someone who has always had an interest in the development of young artistic talent.

   The topic of arts and culture is expected to reach a peak some time this spring when City Council is presented with a proposal to build a $75 million performing arts centre somewhere in the downtown core. While there are plenty of emotional and economic arguments to support such a development, the fact remains that Council will also be presented with a proposal for a state-of-the-art sports facility with a price-tag that could also hit the $75 million level before it is complete.

   The success of recent concerts featuring Elton John, Michael Bulble, Anne Murray, Blue Rodeo and other big name performers has generated discussion of a third option, namely the development of a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex which may satisfy the needs of the entire community and avoid an obvious conflict between different interest groups in the city. Clearly, it would seem that an 1800 seat auditorium in a new Arts Centre would be insufficient to attract the likes of Elton John, Michael Bulble, Anne Murray or any other performers of their stature. Indeed, the Sudbury Arena’s 6000 seats are barely enough to warrant this level of entertainment. Neither of the new proposals include seating arrangements that would be satisfactory if we are to continue to see groups of this nature coming to Sudbury . At some point we will either have to spend a lot of money upgrading the Sudbury Arena or build a larger complex some time in the future. Some are saying, “Why wait? Why not do it all at once and make one facility that will be good for everyone?”

It would appear then, that once the total cost of the two new facilities are put on the table, the debate over whether to pursue one or both will undoubtedly split the community. At that time consideration will have to be given to a development of a new multi-purpose facility that could seat as many as 10,000 people at a time and yet still accommodate the needs of some performances that require a much smaller space. Engineering technology currently exists to allow for the flexibility in construction to make this happen. All of this can be done for about half the combined cost of the two proposals about to be put in front of City Council this spring.

   Once such facility that has come up as an example in recent editorials in a local news publication is London’s $47 million John Labatt Centre, which can hold over 9,000 fans for hockey or concerts and over 3000 for theatre performances.

   While the debate goes on about what type of facility we need to build in the central part of Sudbury to attract major concerts and symphonies, the Valley East Community Theatre Group is busy trying to generate a grass-roots arts and cultural climate right here in our own community. This is where the “seeds of culture” need to be sown and we commend all of the volunteers who are doing their part to bring this spirit to life.

   The next performance by the Valley East Community Theatre will be popular musical, "Leader of The Pack". It will be held on April 24, 25, 26 and May 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10. Each show will begin at 7 p.m. at Hanmer Secondary School .

   Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

   You can pick up your tickets at M & R Grill (Capreol), Valley Plaza Pharmasave; Paulette's Variety; Val Caron Rexall Drug Store; and Caisse Populaire St-Jacques de Hanmer.

Breast Cancer Research Benefits From Sales of Avon Products

Lise Harrison and Cori Chauvin are shown with their four fund-raising products from Avon as they spent a recent weekend at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre generating much needed dollars for Breast Cancer research.

All of the Avon products cost $5 with the entire proceeds going to the charitable cause. Visitors had their choice of memor pads, key chains, candles or a shawl, each with the familiar Breast Cancer logo on them.

Breast Cancer Research is the major "cause" of Avon. Displays such as this are set up in malls across the country all year long so that people can donate to this worthy charity and help put an end to the dreadful disease. Both Lise and Cori are Avon Reps from Valley East.

Robert Kirwan Urges All Residents of Valley East To Support Organizations Such As LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB

Robert Kirwan, Candidate for the position of Councillor for Ward 6 – Hanmer & Val Therese, has always encouraged residents to get involved in local organizations within the community. In the above photo, he is shown registering as a new member of LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB. Others in the photo include, standing, from left to right: Gerard Chartrand (Treasurer); Jeannine Blais (Secretary); Carmen Kingsley (Member); Lorraine Sonier (Member); and Paul-Emile Audette (Councillor).

   “Organizations like LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB define what Valley East is all about,” Kirwan declared. “There are over 400 members in the center right now with really no upper limit as to how many people from the community can actually join. Their facility is out of this world and they offer an amazing number of very meaningful activities for both French and English speaking men and women who are 45 years of age and over.”

   “At only $15 per year to become a member, it is one of the best deals in town,” Kirwan went on. “That gives you access to the games rooms, the library, the shop, and also gives you discounts on their luncheons and dinners.”

   Kirwan pointed out that organizations like LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB, and the CHEVALIERS DE COLOMB / KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Council #5005 have excellent facilities that are open every day to members and the general public. They welcome people of both languages – French and English – to take part in their activities.

   “If you are new to the community, or if you would like to make some new friends and acquaintances with whom you can share companionship on a regular basis in a wide variety of activities, then these are two of the organizations you really should consider,” Kirwan advised. “There are also organizations like the Valley East Lions Club, the Kin Club of Valley East, the Knights of Columbus #7368, the Valley Trailsmen, and many others where you can enjoy anything from hunting and fishing to acting. Valley East is one place where you will never have trouble meeting new people and becoming active in the community.”

If you are interested in joining LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB, they will be taking registrations all week long at their center on Cote Blvd in Hanmer.

In the photo on the right, Yvon Sonier, on the left hand side, is shown with some of the sample wood products that members have made at the woodworking shop which is located at the Golden Age Club. With him is President, Gilles Rieux.

Membership in LE CENTRE CLUB AGE d'OR DE LA VALLEE / GOLDEN AGE CLUB entitles you to the full use of the shop which is one of the best equipped in the district.

In the series of photos below, Gerard Chartrand and Paul-Emile Audette show one of the items that Paul-Emile has made in the shop. It is a kitchen chair that turns into a footstool when needed. The item is very handy in the home and always allows you access to a solid footstool to help you reach those high places in the cupboard. The hand-made creation can be yours for only $100. Proceeds from sales of products are used by the Club to help pay for operating costs.

CIBC Run For The Cure Sets Up In The Mall To Raise Funds For Breast Cancer Research

Volunteers from the Val Caron Branch of the CIBC were in the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre during Labour Day weekend selling some wonderful gifts and items to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. The trio, shown below, included, from left to right, Linda Rutherford, Lillian Lapping and Karen Ladouceur.

"This is a year-long project that the girls at the bank just love getting involved with," explained Karen, who is one of the main organizers of the initiative. "I order supplies and we sell them all year long. We even hold bake sales, raffles and penny tables right in the bank which are very popular with our customers. This year we are hoping to raise over $10,000 to be donated to the CIBC Run for A Cure."

Karen and Lillian are shown putting the final touches to the quilt which was being raffled off as part of the project.

All items purchased contain the Breast Cancer logo and the recognized pink colouring.

Products included everything from hats to pocket calendars to jewellery.

Shoppers commented that these items made for excellent gift ideas for the women in their life.

The ladies expect to return to the mall for one more weekend prior to the October Run for A Cure. The date will be announced in an upcoming issue of Valley East Today.

Our Children / Our Future Raising Funds By Selling Tickets To Councillors' Breakfast at Valley East Lions Charity Days

Stephanie Richard, Parent Resource Worker at the Hanmer location of Our Children, Our Future, spent the day at the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre on August 28 selling tickets to the Councillor's Breakfast which will be held in conjunction with the Valley East Lions Charity Days on September 9, 2006. The tickets were $3 each with all of the proceeds going back to Our Children, Our Future to help defray some of the program costs of the organization.

With Stephanie was Cammie Thibert, a 3rd Year Laurentian University student on a summer placement. Cammie is in the French Teachers' College Program and found the summer experience to be invaluable in helping her understand young children.

Cammie is shown below reading a book to 2 year old Vanessa Girard during playgroup which is held on Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Hanmer location.

Below, Cammie and Vanessa enjoy working on a special craft project during the same playgroup period.

MISSION OF OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE...

Our Children, Our Future works in partnership with individuals, families, groups and organizations, to develop and promote innovative and sustainable community resources that nurture healthy children, healthy families and healthy communities.

GOALS OF OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE....

	To help improve parenting skills
	To increase a family’s access to food and nutrition information
	To decrease the incidence of child abuse and neglect

OBJECTIVES OF OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE...

	Promote partnerships and collaborative activities at the community level in planning, developing and providing services and programs which improve the health of children and their families.
	Promote, within the District of Sudbury, the health and social development of at risk and geographically isolated children and their families by providing support programs and services for these children and families.
	Provide services which are sensitive to cultural and linguistic diversity in the District of Sudbury. Programs are available in French and English for parents with children and soon-to-be parents particularly vulnerable families in need of additional support.
	Promote community ownership of the parent resource program by facilitating and increasing involvement of the community in all aspects of the programs and services development and delivery.
	Increase accessibility to support programs and services, increase access to information regarding prenatal health, lifestyle issues and infant health and provide access to nutritious food and food supplements for "at risk" pregnant women and new mothers in need.
	To increase the capacity of parents in designated communities to relate positively to their children.
	To provide interactive nutrition education and encourage the development of skills related to food and nutrition in a supportive environment.
	To facilitate and support community based activities that increase access to sufficient and nutritious foods.

For more information on Our Children, Our Future, go to the following link >>>>>

21st Annual Hanmer Knights of Columbus
FESTIVAL D'ETE / SUMMER FAIR Once Again Draws Huge Crowds To Hanmer

Roland Mallet, above, is caught racing from one venue to another as he makes last minute preparations during the 21st Annual Knights of Columbus Council #5005 Summer Fair. Roland was the man in charge of a small army of volunteers who helped keep things in order and enjoyable for the thousands of visitors to the site.

Fern Gascon, on the right, took time to rest on Saturday in preparation for the horseshoe tournament which was scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Fern is another member who has been active in the organization of the Annual Summer Fair which is undoubtedly the biggest event of the year in Valley East.

GLASS TIGER, the popular Canadian Group shown above, was the headline group on Friday night. Saturday's feature performers included Brad Johner and Paul Dwayne.

Cold Crush, shown on the left in the covered band stand, lead off the music parade on both Friday night and Saturday afternoon.

Other local performers to grace the stage included:

Witness
RetroActive
Marc Serre & Stillwell
Country Drifters
Euphoria
Possum

Sunday afternoon featured a Kids Talent Contest and the popular Adult Talent Contest finals.

The 21st Annual Truck Pulling Contest was once a gain a huge fan favourite, pitting heavy duty vehicles against thousands of pounds of cement on a 2000 pound sled. Below, we see Jean Labelle's 2004 3.5L GMC Canyon ready to pull 3000 pounds in his first try.

Labelle's truck had absolutely no difficulty making the full pull and went on in the competition which continued both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

There was plenty to see and do for the entire family during this year's event. Following is a small sample of the photos that were taken of the facilities on Saturday afternoon.

Congratulations to the Hanmer Knights of Columbus Council #5005 for another job well done!