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18 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday May 2, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com A Chair Affair new for CLO Continued from page 13 Six Banks. Six Beds. One great cause. Bank Bed Challenge $94,000 Raised! We couldn't have done it without you! THANK YOU! Ideal Graphics Oakville Beaver Halton Healthcare Services Dominion 1011 Upper Middle Rd Town of Oakville Timothy's World Coffee 321 Lakeshore Rd East Fortino's 173 Lakeshore Rd West seen many changes for those with mental disabilities. One example is Toronto selfadvocate Peter Park who at one time was kept locked in an institution, barely able to move without an escort, and is now married and recently travelled alone to Europe where he addressed the World Health Organization (WHO). "In 20 years, Peter was allowed to leave the institution only once, to go to his father's funeral," said Blaauw who grimaces when he recalls how people with mental handicaps were sometimes put in unmarked graves, lived in communal rooms, even shared clothes. "First out, best dressed," quipped Bradshaw with distaste for the undignified lifestyle. Today classrooms are integrated and though people with intellectual disabilities may still at times be teased, bullied or called names on the bus, life is getting better each day, said Blaauw. "It's really about empowering people," said Blaauw. Bradshaw's efforts to make the garden grow at CLO is really symbolic of CLO ASHLEA WESSEL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER CHAIR AFFAIR: Artist Kathleen McPhie with the Muskoka chair she decorated and nicknamed The Chill Out Chair. It will be auctioned at Friday's Chair Affair fundraising event for Community Living Oakville. itself, reflected Blaauw. "The people who we support want the same things as we do, they want friendship, people to say hi to them," said Blaauw who noted CLO and the people who support the nearly 300 people it serves are working toward the same thing, helping individuals reach their potential, and often surpass it. "They teach us," said Bradshaw. "I've never met a group of people so quick to forgive. They have no biases, jealousy, competition, anger, frustration. It's like they're immune to that," said Blaauw. For information visit www.oakcl.org. FREE SEMINAR · SAT. MAY 12 · 10 AM & 1PM More info: www.bankbedchallenge.com The Chisholm Team presents The 6th Annual Celebrate Oakville Event World Reflections Glenda Crawford, Founder & Music Director Thursday, May 10, 2007 6:45 p.m. 2245 Speers Rd. Oakville Operating Engineers Banquet Hall Join us for an evening of exquisite international cuisine and world musical performances featuring salsa dancing, belly dancing, djembe drumming, classical guitar and choral highlights. Incredible live and silent auction items, including a portrait painted that evening by our Guest Artist Lester Coloma. One lucky bidder will take home this unique work, auctioned at the close of the evening! To purchase your $75 ticket Call 905.337.7104 or visit www.oakvillechildrenschoir.org You could save $1,000+ on new home comfort equipment. But certain conditions and time limits apply. Attend our FREE SEMINAR, Open House and BBQ Lunch on May 12 to learn more. Let Atlas figure out the rebates and we'll even do the paperwork. You just wait for the money to arrive! The Oakville Children's Choir providing world class vocal, musical and performance training to young people. askroger.ca 2590 Bristol Circle, Unit 1, Oakville Get the details at www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Children's Choir Dear Roger, I'm hearing about lots of rebates and grants. What's the deal?