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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday July 18, 2008 - 23 Oakville YMCA general meeting has global message O n June 11, the YMCA of Oakville held its annual general meeting -- with a theme that left many thinking much harder about our global world. The year 2007 was the 51st for the Y in Oakville and also the first year of a new, three-year strategic plan. Kristian Knibutat, board chair, noted the evening's theme -- Tales from around the world: They are all our children -- was the first step to raise awareness of the YMCA of Oakville's goal to be a leader in facilitating positive development opportunities for youths and families. The theme also reflected the Y's desire to progress in youth development on a global level with international partnerships. Bruce Ireland, Y CEO, noted in 2007, the local Y provided more than $530,000 in fee assistance to kids and families in Oakville, compared to $117,000 raised by the YMCA Strong Kids annual campaign. "I would like to see us raise awareness of the YMCA as a charity, and to join the 70 per cent of Canadian YMCAs that have an international partnership." Ireland commented on the YMCA of Oakville's leadership role in the implementation of the CATCH (Co-ordinated Approach to Child Health) program throughout Ontario, and explained this program works to build a culture that supports increased physical activity and healthy food choices. Ireland also discussed the Y's strong leadership in child care services, youth leadership and day camping. Nicole Oko, Y membership services coordinator, made a moving and thoughtful presentation based on her five-week outreach trip to Peru in early 2008 to help earthquake victims rebuild the town of Pisco. Oko encouraged the group to appreciate the daily choices they are able to make and the fortunate circumstances many of us enjoy in North America. She also encouraged the group members to do whatever they could and get involved in international development. Guest speaker Peter Kenney also made a presentation about the Kenny Family Foundation efforts in southeast Africa. He commented on the myriad of issues being faced in Africa, including corruption, violence and tribal wars. Kenney expressed his admiration for the brave and positive African people who have shown forgiveness and faced these challenges with spirit. They have devoted themselves to the improvement of their life situation and to building a better future of their children. "You can't change the world, but there is a lot you can do and despite all of the issues in Africa, it was a very encouraging place to be," said Kenney. Tom Coon and Rob Reid of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka made a presentation outlining their four-year partnership with the YMCA of Sierra Leone on the West African coast. They commented on the extreme poverty, war, low life expectancy and high level of disease in Africa and the positive impacts made by the YMCA and other organizations over the last seven years. "In today's global society there is an ever increasing need to act globally, to treat our entire planet as one community, a community, which is our responsibility, which we have a duty to care for, protect and help to sustain," said Coon. "Through the work of the YMCA in Sierra Leone and through our support here in Canada, I have seen real progress in four short years in what is still one of the poorest communities in the world." Both Coon and Reid encour- aged Canadians to lead the world in their commitment to international aid and the end of extreme poverty. For information on the YMCA of Oakville, go to www.ymcaofoakville.com. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement and personal growth. -- Submitted by the Oakville YMCA The Regional Municipality of Halton www.halton.ca ROAD CLOSURE APPLEBY LINE (REGIONAL ROAD 20) FROM NO. 1 SIDE ROAD TO NO. 2 SIDE ROAD CITY OF BURLINGTON APPLEBY LINE (REGIONAL ROAD 20) FROM NO. 1 SIDE ROAD TO NO. 2 SIDE ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED TO THROUGH TRAFFIC FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY STARTING ON SATURDAY, JULY 26, 2008 COMPLETION ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 2, 2008 CONTRACT NUMBER: SCHEDULED COMPLETION DATE: CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR: R-2492-08 AUGUST, 2008 BOB WICKLUND EXT. 7607 180708 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1