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17 · Thursday, November 26, 2009 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com Oakville residents launching new charity with fundraiser Matt Bursey has already taken his bicycle across North America, raising awareness and funds to support people with developmental disabilities. Now the Oakville native is pulling together the energies of his friends and acquaintances to make a difference in his hometown, through a new charity, the ACCEPTional Foundation. The ACCEPTional Foundation is focused on improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, initially by funding organizations that support individuals on their way to achieving employment. The foundation's goal is to implement an unprecedented employment training program model within the Youth Hostel setting. At the hostel, people of various ability levels will work together to train individuals, providing them with transferable skills for future use in other employment settings. Bursey, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High School, has a long history of dedication to people with developmental disabilities, inspired by his sister, Erinn, who has Down Syndrome. "I've been involved in the social service field my whole life," Bursey said. "My experience doesn't come from schools or studying, but from volunteering," he said. In 2008, Bursey rode his bicycle across North America, travelling more than 13,000 km, and in the process raising just under $200,000 to support Lawson Ministries in Hamilton. "The bike ride was my first attempt at something big, and it inspired me to set something up for myself," said Bursey. "My friends and contacts have really come together to support me in the cause and we're ready to get the word out to the public." To launch their efforts and celebrate the securing of charitable status, the ACCEPTional Foundation will hold its first fundraising event, "ACCEPTional Presents: SPELL IT OUT" on Nov. 28, at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Oakville. SPELL IT OUT will be open to the public, introducing the foundation and its goals. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $12 at the door, and the evening will include games, entertainment, raffles and food. "ACCEPTional believe that it is in everyone's best interest to challenge the current norm and to create a workforce open and able to employing individuals with developmental disabilities," said Bursey. "Not out of pity, but because individuals with disabilities are skilled, capable, talented and eager to contribute and because, when more people contribute, when more people are engaged and active, we all win." For information, or to purchase tickets, contact Bursey at 905-330-9482 or burseymatthew@gmail.com. Oakville Mitsubishi was recently purchased by Tricor Automotive Group Inc.* and, as a result, we've gone through both extensive and positive changes to ensure only the best automotive experience in the GTA. In celebration, we're offering powerful incentives on our newly arrived 2010 models, including 2.8% Lease Rates on New Vehicles, 0% Finance Rates on New Vehicles and 3.8% Finance Rates on Pre-owned Vehicles. Welcome to the New Oakville Mitsubishi! *Operating in Canada since 1988 QEW Dor D val r. oakvillemitsubishi.ca Oakville Mitsubishi 191 Wyecroft Road Oakville, Ontario 905-337-3388 r ga fal Tra Rd . rr Ke St.