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19 · Thursday, November 24, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com `Ti `T Ti sea eas son is s the s on... for gi fo iv vi in ng! ng vi Philanthropists young and old honoured on National Philanthropy Day National Philanthropy Day®, November 15, is the special day set aside to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy--and those people active in the philanthropic community-- have made to our lives, our communities and our world. On National Philanthropy Day®, charities around the world thank you for your support. Your involvement--whether it's mentoring, volunteering, giving, staffing an event or showing your support on social media--makes philanthropy possible, and makes National Philanthropy Day so special and meaningful. In 2011, more than 125 communities and 50,000 people around the world will participate in NPD events and celebrations. These events include award ceremonies, galas, luncheons, seminars and other special events. Outstanding donors, volunteers, corporations, foundations, small businesses, youth in philanthropy and others will be honored on NPD in recognition of their work in improving their communities and their world every day. What makes philanthropy so special is that no one is required to give of themselves. There are no national laws or regulations which mandate that you must volunteer or get involved. Philanthropy is so powerful and inspiring precisely because it is voluntary--that through the goodness of our hearts, through our need to connect, through our desire to see a better world, we come together to improve the quality of life for all people. Through your generosity, billions of dollars and volunteer hours are given every year to countless nonprofits and charities around the world. Millions and millions of programs--from feeding the hungry and clothing the needy, curing the sick, saving the environment-- happen every day because of you and your commitment to your favorite causes. Teach h your kids k d the h power of f giving (NC)--Charitable giving is important throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. Busy families wrapped-up in seasonal commitments can often overlook those who are less fortunate. This year, instil the importance of giving in your children by having them help you select items like toys, clothing and books to give to families in need. It will brighten someone else's holiday and teach your kids the true meaning of the season. · Durability--Durable toys will last for years and offer enjoyment for generations. Donating cheaply made toys will only provide temporary fun and perhaps some heartache when they break--also putting pressure on the family to replace the item. Large playhouses, wooden trains or athletic equipment are great examples of durable toys children love. · Unisex--Choosing a unisex toy will not only ensure that your donation is suitable for any child, it also makes it easier for charities that may have an overabundance of gender-specific toys on-hand, to distribute. Zanymals, animals whose different parts can be switched around to create wacky beasts, from Little Tikes, are suitable for animal-loving boys and girls aged three years and up. · Classic--Classic toys are tried, tested and true. Bright colours, practicality and safety make these items a guaranteed favourite for any child in need. Choose a treasure your children have known and loved for years because classic toys like cars and dolls never go out of style. Begin a new, charitable tradition in your family this year. After all, it's the season of giving. As Chairman of the Oa kville Hospital Found ation, I think about phi it's to consider the rig lanthropy a great deal. ht wa ay to inspire and eng Whether age others to suppor campaign, or to give t the new Oakville Ho thought to my own cha spital rita a bl e con tributions in the commu is central to my life. nity ­ philanthropy On the occasion of Na tional Philanthropy Da ay, I consider the wo dictionary definition rd and its meaning ­ the true meaning. not the Philanthropy means: You've made a conscio us decision to improve the world l around you, with the to you means you hav a e availab a le Ha aving a good life inc ludes making life f better for those out immediate circle, and side of your often for total strange rs with others, including you r time and your passion Philanthropy in suppor t of the Oakville Hospi tal Foundation means all of these things in sup port of your communit y's healthcare. "State of the art" onl y happens through phi lanthropy y, because government doesn't fund new clinical equipment. So you philanthropy, at every r dollar amount, places essential medical equipment in the hands of our caregivers. They deserve our sup port, just as you des erve the best availab healthcare. a le On National Philanthr opy Da ay, on behalf of the Bo ard of Directors of the Oakville Hospital Foundation ­ and mo re importantly ­ on beh of the thousands of live alf s you've made better because you found meaning in your philan thropy, thank you. Sharing what you have Bruce Galloway Chairman Oakville Hospital Foundation To fi find n mea nd meanin nin ing g in n you your r philan phi hi il lan anthr hropy p , please ple lease vis visi it www.o www ww oak akvi vi ill leh e os ospi pita pi ta alf lfou und dat atio io on. n co c m