2013 marks the 60th anniversary of Korean War armistice In 2013, we mark the Year of the Korean War Veteran and the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice. As a member of The War Amps Child Amputee (CHAMP) Program, I am proud to be part of its Operation Legacy. Letters to the Editor 7 | Friday, April 19, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com If you volunteer, it's time to take a bow Odds are, if you are reading this, you volunteer. April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week -- a time to acknowledge the integral contribution volunteers make to our collective wellbeing. People across Halton-Peel drive strangers to medical appointments, skimp on family time to serve on boards, pack food hampers or raise funds. They quietly and cheerfully deliver a myriad of services that boost our quality of life. I personally wish to recognize my fellow volunteers on the Ontario Trillium Foundation's local Grant Review Team. Together, they review and analyze dozens of grant applications. In the last year, they recommended OTF invest $10 million in 95 organizations across the catchment of HaltonPeel. The resulting financial investment OTF makes locally is, in my view, more than matched by the hard work, time and expertise put in by the unpaid volunteers who choose to work with these groups. Last year, in the Halton-Peel area, some 7,843 volunteers contributed more than 229,846 hours of their time to support organizations that received OTF funding. If we translate their efforts into a dollar value, it comes to just more than $3.9 million of giving. All of us are touched and enriched by volunteers' efforts. So, if you volunteer, take a bow. If you benefited from a volunteer's efforts this week, consider pausing to make sure they know that you know what a difference they're making. Gayle Wadden, chair Oakville Halton-Peel Grant Review Team, Ontario Trillium Foundation This is a group of committed young people who are dedicated to preserving Canada's military heritage. Throughout the year, tribute will be paid to the more than 26,000 Canadians who served in the Korean War, including the 516 who gave their lives. To learn more about this anniversary and Canada's role in the Korean War, we encourage the public to view The War Amps vignette, Canadians in Korea, on The War Amps YouTube channel (www.youtube. com/warampsofcanada). Projects such as this are part of Operation Legacy's goal to carry the remem- brance message into the future. With the slogan, "It was their war, it is our legacy," we pledge to never forget the sacrifices of those who fought for the freedom of South Korea. Graham Spero, 17, Ottawa grow everything Guaranteed to TM Free literacy programs for those in need Continued from p.6 everyday challenges on their own. Imagine their joy and pride in meeting their goals to better their situation. Imagine the hundreds of hours our volunteers give to help their fellow citizens, neighbours -- and often, eventually, friends -- transform their lives from one's of isolation and dependence, to one's full of engagement with and contributions to our community. Imagine the hard work and dedication it takes to do this. Imagine the satisfaction there is in doing this. Kudos to all of our volunteers and to all our adult learners. You inspire me. Kudos to all in this community who support the work of the Oakville Literacy Council. You are my constant source of hope that we can continue to offer our uniquely customized free literacy programs to all in our community who can benefit from them. I look forward to seeing you at our annual Spring Used Book Sale held this year at QEP Community and Cultural Centre in Bronte from June 7-10. For more information on the work we do and how you can help, please visit www. oakvilleliteracy.ca. TAKE DELIVERY BY MAY 15TH Time is Precious, Mistakes are Costly and Decorating is Complicated. WHEN YOU MENTION WIN CODE TK1943 REGULAR PRICE $139 JUNIOR SIZE $109 INCLUDES DELIVERY 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE ORDER SECURELY ONLINE AT BigYellowBag.com Inquire about your Personal Design Consultation. At Fitz by Design we are committed to creating breathtaking, functional spaces that are unique as the individuals living in them. Call 905.334.3583 www.fitzbydesign.ca shona@fitzbydesign.ca TK1943 Enter the win code at BigYellowBag.com for your chance to WIN a BigYellowBag