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KSM is working to get the word out to the community continued from p.1 families," said O'Neill. "Our ability to sustain our services and sustain our existence is at risk if this trend continues." O'Neill said KSM's deficit is currently $110,000. There is no shortage of contributing factors leading to the situation. The economic downturn, O'Neill said, has not only created a greater demand for the assistance KSM provides, but has left many other people, who may support the centre, either without disposable income or in fear of a potential layoff. Donor fatigue is another piece in the puzzle. O'Neill noted the new Oakville hospital, in particular, is capturing a lot of the public's attention -- and donation dollars. "It's been fantastic to see how a lot of corporations have really stretched themselves to give significant pledges to the Oakville hospital," he said. "But it ties up money." Part of the problem, O'Neill admitted, lies with KSM in that it has failed to effectively communicate the variety of things it does for those in need in Oakville. Many are aware of the organization's food bank, which helps just less than 300 families per month, but few are aware of the charity's summer camp program, which will serve 127 children this season. At any given time, KSM has 12 to15 women in its prenatal education and support program, another 30 children enrolled in its after-school care and 15 to 20 in its Kids and Me Program. its staff, creating difficulties in providing the level of care and support its clients need. If nothing changes, the next steps could involve reductions in the existing programs offered. "Not only do I hate the idea of losing any of the programs that we have now, but the idea of not being able to move forward on some of the future partnerships and programs we're looking at would be really sad," said O'Neill. "We really want to remain part of the community." KSM is launching a fundraising campaign, which hopes to get word of its need out into the community. The organization's goal is to secure additional monthly individual donations of $40,000, O'Neill explained. While that sounds like a lot, he noted if 1,000 Oakville families provided a monthly donation of as little as $30-$60, KSM would exceed budget requirements and be able to begin to pay off the deficit accumulated over the last several years. The group also hopes to secure additional corporate sponsorships (between $15,000$50,000) to cover the costs of programs. "Hopefully the public will respond quickly and generously," said O'Neill. "If not, the essential support and services that Kerr Street Ministries provides the community will be lost." Anyone interested in donating to Kerr Street Ministries can do so at www.kerrstreet. com or call 905-845-7485. 3 | Friday, July 5, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Jan Bush, a volunteer at Kerr Street Ministries (KSM), shows empty shelves at the centre's food bank between food donation periods. However, while KSM always welcomes food donations, centre officials hope people will donate cash to keep the centre afloat. | photo by Hannah Yoon ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog) KSM also features a youth centre where dozens of teens gather and socialize, keeping them off the streets and out of trouble. All of this, and more, will be lost if the charity goes under, O'Neill said. He acknowledged KSM does receive some government funding, but said it doesn't even come close to covering the centre's costs. In one example, it was pointed out the centre receives a $50,000 grant from Service Canada each year so it can hold its summer camp for youths. The total cost of holding the summer camp, however, are between $127,000-$130,000. O'Neill said KSM has already downsized inside today's Editorial Sports Beaver www.insideHALTON.com Holland Park Garden, Amerisource Bergen, New Homes 6 19 Artscene Classified 17 24 *All flyers not necessarily delivered to all homes For home delivery & customer service call 905-631-6095, 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington New subscriptions call 905-631-6095 or subscribe online @ www.oakvillebeaver.com Sore Feet, Sports Injury, Painful Ingrown Toenails? Plantar Warts? We can help! Exceptional footcare for all ages. · Routine footcare · Corns & calluses · Plantar warts · Heel/arch/foot pain · Diabetic footcare and education · Thick or ingrown nails · Nail surgery · Sports related foot problems & injuries · Custom made orthotics · Sigvaris® compression stockings · Evenings and saturday appointments available · New patients welcome! J. Richard Werkman CHIROPODIST SUMMER SALE UP TO SELECTED STYLES LOOK FOR US ON 50 % OFF 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 to 5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 11 to 4 Visit our website, subscribe to our Blog or call for an appointment. Ample Free parking. located on the north/west corner of maple grove dr. and cornwall rd. 1495 Cornwall Rd., Suite 33, Oakville T: 905-845-4817 www.werkman.ca INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE 905.823.7415