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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, December 5, 2014 | 8 KSM hopes to make Christmas a wonder for every child by Herb Garbutt Oakville Beaver Staff When Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) began the Christmas Wonders and Beyond program, there was a very simple reason. "We want the day to be special for every single child," said Agnes Unger-Stassen, who has co-ordinated the program since it began in 1998. "A new pair of pajamas, a meal on the table and gifts under the tree." Unfortunately, the things many take for granted during the holiday season are not available to everyone. According to the Oakville Community Foundation's 2011 Vital Signs report, more than 26,000 people in Oakville live below the poverty line. Last year, the Christmas Wonders program helped brighten Christmas morning for 1,200 people. With more than 300 families already registered for assistance through the Christmas Wonders program, KSM has set a goal of raising $300,000 this year. Unger-Stassen said based on experience from previous years, she expects the number of families to grow to 450 before Christmas. In past years, families have registered as late as Christmas Eve. Whether you call it drywall, gypsum wallboard or sheetrock, it's all 100% recyclable to us. Documentation for LEED certification is available. Gypsum is a true closed-loop product, designed for your safety and to be infinitely recycled in to new drywall. Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) Executive Director Gary O'Neill, left, and Christmas Wonders Program Co-ordinator Agnes Unger-Stassen hope to make Christmas special for every child. | Oakville Beaver file photo 905-847-0520 www.nwgypsum.com Located just off the QEW at 2182 WYECROFT ROAD, OAKVILLE on all in stocK * some restrictions apply. no taX Wide selection of vanities to choose from located betWeen cibc & td banK vanities to choose from Wide selection of JeWellery boX mirror "You do get families who think they will be able manage and then Christmas arrives and they just aren't able to afford presents," she said. The Christmas Wonders program began with families sponsoring families in need by purchasing Christmas presents for them. Based on feedback from clients, it switched to its current format. The program now provides gift cards for retailers to allow parents to shop for presents for their children. For dinners, grocery store gift cards are provided, allowing the family to purchase a Christmas dinner that helps maintain any holiday traditions it may have. Unger-Stassen said there are a variety of reasons people may need assistance through the program, including illness, loss of job or reduced hours, marriage breakups or newcomers to the country. "There are people who are able to meet their bills, but there's nothing left over after that," she said. Providing gift cards allows KSM to equitably distribute the donations amongst the families. It also allows KSM to buy gift cards in bulk at a discounted rate, allowing them to make the best use of donations. With only about three weeks left until Christmas, KSM is approximately a third of the way to its fundraising goal. "Oakville has always been very generous and we have experienced that generosity, and we're very grateful for it," Unger-Stassen said. "People know there is Kerr Street Ministries, where they can go for help and have hope." Anyone wishing to donate, can do so at the KSM's main office at 485 Kerr St., online at www.kerrstreet.net (click on the Family Services tab and select Christmas Wonders), by phone with your credit card at 905-845-7485, or mail it to 485 Kerr St., Oakville, ON, L6K 3C6. Cash or gift card donations are welcome. Income tax receipts will be provided. table With cd stand FIREPLACE & ENTERTAINMENT UNIT Ready to buy a New Car? Visit www.carcostcanada.com first. Canada's #1 resourCe for wholesale priCe reports. We'll show you all advertised & non-advertised factory incentives & discounts. many sofa set styles to choose from dining sets now in two locations to serve you better Burlington Mall 905-635-8779 South oakville Centre 905-847-2975 (formerly hopedale mall) chairs groUp of seven framed prints variety of "I saved over $2,500 using my CarCostCanada report." Nancy, Oakville. classique -Decor.com Call us at 289-438-1573