Wellspring is about living life while fighting cancer continued from p.18 hospice. It's not a hospital. You don't receive any treatment here," Willis said. "The philosophy here is living your life even with your diagnosis and helping you through various stages so you can have the energy and positivity of living your life or even returning to work. "We provide emotional support. There is no treatment, but we provide art therapy, yoga, relaxation therapy and exercise programs tailored to a member's need." Novokowsky's brother was seriously ill with cancer in 1999 and she ended up going to a dinner where former Oakville mayor Ann Mulvale spoke about the new facility that was coming. She became so moved upon hearing about it that she knew she had to become involved. Besides helping at the front desk, Novokowsky also conducts tours and does peer support (listening, guiding them into programs, etc.). In 2002 she started a childcare program. "I was getting calls at the front desk from families which couldn't participate in our programs because they didn't have anybody to take care of their children so we started the childcare program," Novokowsky said. She used to run the childcare out of a storage closet in the basement. Now, it's a fully-equipped room with toys and games. There's also a two-floor playhouse out back that depicts the original Wellspring before it was expanded and renovated two years ago, doubling its size. Novokowsky also sits on the PONE committee (Pediatric Oncology), running events for children with cancer. "There are very few places where parents can go with kids with cancer because of their immunity concerns," she said. "We have Christmas parties, Halloween celebrations and our summer party is next Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. "It's for children with cancer and their siblings and family. There will be entertainment, tons of food and lots of activities and everybody is invited even if they've never been to Wellspring before." There are currently 200 active volunteers, including 50 who joined the team this past year. "Without volunteerism our society will lose its soul. There is a tremendous amount of humanity here at Wellspring," Judi Perry Brinkert, executive director, told the gathering. "Each of you makes a significant difference in the lives of those who turn to Wellspring as they face potentially one of the most challenging periods of their lives." 19 | Thursday, June 18, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com oakville's NEW DISCOUNT STORE BRaND NaMes aT loW PRiCes! CHECK OUT THESE BIG DEALS! ALL CLOTHING BUY TWO AND GET ONE FREE 3rd item must be of equal or lesser value A fusion of JApAnese & Chinese Cuisine in the heArt of oAkville! VISIT OUR OUTDOOR GARDEN PATIO CENTRE PATIO SEAT AND TABLE WITH CUSHIONS $ ceLebrate suMMer at auGust 8 *free slice of Mille cAke for everY DAD. *Sapporo draft beer · $3.50 for dadS only *Above offer vAliD on Sun, June 21/15 onlY. treAt Your DAD! compare at 29999 $ 450 Sale Priced $ Dine in for All You cAn eAt GARDEN SHED 688 88 BIG-DEAL.ca lunCh or Dinner www.August8.cA 7 DAYs A week 5 Locations to serve you better! oAkville 280 north service road W. @ Dorval al 905-338-6228 BurlinGton 834 Brant Street 5111 New StreetStreet Appleby Vi 520 Kerr Burlington Oakville 519-333-DEAL (3325) 905.842.0221 Like us on Facebook.com/Big Deal Oakville BIG-DE We Do tAkeout! hAMilton 1W Wilson Street · 1066 Upper James St. stoneY Creek 835 Paramount Drive 10% off Dinner only. Cash only & with this ad. Check for our daily updates. · f a s h i o n · e l e c t ro n i c s · h o m e d e c o r · t o y s & g a m e s · h e a l t h & b e a u t y · h o u s e w a re s · b e d d i n g & l i n e n s · household supplies · seasonal · luggage & bags