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15 | Friday, February 26, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Nearly two dozen volunteers recently pitched in to give the Safetynet Children and Youth Charities' Randall Street headquarters a makeover. PIctured, from left, Violet Hoehn, 17, works on painting the area below a window, Guy Berube uses a roller to paint the wall of the staircase leading to the lower level. Deanne Berube paints trim on a window, as Diego Ponce, 17, does the same the on the other side of the glass. | photos by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Children's charity relies on community support -- and gets it continued from p.12 diaper bank and provides emergency food for the homeless and free makeovers to assist people with job interviews. Its executive director noted Safetynet provides tutoring and music classes to more than 300 children. "I don't think a child should be denied the gift of music because money is a barrier. That's why we do the free music, as well. A lot kids come here for the music program. All the tutors and music teachers volunteer their time," said Shields, noting Safetynet has 40-50 volunteers. "We're also assisting with clothing the Syrian refugees. We've already helped five families who've just arrived from Syria. We had a family of six come in and we provided them with clothing and toys for the kids." There are local challenges with poverty, too, Shields said, noting the Oakville Community Foundation's (OCF) 2015 Vital Signs report reported an overall poverty rate of 8.6 per cent. "With generational poverty, the key is education... breaking that cycle. Not only are we helping with the academics, we're able to mentor the importance of a continuing education," said Shields. "Hopefully that child goes on to get a skill or trade at community college or university and that's what breaks the cycle of poverty. We really try to instill that in the children -- the importance of an academic education." After working in social services several years, the Oakville resident created Safetynet as a way "to give back to the community," Shields said. He wanted to inspire people to be independent. "The community is very supportive. The community is very good at providing clothing to us. We get very good quality clothing. We rely on community donations," said Shields. For more information, visit www. safetynetservices.ca. SINCE 1988 Oakville's Senior Transportation Services! In-town metered rates over $10. 10 off % · Alzheimer's Transportation Lowest Airport Rates Senior's rates We can take you back & from: fr · Medical & Dental Appointments · Errands, Social Visits, Meetings Our drivers are all First Aid CPR Trained www.oakvilleunitedtaxi.com 905.338.0044 ANTIQUE HARDWOOD FLOORING 290 Speers Road, Oakville 905-825-8551 www.antiquehardwoodflooring.ca FOLLOW US TO SEE THE LATEST TRENDS