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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2014-01-01, Page 22 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, January 1, 2014 United Way Perth- Goderich lawyer named regional director Huron at 80 per of Ontario Criminal Lawyers' Association cent of 2013 goal Support still needed as campaign winds down Dave Flaherty Goderich Signal -Star The United Way Perth -Huron is well on its way to reaching its 2013 campaign goal. Executive director Ryan Erb said as of the week of Dec. 16, they were at about 80 per cent of the $1.15 million goal for 2013. Erb said things are rolling along well for the campaign, stating they are ahead of where they have been the past couple of years. He said United Way officials have made a concentrated effort to try and wrap up the campaign a bit earlier this year (the hope is by the end of February). The annual workplace dona- tion campaign and the Care -A - Van partnership with Scotiabank, which raised $76,000, have been great suc- cesses, Erb said. "We've been very successful at getting the word out there about the campaign," Erb said, thanking the local media for their help. The requests for funding the United Way has received is $150,000 more than their cam- paign goal, so Erb said he hopes the community can really amp up the support over the next few months. "Even though the big events are wrapped up, the campaign is far from over." Erb also took the time to address the issue of administra- tive costs. He said of the funds raised by the United Way, 14 per cent of that goes to administrative costs, information which is released publicly in their annual report. He has concerns because he is aware of some e-mails and posts on Facebook that he believes are misleading about administrative costs. "We just don't want to see things that will make people hesitant about supporting non- profit organizations," he said. According to Erb, The Cana- dian Revenue Agency states that non-profit and charitable organizations should not incur administrative costs that exceed 30%. Erb noted that without that 14 per cent that goes towards administrative staff, the United Way would not likely be able to raise over a $1 million. "I don't think anyone would want to see the United Way una- ble to raise that money," he said. He added while volunteers play a vital role for the United Way, their paid staff also con- tribute significantly and "they have to make a living wage." As the campaign rolls on, Erb thanked everyone who has donated so far and said United Way is unique in that volunteers make the decision where the funds will go. To make a donation, visit www.perthhuron.unitedway.ca. OFFICE HOURS The Office Hours for The Seaforth Huron Expositor is as follows Mondays - 9am - 5pm Tuesdays - CLOSED Wednesdays - 9am - 5pm Thursdays - 9am - 5pm Fridays - 9am - 5pm Seaforth non Expositor 8 Main Street, Seaforth ON PH: 519-527-0240 www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com Scott Cowan will service Huron, Bruce and Grey counties Dave Flaherty Goderich Signal -Star A Goderich-based criminal lawyer has been elected as the regional direc- tor of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers' Association. Scott Cowan of The Ross Firm will serve the counties of Huron, Bruce and Grey including acting as the court- house liaison for the courts in Goderich, Wingham, Walkerton and Owen Sound. The Ontario Criminal Lawyers' Asso- ciation is a group Cowan said is "very active in pursuing the ideals of access to fairness and justice in the criminal law sphere!' The association represents 1,200 lawyers provide -wide and is frequently given intervener status in significant cases before the Supreme Court of Canada includings matters touching on national security, civil liberties and access to justice. Cowan said there are several issues facing the association, including legal aid, which he said has "really aban- doned the working poor." "It is becoming less and less likely to be represented through legal aid." He called the maximum yearly earn- ings for those who can apply for legal aid a "laughable wage." "To think someone making $11,000 a year could hire a lawyer is nonsensi- cal," Cowan said. He also criticized the supposed rea- soning behind legal aid budget cuts. "The whole idea that it's because of tough economic times is absolute gar- bage," Cowan said. "There is no short- age of money for justice to flex its muscles!' Locally, Cowan said a big issue is how far those arrested in Huron County are moved into custody. "If you're arrested in Lucknow, you go to either London or Penetanguish- ene," Cowan said. "We keep people so far away from their families and law- yers, it's a real problem." Cowan explained while that issue is very prevalent in northern parts of the province, it's unique in southern Ontario. Cowan's term is for two years. Medical supplies heading to Costa Rica Ryan Goodyear For the Signal Star At a recent Huron County council meeting, David Lew, chief of emer- gency services, brought forward a rec- ommendation on behalf of the Can- ada- C o sta Rica outreach team, seeking approval for donation of med- ical provisions. Lew explained that every year the Canada -Costa Rica out- reach team travels to Costa Rica to lend a hand in medical assistance. "The team provides medical exper- tise with the residents. The team is looking for supplies and we have some that will be expiring soon," said Lew. Provisions the team is looking include bandages, dressings and medications like aspirin. However, council was guaranteed that no nar- cotics or restricted medications would be sent. There was a small concern over sending soon -to -expire medications and what the affects could be. Lew explained that in Canada there are high expectations for medical prod- ucts, but these same stringent guide- lines may not be applied in places like Costa Rica. Once the supplies reach the destination, Costa Ricans would still be able to use them for another 90 to 100 days. "The medication will expire in the first quarter of 2014, so by March, and the team will be going down in Janu- ary," said Lew. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously.