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HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-01-25, Page 17Ashfield Twp. residents share experience volunteering with Sleep- ing Children Around the World (SCAW) Pat Livingston/ Contributor Two Ashfield Township women were guest speakers at the annual dinner and meeting of the Lucknow Agricultural Society. Anne Andrew and Suzanne Andrew shared their experiences on Jan. 17, through slides and dialogue as travelling volunteers with Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW). The two were present dur- ing the distribution of bed kits in Tanzania in 2015. This was the third time they travelled overseas with SCAW, the previous two trips being to Africa. "It is a great honour to be chosen to travel as a volun- teer with a SCAW team," said Suzanne. "In so doing, we are able to travel with a well- respected group to a third world country, and to know that there is a group in that country that has made safe travel and accommodation arrangements for.us." SCAW was founded in 1970 by Murray and Margaret Dryden. Thus began a global movement to provide children in developing countries with the gift of sleep and more. The Drydens believed "with sleep, the promise of a better tomorrow is realized." In 2015, over $40 million had been raised with 1.4 mil- lion bed kits delivered to children between six and 12, in a ratio of 50 percent girls and 50 percent boys. Volun- teers in the country of distri- bution select children with the greatest need, organize the manufacturing of bed kits, choose distribution sites and help travelling volun- teers distribute the bed kits. "We had the joy of watching the successful distribution of 5000 bed kits to 5000 needy Tanzanian children, on behalf of 5000 donors, and to witness the living conditions of the families. SCAW, a 100 per cent charity, is very accountable to its donors," said Suzanne. Suzanne and Anne explained that volunteers have a number of duties while travelling, including: • Distribution of bed kits • Ensuring quality and appro- priateness of bed kit items • Visiting factories and cot- tage industries where bed kit items are manufactured • Interviewing parents, chil- dren and caregivers to . Submitted photo Ashfield Township residents Suzanne Andrew and Anne Andrew are shown with one of the recipients of 5,000 bed kits delivered during Sleeping Children Around the World's 2015 Tanzania distribution. This particular bed kit was donated in memory of Peter Van Diepenbeek (Anne's brother), by Suzanne and her husband Bill.. ensure the bed kits are meeting the needs of the children • Visiting recipi- ents' homes to better under- stand their needs • Examin- ing financial records of the bed kit items • Taking pho- tos of the children receiving a bed kit. The photos are later sent to the donor. The contents of the bed kits vary from country to country, but always include a mat or mattress, bedding, mosquito net, clothing and footwear, schoolbag and school supplies. Children in 34 developing countries are the recipients of these pre- cious bed kits. With all items being sourced locally, here possible, there is (positive economic impact on the local community as well. Each kit costs $35. Dona- tions for the bed kits are of a free will nature. SCAW does not do telemarketing, door to door canvassing, or use professional fundraisers. Any person, business, or organization can be a benefactor. "The image of a happy, smiling child heading home with a bag of clothes and school supplies on his back and a foam mattress over his head is a sight I will always remember and cherish;" said Anne. "Being part of a team that can make that happen is truly rewarding." The full story behind the Dryden legacy, and informa- tion on donating, can be found at www.scaw.org Bayfield Lions Club plans big year for 2017 Justine Alkema Postmedia The Hayfield Lions Club is celebrating three big anniver- saries this year - Canada's 150th, their club's 70th and the International Lions' 100th. They have been preparing for these events for a while, put- ting some funds away each year to do some special pro- jects in 2017 as a "legacy year'. The Bayfield Lions are a very active club; they host 7-8 fund- raisers a year raising a yearly average of around S40,000. Every penny of the funds they raise goes back into the com- munity for programs for the elderly, youth, foodbank, etc. This year, they have many exciting projects in store. First, they are planning to build a mobile stage on a trailer to be available for a nominal fee for Wednesday. January 25, 2017 • Signal Star 17 any local group to use. The stage will be built nearby in Brucefield and will be covered and wired for sound. Second, to encourage and facilitate biking in town, they will build eight bike racks for Bayfield. The bike racks will also be constructed nearby in Holmesville. Each rack will hold eight hikes, creating "parking spots" for 64 bikes around town. Both the stage and bike racks will be spring time projects. In the summer, they have several more major projects planned with a focus on improving Clan Gregor Square. "The Lions and Optimists have kind of taken on that park as a project," said Bayfield Lions Club President Bill Rowat. "It is one of Bayfield's biggest attrac- tions, and the municipality doesn't have the money to do those kinds of things." c.A FREE for all ages in Courthouse Park, Goderich Returning this year with all your favourites and more! • Double Ice Slide • Maple Taffy Vic: Icy Games, Music & More! • Free Hotdogs courtesy of the Salvation Army `:. • ice Activities Open >� • Hotdogs & Maple Taffy Treats • 6:45 Open. Remarks & Slide OFF Hosted by FM 104 9 the Beach • 7pm BATTLE OF THE CHA}NSAWSI Saturday, February 4th from 11 am to 5pm • Ice Activities open • Hotdogs & Maple Taffy Treats in the Afternoon • 3-3:45pm PyRorreo Fire Performer. Friday, February 3rd from 6pm to 8pm A'4. Battle of the Chainsaws Two carvers in a head-to-head battle to see who's frigid creation reigns supreme! 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