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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1991-12-18, Page 2Page 2 Times -Advocate, December 18, 1991 Need on increase Generosity keeps Bureau alive EXETER - This year did not bring an expected upturn in the economy. We may all have to wait for 1992. But for families who find it hard to make ends meet already, being asked to wait is not much comfort, especially at Christmas time. In order to help ease that burden and to brighten the Christmasses of children all across Huron County, the Children's Aid Society has once again undertaken the enormous task of organizing and operating their Christmas Bureaus in Exeter, Sea - forth, Goderich, Clinton and Wing - ham. "Donations have been going real- ly well," said Jan Ingram at the Ex- eter bureau located in Trivitt Me- morial Anglican Church. The bad news is that the organi- zation is already extending its dis- tribution days past the original schedule. "This means there are going to be more recipients than last year, by a lot," said Ingram. Last Christmas 835 children and 384 families received support from the five Christmas Bureaus. What that number will be this year is not yet known, but with the number of families who faced layoffs this year, and those who found them- selves still searching for worm after their unemployment benefits ex- pired, the outlook is a little grim. But the donations have been com- ing in to the bureau, by the box - load, and by the truckload. "It's been wonderful. In fact, it's been overwhelming, especially when you consider the economic times," said Ingram. Many local organizations have been holding fundraisers and col- lection drives specially to purchase goods for the bureau, as have sever- al schools. Businesses have collected items from employees and delivered them to the bureau, and three retirement homes, Exeter Villa, Bluewater Rest Home, and Queensway Nurs- ing Home, are donating baking that will be given out along with the welcoming cup of coffee the recip- ients receive when they arrive at the church. Huron Motor Products has also acted as a depot for donations for those unable to come to the church. Even though bureau assistant manager Tim Rowcliffe says that there are many toys of all kinds be- ing donated, he has noticed an in- crease in the amount of food items coming through the doors, perhaps in recognition of the hard times. "A lot more people are aware of the fact that people need food," said Rowcliffe, who opened a closet to show it packed with canned goods purchased by the Optimists. Used clothing has also been do- nated and Ingram says the condi- tion of the clothes seems to have improved over the years. Even though the Children's Aid Society has been operating for 30 years, Rowcliffe said he would like to see the day when it is not need- ed. "It would be nice if the Christmas Bureau became redundant and we didn't have to do this at all because everybody's head is above water," he said. However, in 1991, that is not the case, and the organizers and volun- teers at the bureau are taking heart in the fact that the toys, food, mit- tens and clothing are all going to brighten many, many Christmasses in the immediate area. "It's for the children," said In- gram. Among the donations from South Huron District High School were these sweaters modeled by Christmas Bureau assistant manager Tim Rowcliffe, volunteer Doug Needs, hand high school students Kristi VanDongen an Tobi Taylor. The school purchased items for the Bu- reau with funds raised by the students in several activities. Hay Township Land Fill Site will he CLOSED WED., DEC. 25 and every WED. DUR- ING JAN., FEB. AND MARCH 1992 Open every Saturday 9-4 . :' Hans Bischo Masonry Contractor 730 Wonderland Rd.N., London 473-9505 Our wish is that our customers, friends, neighbours and relatives have a 4 happy and healthy holiday. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hans, Helen and Angela Riverview 1s#atee 'residents made a substantial donation to the, Christmas Bureau on Thurs- day. Aslation president Jack Brotzel (Heft), and secretary Bea Bowman stand with the some of `ie food items, toys and clothing collected at the recreation centre for the seniors'" community in north Exeter. Along with the 700Ibs of groceries was a cash donation to go to- wards the less fortunate families who will be receiving contributions from the Christmas Bu- reau. '' ' jar 1111 Ash" 6 A gingesbread house was raffled off by the Centralia College student's council last week. The house was made by Judy Gamess (left) of the nutritional management services department. Beside her is the winner Dean Jackson holding the cake with student council president Duane Swartzentruber. At right is Sue Munnoch, representing the Christmas Bureau, to which the raffle proceeds of $314.50 were donated. Fisher elected warden Continued from front page the future," said Fisher. Fisher has been the reeve of Zu- rich for the past six -and -a -half years and was recently acclaimed in the 1991 municipal election. "Campaigning for warden has been humbling. One day I'm voic- ing my opinion and the next I'm asking for your vote." He is outspoken at county council sessions and noted his concerns to be the demolition of the old Huron - view and cutbacks in provincial funding. "I'll try to uphold the traditional values of past county wardens," but said he can't keep all promises. "Promises are like babies. They are easy to make but hard to deliv- er." Members of Zurich council were on hand to congratulate Fisher; councillor Keith Semple said the village of Zurich has benefited from Fisher's expertise. Bea Dawson chairman of the Hu- ron County Board of Education, brought greetings. "You and 1 have an enormous and difficult task ahead," said Daw- son. VISSCHER FARMS COUNTRY MARKET OPEN - Monday 10 Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CLOSED Sundays May you be blessed as you worship the Tow of Ings this season APPLES $10.00 per bushel Apple Cider $3.50 a jug POTATOES - $5.00 - 50 Ib. bag BELGIUM ENDIVE $1.50 per lb. 3 mi. west of MEOW on Hwy. 83 Phone 237-3442 o� o 0 O Oe 8 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Seasons Greetings Hang a wreath, deck the halls, and have a very Merry Christmas Warmest thanks to all our customers and friends. Marilyn, Ron, Mark and Tina Exeter Paint and Paper 378 Main St., Exeter 235-0452 • 0 t unu 0 e n w 00 0 00 O O Volunteers Terri Roit (right) and Sandra Maxwell sort and arrange the enormous amount of foodstuffs donated to the Christmas Bureau this year. A Special eft for Christmas A book from Prairie Wool to Whispering Pines. By Carfrey Cann. $15.00 at Book Stores in Exeter, Grand Bend and the Zurich Pharmacy. NOSTALGIA GIFTS BY LOCAL AUTHORS Gwen Whilsmith Carfrey Cann Robert Walker W.J.D. McAllister Catharine Young Beulah Homan Available at Available at 424 Main St., 235-1331 4