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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-11-28, Page 10Crossroads 10 Times -Advocate Wednesday, November 28, 2007 Hensall student continues Christmas tradition By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF HENSALL — Travis McLeod of Hensall has start- ed his own special Christmas tradition. For the second year in a row, the nine-year-old Grade 4 Hensall Public School student is raising money to buy gifts for children suffering from can- cer. Travis is seeking donations of Canadian Tire money or regular money. Travis and his family are working with Childcan, the Childhood Cancer Research Association. The organization's purpose is "to make the burden of childhood cancer a little less painful for the fami- lies in order to make the treatment process easi- er." Childcan meets emotional, financial, social and basic needs when a family faces cancer. Through efforts last year, Travis raised $1,450 in cash and $300 in Canadian Tire money. Over 80 gifts were donated to Childcan, which went to the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario. Childcan receives no government funding and Travis decided to get involved because he wanted to help kids with cancer. Travis is looking for donations before Dec. 7 so he has time to buy toys in time for Christmas, although donations after Dec. 7 will be accepted. Those interested in donating to Travis' Christmas Drive can send donations to P.O. Box 437, Hensall, Ont., NOM 1XO. Cheques and money orders should be made out to Candice McLeod. Tax receipts for donations of $10 or more are available. For more information, call 262-2781 or check out Travis' Facebook page, "Travis' Charity Dream." The Christmas spirit — Nine-year-old Travis McLeod of Hensall is continuing his Christmas tradition of collecting cash and Canadian Tire money donations to help buy gifts for children suffering from cancer. His efforts last year raised $1,450 in cash and $300 in Canadian Tire money. More than 80 gifts were donated to the Childcan organization, which went to the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario.Above Travis is seen donating last year's gifts. (photolsubmitted) Zurich photographer lends talents to help those with cancer By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF ZURICH — A Zurich -area photographer has entered a non-profit program that will help those battling cancer cherish their family memories. Sandra Regier of Sandra Regier Photography recently joined "Smiling Eyes," a group of photographers who donate their time and services to take pictures of fami- lies fighting cancer. "Smiling Eyes" was started by Baden photographer Christine Kufske. Regier said she heard about the program through a network of photographers and said it sounded like a great idea. Regier said she will donate two sessions per month for "Smiling Eyes." After the session, the family will receive a free CD of high resolution pictures which they can use to have prints made wherever they like. Regier started with "Smiling Eyes" last month and explained it's always nice for families to have current pictures of themselves. Regier did a session for "Smiling Eyes" a couple of weeks ago and says it was the first time that family had family pic- tures done in 10 years. Regier says she always shoots on location, whether in the family's home or in an outdoor spot like a park. In her fourth year as a professional photographer, she admits she isn't sure what type of response she'll get for her "Smiling Eyes" venture, but says it is something worth trying. She has joined the program along with Goderich based photographer Erin Samuell. For more information, contact Regier at 852-4892 or visit her website at www.sandraregier.com. Samuell can be reached at www.simplephoto.ca "Smiling Eyes" —At left, Zurich photographer Sandra Regier has joined a group of photographers in a non-profit program called "Smiling Eyes," which sees photographers take free pictures of families battling cancer. (photolsubmitted) Schenk seeks top position with school boards association By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE TIMES -ADVOCATE EXETER — Wingham's Colleen Schenk has been on the campaign trail for the past month, seeking support for her candidacy for presi- dent of the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA). The provincial lobby organization plans a special meeting Dec. 1 to elect a replacement for its former president, who left to contest a seat in the Oct. 11 Ontario election. "I've e-mailed material to all the school boards across the province, and I've been on the phone to as many trustees as possible," Schenk said Nov. 13 after a regular meeting of the Avon Maitland District School Board. A long-time OPSBA delegate for the Avon Maitland board who, in recent years, moved dential choice that would open up if Schenk or into more senior leadership posi- another current VP is elected tions, Schenk is currently an asso- ciation vice-president. Her opponents in the campaign are Howard Goodman of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Loralea Carruthers of the York Region District School Board. Avon Maitland trustees, led by voting delegate Doug Pratley of Stratford, discussed the process for the Dec. 1 vote during the Nov "I've e-mailed material to all the school boards across the province, and I've been on the phone to as many trustees as possible" - COLLEEN SCHENK AVON MAITLAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD 13 meeting. But it wasn't the presidential vote that was on the agenda; it was the potential vice-presi- president. "They've been very supportive," commented Schenk, when asked if the lack of discussion about the presidential vote should be inter- preted as full-fledged Avon Maitland support for her candida- cy. The OPSBA process gives weight- ed votes depending on the popula- tion served by each board. The TDSB, most populous in the province, receives eight votes, some northern boards receive just one, and the Avon Maitland board receives three votes.