The Times Advocate, 2008-11-12, Page 88
Times -Advocate
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Exeter couple to build homes in El Salvador
EXETER An Exeter couple is among
those who headed to El Salvador recently
to build homes in an area ravaged by vol-
canoes, mud slides and heavy rain.
John and Diane Wilds, who moved to
Exeter a few years ago after many years in
Zurich, are part of a group of 10 people in-
volved in the project.
The group includes participants from
Zurich, Stratford, St. Marys, Forest and
Sebringville, among others.
In February, a group of 11 people that
includes Exeter s Herman Steffens, will be
involved in a similar project.
Each of us are feeling blessed with our
lives, Diane Wilds said in a document
sent to the Times -Advocate.
We have healthy, happy families and are
feeling that this is a good time in our lives
to start giving back and helping others.
Wilds has never worked with the group
heading to El Salvador, but completed a
missions trip to Mexico with another group
three years ago.
She noted that a great deal of satisfaction
comes from such work.
Spending time with people so much less
fortunate than yourself puts things you
take for granted back into perspective,
she said.
The group going to El Salvador started
nearly five years ago, Wilds said, and re-
turns to build homes in the same area ev-
ery year.
They partner with the St. Marys Rota-
ry Club to provide receipts to those who
donate more than $25 to the cause.
Each 430 square foot home costs
$2,500 to make $800 more than last
year, due to rising steel prices. It is
hoped that between the two trips, 20
houses will be built.
Each of the volunteers is responsible
to pay their own way to El Salvador,
each providing $2,200 out of their own
pockets, Wilds said.
The money pays for air fare, meals
and accomodations, as well as some of
the cost of building the houses.
Wilds noted that the group s accom-
modations aren t anything fancy.
They will be sleeping in two rooms at
an El Salvador clinic, men in one room
and women in the other, she said.
The El Salvador families who receive
a home must qualify for them, then
work alongside the volunteers during
the construction process.
Each home is designed to withstand
winds and earthquakes, Wilds said.
They are built from steel posts with steel
sheeting on the sides and a lock on each
home to keep them safe, she added.
The homes will have three rooms, two of
which are bedrooms. The largest room is
used as a kitchen, living and dining area,
Building for the future Diane and John Wilds, shown here, are part of a 10 -per-
son group seeking to build homes for people affected by natural disasters in El
Salvador. (Photo/submitted)
Wilds said.
She added that the group will be leaving
gravel, sand and cement for the new hom-
eowners to pour a cement floor.
Wilds said one of the homes will be built
in honour of her aunt Sister Joyce Smith,
who recently celebrated 50 years in a con-
vent.
The building will be called House
of Hope.
School flu clinics not offered this year
HURON The Huron County Health Unit is reminding
parents their children need to get their free flu shot at a com-
munity clinic or doctor s office this year.
The health unit is not offering school clinics because of
a decreasing number of students taking advantage of the
school-based clinics.
Senior public health nurse Christina Taylor says the health
unit increased community clinics this year.
It s very important for children to get their flu shot. We
encourage parents to bring children to the many clinics of-
fered throughout Huron County this month.
Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious
viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. It causes a sud-
den fever, sore throat, chills, dry cough, headache, muscle
aches and fatigue. Most people who get the flu are sick for
two to seven days, but can feel tired and weak for up to two
weeks. In some cases, the cough can last for weeks, too.
The flu can cause pneumonia and other complications that
can require hospitalization. The bug can even be fatal. The
flu spreads very easily from person to person in tiny drop-
lets from the nose and throat.
The health unit is holding free flu clinics across Huron
4.4, .40
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County throughout November.
Locally, clinics have already been held in Crediton and
Exeter and more are
planned Nov. 13 and
Nov. 20 at the Hensall
Health Centre on 122
King St. Both clinics run
from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Watch for newspaper
ads or go to www.hu-
roncounty.ca/health for
a full list of clinics.
Taylor says the flu
shot is safe and effec-
tive. It is free for people
who live, work, or go to
school in Ontario. Tay-
lor reminds people they
cannot get the flu from
the flu shot because the
shot does not contain a
live virus.
Kindergarten Registration 2009-2010
November 3 - 30 at Your Community Public School
Times and Locations rea Schools
South Huron
All sessions begin at 9:00 am
The
Thursday, November 13
Hensall Public School - Call 519-262-2833
Usborne Central Public School - Call 519-235-0331
Friday, November 14
Exeter Public School - Call 519-235-2630
Thursday, November 20
Huron Centennial Public School - Call 519-233-3330
Thursday, November 27
Stephen Central Public School - Call 519-234-6302
Friday, November 28
Zurich PS Call 519-236-4942
Junior Kindergarten
Children 3 years old
by Dec 31, 2008,
are eligible for junior
kindergarten in Sep 2009.
Chuck Reid
Director of Education
ct
3 year olds , I.
Avon
Maitland District
School Board and its
community public elementary
schools are proud to offer a
quality learning opportunity
for our young citizens entering
school in fall 2009.
During the month of
November we celebrate the
registration, with special
activities at many schools,
such as crafts, story time,
music and refreshments.
Parentscan learn moreabout
their child's development,
learn about local programs
and services, and get
tips on how to prepare
their child for school.
For more information call
your school or
1-800-592-5437.
Senior Kindergarten
Children 4 years old
by Dec 31, 2008,
are eligible for senior
kindergarten in Sep 2009.
W W W.vooptubooU3oao
Meg Westley
Chair
Wilds made clear that the group does not
care about the size of the donations they re-
ceive Every cent helps, she said.
Those wishing to donate to the current
mission, or the mission scheduled to take
place in February, can call the Wilds at
235-0176.
Dr. Geoff Hann
Accepting New Patients
Chiropractic -Acupuncture -Orthotics
105 Main St., Exeter 519-235-1535
www.DrHann.ca
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