Markham Association of Community Champions

Sharing a very proud moment. February 20, 2018 Toronto, Ontario, Canada... Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, presented honours during a ceremony on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at the Fairmont Royal York’s Concert Hall, in Toronto.

To: The Giving Tree Unionville Families and my amazing neighbours. Please let me know if you can help with this list ASAP. I am helping my dear friend Tom Owen ...with this mission. "OK folks. Here is the abbreviated version of this year's Adopted Family information. The first one is a Mom and three kids Kid #1 Girl, 13 years old Favourite colours blue and purple Shoe size girls 9, boots, girls size 10 Clothes sizes pants girls size 14 - 16, tops medium We need winter clothes, pyjamas, track suit, etc. running shoes for next summer would be awesome She needs underwear, bra size 32A, etc Things like socks, warm snuggly clothes, etc would be super. She does not have a winter coat or hat or gloves Special wish gift? I phone 6 (used?) a tablet of laptop would be awesome. She will need school supplies, a backpack, etc. Remember these kids have little clothes at all; they only are allowed a few things at the shelter; they need everything. So anything is appreciated Kid #2 Girl, 10 years old Favourite colours black and white It looks like the Zumbathon ladies will take care of her winter outer clothes. Shoe size girls 9 Boots size 10 Tops are medium, pants size 12 Track suit, sneakers, socks etc Of course underwear (bra size 32B) Pyjamas and robe Sweaters, jeans, and "snuggly clothes would be great Remember these kids have little clothes at all; they only are allowed a few things at the shelter; they need everything. So anything is appreciated School supplies are a priority as would be a back pack Her special wish gift would be itunes card, a hoverboard (?), bicycle, or Roots gift card Kid #3 6 year old girl Note, this child already has a sponsor so she is at least partly cared for. With that said, any clothing is always needed and gratefully accepted. Pants size 6x, tops are small Shoes and boots size 13. School supplies and a backpack is always valued Her "special wish" is for ......BARBIES!! Things like a Barbie car, clothes, a dollhouse. Now for the Mom. It is always very difficult to get the Mom to identify her needs; she typically never tells us anything...she always wants the kids to be taken care of first. So we have a "spy" who always figures out sizes, needs/wants etc. So gifts for the Mom are always a special (and often complete) surprise! And usually results in tears. We have a sponsor for our Mom at this time. However, if you do have donations in her size, they will be gratefully accepted Top size Xlarge Pants size 18 Shoe size 9 Like the kids, the Moms leave the shelter with a couple of changes of clothes. So everything/anything? is always valued. In terms of the home, we need most everything. We still need furniture, carpets, pots, pans, a kitchen suite, a TV (We have one for them -- Lou and I are donating one of our flat screens). If you have art work for the walls, maybe a picture frame for kids pictures, a coffee table? You get the picture! Now here are the things that we always need: We usually look for a "sponsor" of cleaning supplies. Buy a cleaning bucket, fill it with soap, wash cloths, Jcloths, a broom, everything we all have under our sink. We can always use paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, a hair brush, curling iron (or straightener - what do I know...I am bald) that sort of stuff. Loofa for the shower, shampoo, etc. Anything that we can supply them means Mom won't need to spend her social assistance on....which leaves more money for the kids, food etc. By the way, our Mom is working part time and in school part time; so don't think she is not working hard!! Here is an easy way to determine what is needed. Go into one drawer in your kitchen. See those large serving spoons, the potato peeler? etc? Remember, these folks have nothing; they need all that stuff. If you have reached the bottom here, THANKS SO MUCH for reading this whole missive! I cannot think of a better way for anyone to celebrate the priviledged lives we all lead, and to celebrate our full refridgerators and wonderful kitchens than to share a little bit of our good luck with someone else. But I don't need to tell you this; you already know it. God bless you all! Tom and Lou"

This is exactly why people should never spread rumors...

I am organizing an Indigenous water walk in collaboration with the Varley Art Gallery. We will have the honour of the leadership of Becky Big Canoe and Mim Harder and I welcome you all to join us. Sunday August 26th at 1.30pm - Toogood Pond, Unionville

Yes it is official. I am running for Councillor in Ward 3. Thank you so much to all my amazing friends and neighbours that have supported me in this decision.

So proud of all my kids at The Giving Tree Unionville, and all that we do each year to bring a little hope to others.