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Dining in the Dark - Helping to see beyond vision loss
Recently, VCI teacher, Trena Whin!eld. star- ted a knitting club to bene!t local shelters. The club has promised donations to homeless shelters, outreachprograms, and local families. The shelters include one for men, one for wo- men and children "eeing domestic abuse, as well as one for young parents and their child- ren. The outreach programs include groups that support at-risk and homeless youth. The group would also like to support local families through the Christmas baskets donations. The project started at the end of October. “We had an event at the school around the end of September called Rachel’s challenge,” said Whin!eld. “It made me think that doing the right things and doing little things make a big di#erence.” Rachel’s Challenge is a non- pro!t organization aimed at creating safe, connected school environments. Rachel Scott was the !rst victimat the Columbine tragedy. Whin!eld began researching shelters in the area and contacted a few for ideas. “Some got back to me right away,” Whin!eld exclaimed. “They were so excited that we wanted to help. The students are very interested, evenmore so than I had anticipated.”So far, the grouphas 25 to 30 students pitching in to help a communi- ty have a warmer winter. “They are getting to- gether, showing and teaching each other how to knit,”explainedWhin!eld.“It’s incredible.” Amazing community CNIB conducts vital world-class research focused on !nding solutions and o#ering a better quality of life for people living with vision loss. From practical vision loss needs to rehabilitation and social policy, CNIB relies on the generosity of the community it serves to continue such research. The government of Canada supplies only 29% of what is needed for the CNIB to continue its research, programs and services. Events such as Dining in the Dark is just one way the public can help support CNIB while learning what it is like to live with vision loss. “Several people commented on what a great event it was,” said Kouao. “Some were here last year, and some were new. We will de!nitely be doing this again next year.” More information is available at www.cnib. ca. to get the full experience. “Several people were wearing eye masks while they ate,” said Kouao. “Some of the musicians were wearing masks too.” More than ameal
DIANE HUNTER DIANE.HUNTER@EAP.ON.CA
VANKLEEK HILL | Vankleek Hill Collegiate In- stitute (VCI) held its second annual Dining in the Dark event Friday. Almost 100 people at- tended the event, raising money for the Ca- nadianNational Institute for theBlind (CNIB). “We raised a fewhundred dollars,”said orga- nizer and teacher at VCI, Natalie Kouao.“The kids all had a ball andwere so enthusiastic.” Kouao feels the event was a great success no matter howmuch was raised.“For the kids, it’s not about the money raised. Everyone was fed, entertained, and contributed to a good cause.” Dining in the Dark is a memorable expe- rience where guests rely on all their senses ex- cept for vision in order to bring awareness and raise money for people dealing with vision loss. Food is served with limited lighting and guests have the option towear masks in order
Photo Diane Hunter
Students at Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute get involved with events such as Dining in the Dark through their Social Justice Club. Seen here is Samantha Lalonde, grade 12, Zier Zhou, grade 11, and Anika Talukder, grade 12.
Knitting for more than warmth DIANE HUNTER DIANE.HUNTER@EAP.ON.CA
VANKLEEK HILL | Vankleek Hill Collegial Institute (VCI) is involved in helping their community inmany ways. Fromdinners to bracelets and food baskets to knitting, the students are learning how to give and be part of a bigger picture.
Marché Champêtre de Vankleek Hill Farmer’s Market
Supplied Photo
Special Christmas Markets on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20
Seen here Jade Smith, Amy Amyot, Amanda Bechamp, Brianna Beauchamp, Sam Bureau, and Charles Villeneuve are knitting for a good cause.
Local artisans and crafters, locally raised meats, wood oven baked bread, honey, baked goods,
For students that don’t know how to knit, some community members are planning on coming by next week to teach and participate inaworthy cause. In themeantime, some sta# members are taking time, when they can, to show the kids how to knit so they can be in- volved as well. There are several drop-o# points for dona- tions of supplies or completed projects. In Vankleek Hill, donations can be dropped o#
at VCI, The Review, Vankleek Cottage, Beau’s Brewery, and Sue’s Quilting Studio. InHawkes- bury, donations can be dropped o# at Crooks and Crannies, as well as Jardin de mes Pieds II/Fabric Box.“We have such an amazing com- munity,” said Whin!eld. “We are hoping to make this an annual event.” More information on this project is available by callingVCI at 613-678-2023.
prepared foods (Jamaican, Thai, Belgian, Swiss, French) and much more! Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute (VCI), 5814 HWY 34, Vankleek Hill 613-636-0196 www.vankleekhillfarmersmarket.ca
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ATTENTION ! HORAIRE DU TEMPS DES FÊTES HEURES DE TOMBÉES POUR PUBLICITÉS COMMERCIALES
FREE PUBLIC SKATING FOR CHRISTMAS AT ROBERT HARTLEY SPORTS COMPLEX SUNDAY DECEMBER 14, 2014 1 P.M. TO 4 P.M.
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