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20 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 20, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Burl-Oak Theatre and Iroquois Ridge team up for a noble pursuit Benefit performance for the Stephen Lewis Foundation By Nicole Markwick GR. 11 IROQUOIS RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL The Noble Pursuit, a comedy play, will be performed by the Burl-Oak Theatre Group to benefit Iroquois Ridge High School fundraising efforts to support the Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF). The performance is at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Wednesday, April 25 at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20 each and tickets may be reserved by phone, 905-3389427. Tickets may also be purchased at the Iroquois Ridge Community Centre, 1051 Glenashton Dr., on Saturday April 21, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., or at Iroquois Ridge High School, 1123 Glenashton Dr., Monday to Friday, from 11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. Stephen Lewis is a well-known human rights activist, with a charitable foundation, SLF, that aims to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa at the grassroots level. It provides care to women who are ill and struggling to survive. It assists orphans, and supports African grandmothers who single handedly care for their orphan grandchildren. As leader of the Stephen Lewis Planning Committee, I am thrilled to have our community theatre group pitch in to do this benefit performance. It just goes to show you what great community spirit there is in Oakville. The students have been actively involved in various fundraising activi- Escape to paradise Tulip Celebration Make a visit to the Gardens part of your family day. See the colourful tulip display, the gorgeous azalea collection, and catch the fresh green tips of new growth on the evergreens. SUNDAYS, April 29, and May 6 and 13; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Rock Garden. · Live entertainment, food, free guided tours and children's crafts · Lunch at the teahouse or The Gardens' Café · Tour the Gardens on our free shuttle service · Visit the Gardens' gift shop, RBG Centre UPCOMING CELEBRATIONS: · Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, Rock Garden/RBG Centre · Lilac Celebration in the Arboretum -- May · Iris and Peony Celebration in Laking Garden -- June · Rose Celebration in Hendrie Park Gardens -- July Visit www.rbg.ca for details. The Auxiliary of Royal Botanical Gardens 31ST-ANNUAL SPRING PLANT SALE · Purchase an incredible selection of past favourites and unusual plants for your garden. · Ask advice from master gardeners and well-known plant experts. · Hospitality/membership tent with complimentary coffee, tea and snacks by Pepperwood. · Pick up your ROYALSELECTTM plants -- Gardens' members only (order by April 23). ties to support the SLF, such as the Buskers Lunch, a student fashion show, bake sales, and a silent auction. All of these fundraising activities lead up to the big day, May 11, when Stephen Lewis will be visiting the school to speak about the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. Iroquois Ridge High School encourages not only high academic goals, but also nurtures students to become well-rounded individuals. With this in mind, IRHS students have a longstanding tradition of "thinking globally and acting locally." Each year the students hold a Global Development Day, and this year's event centred on an invitation to Stephen Lewis. "I think it is just wonderful how committed these students are," said Mrs. Gazan, an IRHS teacher who supervises these events. "These students have put so much effort and planning into the whole event, from scheduling the actual day to fundraising." The Burl-Oak Theatre Group was contacted because of its community group status, and the fact that all the actors are committed volunteers. "We're glad to be able to donate this performance to such a wonderful cause," said John Smissen, President of Burl-Oak. After May 11, the most exciting result will be that IRHS students intend to build ongoing connections with other high schools in Oakville and Burlington to continue raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem. Individuals who are aware and care can contribute towards finding solutions to human problems. You can support IRHS efforts by purchasing a ticket to The Noble Pursuit Wednesday, April 25, 8 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and Saturday, May 5; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Arboretum, Old Guelph Road, Dundas CITIZENSHIP TEST PREPARATION Learn All About Canada *No Charge 7 SATURDAY CLASSES 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. APRIL 21 - JUNE 9, 2007 Adult Learning Centre 171 Speers Rd., Oakville Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School BECOME A MEMBER -- benefits include free admission to the Gardens and Royal Botanical Gardens' special events, plus discounts on programs, camps and at the gift shop and Café, and more. An annual membership starts at only $50. Sign up or renew your membership online at www.rbg.ca. For more information visit www.rbg.ca and preview our plant list online after April 23. REGISTER NOW [905] 849-7555 ext. 223 Your Link the Future SPECIALTY ANNUALS · HERBS · NATIVE PLANTS FERNS · ORNAMENTAL GRASSES · PERENNIALS WOODY PLANTS AND MUCH MORE & Make Your Home Comfort More Affordable LENNOX SALE CENTRAL AIR & FURNACE ® DAY CAMPS FOR AGES 4­12, AND TEEN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Up to $ 1000 * Instant Rebate *10 Yea rs Parts & Labour Warranty IS YOUR CHILD A NATURE NUT? · Enjoy hiking, canoeing, great games and crafts, camp-outs and more. · Over 35 new camps with different themes offered each week. · Extended care available. Brochure and registration available online at www.rbg.ca, at your local library or call 905-527-1158, ext. 270. FREE NO PAYMENT! Financing Available *Call for Details NO INTEREST! As Low As $ 3995 /month FOR 6 MONTHS AND O.A.C. *OAC NO DUCTS · NO PROBLEM Save $350 on ductless air conditioners W E S T ING PARK 7 locations to serve you better! 905-849-4998 www.aireone.com 1-888-827-2665 Visit www.rbg.ca for full details. RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington, Ontario · 905-527-1158