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Proud Sponsor of Oakville and all who live here. 300 South Service Road West Oakville, ON L6K 3X5 Tel (905) 845-6623 www.mboakville.ca We are extremely proud to be partners with over 60 local charities and organizations including the Maycourt Club of Oakville, Community Foundation of Oakville, The United Way through our Mercedes-Benz 10k run, Sick Childrens Hospital and the Downtown BIA. w w w . o a kv ill eb ea ve r.c o m O A KV IL LE B EA V ER Th ur sd ay , N ov em be r 2 5, 2 01 0 1 8 MORE GYM THE YMCA OF OAKVILLE IS A CHARITY TOO! Through the support of our generous donors to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, last year we were able to help 1,211 individuals, children and families in Oakville: Learn to swim or participate in a YMCA program Have fun and develop leadership skills at day camp Be cared for at a quality licensed child care centre Improve their health in spirit, mind and body As a community-based charity, we are open to all. If your fi nancial circumstances are limiting your ability to participate, we can offer fi nancial assistance. Please contact us. The YMCA of Oakville is a charitable association open to all, dedicated to providing life-long opportunities for health enhancement, and personal growth. YMCA of Oakville 410 Rebecca Street, Oakville 905-845-3417 www.ymcaofoakville.com Charitable Registration Number 11906 4400 RR0001 (NC)The December 31, 2010 tax dead- line is fast approaching, so it is the perfect time to think about making your charitable donations for the year. Charitable giving provides needed funding to organizations and helps to make a difference to someone who needs it. The huge tax benefits, however, simply cannot be ignored, says Brad Offman, vice presi- dent of strategic philanthropy at Mackenzie Financial. Brad offers the following advice for giv- ing: Sit down and make a list of causes and institutions that have meaning to you. It could be anything from your university to a camp for disabled children. Decide how much you are able to give. Speak to your financial advisor and accountant about the advantages to donat- ing. For longer term charitable commit- ments, consider a donor-advised giving pro- gram such as the Mackenzie Charitable Giving Fund. This allows you to set up a long-term giving program with an initial donation of as low as $25,000. It is similar to a private foundation, but without the upfront costs and administrative responsibilities. Look at participating in an event for a charity such as a run or walk - you can be active and make a donation. Start volunteering: Donations aren't only about money, you can also give time. Giving isn't only good for the soul, it is good for the pocketbook, says Brad. A charitable contribution now provides you with a larger return later. Don't miss the December 31st deadline. You can obtain more information about the tax benefits of charitable giving from your financial advisor. Donate now to save on taxes Tis the season for giving! On Nov. 19, The Salvation Army official- ly launched its annual Christmas Kettle Campaign and marked 125 years in the City of Ottawa with a giant birthday cake, hot chocolate and Christmas carols performed by the Christmas Brass Ensemble. The Christmas campaign is aimed at raising money to support social service pro- grams that work to restore hope and digni- ty for vulnerable individuals during the Christmas season and throughout the year. The Salvation Army kettles are manned by over 500 bell-ringers who will collect the $525,000 objective. This year, the iconic Christmas kettles can be found in more than 40 stores and shopping centres across Ottawa and on Google Maps through the Army's online "Fill the Kettle" program. Visitors to www.FilltheKettle.com will be able to track donations at nearly 2,000 ket- tles on-the-street nationwide. Using Google technology, donors will be able to locate and make a secure online donation directly to individual kettles in their community. For too many, the basic necessities of life needed for human dignity are out of reach. Approximately three million Canadians, or one in 11 people, live in poverty today, mak- ing access to everyday needs like food, cloth- ing and shelter difficult. "We are very thankful for the generosity of so many in our community who support our annual campaign." said Michael Maidment, spokesperson for The Salvation Army. "With so much of our annual fundraising revenue collected during the Christmas season and demand for our serv- ice at an all time high, we are really asking the public to dig deep this year". The Christmas Campaign helps The Salvation Army provide direct, compassion- ate, hands-on service to more than 1.6 mil- lion people in Canada each year, restoring hope and dignity to the most vulnerable in society. The Salvation Army's annual Christmas Campaign has grown into one of Canada's most significant and recognizable annual charitable events. Last year, more than $18 million was raised in the kettles nationwide, an all time record. Donations to the 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign can be made at www.FilltheKettle.com, by calling 1-800- SAL-ARMY, at your local kettle, or via mail to The Salvation Army, 383 Parkdale Avenue, Suite 306, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4R4. Donors can also give by texting "HOPE" to 45678 from most mobile carriers in Canada. Salvation Army launches 2010 Christmas Kettle Campaign Innovative Google Technology provides new method for donors to support iconic campaign