The Foundation will source and manage a wide range of initiatives including the establishment of high-quality research programmes and research centres, and the provision of scholarships to students to attend leading universities and institutes. It will also support research in universities across the region. In addition, the Foundation will provide leadership programmes for youth in government, the private sector and in non-governmental organizations. Scholarships and research grants will also be given to authors and researchers in the region.

His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed, said: "It gives me great pleasure to announce a personal initiative aimed at building a knowledge-based society throughout the region."

"The Foundation's mission is to invest in knowledge and human development, focusing specifically on research, education and promoting equal opportunities for the personal growth and success of our youth. The Foundation's programmes are also aimed at enhancing the standing of scholars and intellectuals in the Arab world."

The initiative, the largest of its kind in the region, will put in place the necessary infrastructure to facilitate and encourage knowledge creation and dissemination.

In his address, His Highness acknowledged the need to bridge the knowledge gap between the region and the developed world. He said: "The illiteracy that is still rampant in the region?s communities limits the region's growth and advancement." He pointed out that the most alarming indicators are the 18% illiteracy in the under-15 age group and the 43% illiteracy among females in the region.

His Highness also said that if the goal of creating a knowledge-based society is to be achieved, the levels of knowledge creation need to be increased in the Arab world. According to human development reports, literary and intellectual books published in the Arab world represent only 0.08% of the world's output, less than those published in Turkey alone. For every 100,000 books published in North America, there are 42,000 published in South America, and only 6,500 books published in the Arab world.

In terms of spending on scientific research, His Highness said the Arab world spends only 0.02% of its GDP while developed countries spend between 2.5% and 5%. In the Arab world, for every 10,000 people in the workforce there are 3.3 academic scholars, while the developed world has 110 for every 10,000.

His Highness stated that unemployment in the region is 14% and that 15 million jobs are needed right now in the Arab world, and 74 million to 85 million new jobs will be needed over the next 20 years. He said that the business environment in the Arab world would need to be improved if these jobs were to be created, but there are challenges that will need to be overcome. "On average, Arab countries ranked 107 out of 175 in terms of the amount of red tape involved in setting up a business and this situation cannot be allowed to continue."

His Highness stressed that the Foundation will undertake concrete initiatives to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region, thus creating significant new employment opportunities and providing hope for the region's youth.

His Highness pointed out: "We have a population where half its members are under the age of 20, and it is our responsibility to develop this human capital to the best of our ability. We have the vision and the will to set the stage for the benefit of future generations through the development of this Foundation, which will provide the prerequisites for moving our region forward."

Well-known role models will also support the initiative, helping to build and sustain positive momentum for development of the Foundation.

The Foundation will be based in the United Arab Emirates and will implement its programme later this year.

Councillor Whaley adds, “The Schusters’ work and the work of Marg Rowell in preserving our community’s rich heritage is important in developing a sense of who we are as a City. We need to know where we’ve come from, in order to truly understand where we’re going in the future.”

The official presentation ceremony of the award was hosted by The Honourable James K. Bartleman, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, Chairman of the Ontario Heritage Trust on Thursday, February 22nd at Queen’s Park.

University of Guelph students are funding a $650,000 state-of-the-art lodging house that combines accessibility and green technology.

The 12-person home, located just metres from campus, will be retrofitted in an eco-friendly way for students with physical disabilities.

“This house will be at the forefront in its use of green technology,” said Tom Klein Beernink housing manager of the Guelph Campus Co-operative, which has partnered with the Central Student Association Affordable Housing Initiative to retrofit the home. “It will also allow students with disabilities the chance to live with their fellow students close to campus.”

The official groundbreaking is on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at 7 College Ave. W. The goal is to have the lodging house complete for students to move in just before the fall semester.

In 2003, undergraduate students voted to donate 87 cents each semester towards a fund that would help create more accessible housing for students, said Klein Beernink. The lodging house is the first project to be funded through these donations.

The project involves retrofitting the current house on the site to make it completely accessible for students with mobility challenges and visual impairments. The building will also be outfitted with energy-efficient appliances and lighting. A grey-water infrastructure will be installed, which allows for water to be recycled.

“A grey-water system would reuse the water from a shower to flush the toilet, for example,” said Klein Beernink. “There will also be a rainwater collection system installed, which uses harvested rainwater to flush toilets.”

The project also includes building an addition to the house that will feature an elevator and a green roof. Solar panels will be installed on the addition and used to heat nearly all the hot water used in the house, as well as for passive heating and cooling.

Although there is accessible housing on campus, the space is limited, said Klein Beernink. And if students want to live off campus, there are only accessible apartments with single or double bedrooms and they are located a fair distance from campus.

“That can be very isolating if you are living on your own and are far away from campus. Part of the experience of university is to have the experience of living with other students. This lodging house will provide that.”

TORONTO - Cadbury Adams Canada, the country's leading confectionery manufacturer, has signed a three-year partnership with UNICEF Canada to support and promote the Schools for Africa programme.

With a $500,000 financial contribution to UNICEF Canada and its on-pack and in-store promotional support, Cadbury Adams is providing more than $6 million in cash and equivalent media value over three years.

Beginning this summer, Cadbury Adams Canada will use its products and presence in stores across Canada to raise awareness for Schools for Africa, a joint initiative between UNICEF and the Nelson Mandela Foundation dedicated to ensuring children have access to education. This year marks the third year of UNICEF Canada's support for Schools for Africa through its Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.

"UNICEF Canada is thrilled to welcome Cadbury Adams as the newest corporate partner for our flagship Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign," says Nigel Fisher, president and CEO, UNICEF Canada. "Cadbury Adams is helping UNICEF to reach millions of Canadians, including parents and teachers, who are critical to the success of the Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign, and therefore critical to helping give children in Africa access to school."

A cornerstone of the partnership is Cadbury Adams' dedication of significant space on 4.3 million boxes and bags of mini-treats each year to raise awareness about UNICEF and the Schools for Africa programme. Cadbury Adams will also use point of purchase displays, flyers, advertising and the Web to promote the programme and its toll-free number.

"This partnership is a reflection of the humanitarian values inherent in all Canadians," says David Sculthorpe, President, Cadbury Adams Canada. "As a business leader, we have a responsibility to live and embed those values to create a positive and lasting impact on our communities. Through our sustainability goals, we've made a global commitment to develop partnerships that address global, social, economic and environmental concerns. We believe that education is the foundation for prosperous, inclusive and healthy communities, and UNICEF offers us and all Canadians the opportunity to provide millions of kids with access to education."

This year, UNICEF Canada's Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign for Schools for Africa will focus on giving children in Rwanda and Malawi access to education by repairing and building schools, ensuring quality water and sanitation facilities, providing school supplies and training teachers. The $500,000 Cadbury Adams contribution to UNICEF Canada is enough to fund the construction of 25 schools for children in Malawi and Rwanda. With the call for action on packaging and Canadians' generosity, UNICEF and Cadbury Adams are hoping to help thousands of African children get to school.

Waterloo Columbia Street Fire Station, 470 Columbia Street West 519-884-2121

KidsAbility, 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo 519-886-8886 x 201

The Waterloo Inn & Conference Centre, 475 King Street North 519-884-0220

University of Guelph students continue to set records in the amount of food and money raised for local charities.

They brought in more than $102,000 worth of food and donations through the “Trick or Eat” and “Skip a Meal” programs, according to final figures released this week. The food collection initiatives are part of Meal Exchange, a student-run national campus charity.

In addition, U of G’s varsity athletes donated more than 1,100 food items to the Chalmers Community Services Centre in Guelph. Gryphon rowing team captain Liam Brennon, a fourth-year international development student, approached the Department of Athletics with the idea of creating some friendly competition between intercollegiate teams by holding a canned food drive.

The week-long competition culminated at the Gryphon athletics banquet March 30. The success of the food drive inspired student athletes to now make the competition an annual event.

“Trick or Eat” has students collecting non-perishable food items on Halloween night for the Guelph Food Bank. Together, U of G and the City of Guelph set a national record for the largest amount of food collected.

“Skip a Meal” involves students donating points from their meal plans, which are used to buy wholesale products for 19 Guelph-area food banks, drop-in centres and neighbourhood groups.

Another food collection initiative called “Clear the Shelves” is continuing in campus residences through the exam period.

“The University of Guelph chapter has always been one of the most successful thanks to the hard work and dedication of the student volunteers,” said Jessica Pudwell, education and promotions co-ordinator for Meal Exchange. The organization aims to engage students from 40 Canadian campuses in solving the problem of hunger in their communities.

“At times it is hard to convey to the students at the University of Guelph what a difference they have made through what may seem like small donations,” said Pudwell. “But U of G students, you are having an impact. The agencies as well as the members of Meal Exchange are truly grateful for your ongoing support.”

5 Local Organizations Benefit from Grants

Kitchener – Five organizations in Kitchener will receive $330 000 in grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The announcement made today by Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy was welcomed by the Honourable Caroline Di Cocco, Minister of Culture and OTF Board Chair Helen Burstyn who attended the special reception held at the Waterloo Region Children’s Museum honouring the recipients.

"Strong organizations create a more vibrant, diverse community for everyone and that's what OTF is supporting with these grants. These local organizations and their staff and volunteers welcome this funding as it will help to remove barriers, inspire innovation and creativity and help those who need a hand participate in the life of their community,” stated John Milloy, Kitchener Centre, MPP.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives $100 million annually from Ontario’s charity casino initiative. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.

The local allocations are as follows:

African-Canadian Association of Waterloo Region and Area: $65 000 over 28 months to expand, strengthen and recruit volunteers for this homework club for African-Canadian students. The program will help students acquire the knowledge and self-esteem to perform academically and complete their education.

Kids ‘n’ Dad Shared Support: $70 000 over two years for a part-time co-ordinator. Service delivery and organizational infrastructure will be strengthened to better support fathers’ and grandparents’ involvement in children’s lives where it is otherwise absent due to separation.

Stanley Park Community Association: $4500 over one year to purchase computer equipment for the association’s new office. Volunteers will be trained in its use, ensuring better access to information and consistent, accountable records for the over 90 recreational programs offered.

The Healing of the Seven Generations: $122 500 over two years to support and evaluate operations at this healing program for survivors of the residential schools who have relocated to the Waterloo Region. Program delivery will be improved and future strategic directions set.

Waterloo Region Shares c/o The Food Bank of Waterloo Region: $68 000 over two years for program costs and infrastructure support for this emergency food-distribution system. Efficiency and effectiveness will then improve, smoothing operations through 50 agencies and more than 100 food programs and services.

History professor Terry Crowley, College of Biological Science staff member Toni Pellizzari and fourth-year Bachelor of Science student Kendra Strong are the first recipients of the Dr. William Winegard Exemplary Volunteer Involvement Awards.

Named after former U of G president Bill Winegard, the awards recognize a University faculty member, staff member and student who have shown commitment to volunteering in the community and have achieved outstanding service. They were developed by the University of Guelph in partnership with the United Way of Guelph and Wellington and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington.

“The three chosen recipients helped to strengthen the connection between the university and community through their volunteering,” said Jean Prichard, treasurer of the United Way and a member of the award selection committee. “I was hugely impressed by the dedication and selflessness of these recipients.”

Prichard said this year’s winners were chosen from about a dozen nominations.

Crowley was honoured for dedicating more than 30 years of volunteer service to the community. Since joining the University in 1971, he has volunteered with a variety of community organizations, often filling leadership roles. As chair of the Museum Board during Guelph’s sesquicentennial in 1977 and 1978, he helped fundraise a quarter of the costs. While on the Edward Johnson Music Foundation/Guelph Spring Festival board, he led the 20th anniversary celebrations of 1987, which resulted in the largest festival ever held. The award-winning historian has also found time to volunteer with Amnesty International, Guelph-Wellington Legal Services, Guelph-Wellington Women-in-Crisis, McCrae House, the Wellington County Historical Society, the Guelph Chamber Choir, Guelph Arts Council and Doors Open Guelph.

Pellizzari was recognized for her dedication to the United Way and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Executive secretary to the dean of CBS, she has volunteered with the United Way since 1995 as a canvasser. She has also served as campus co-chair and has donated numerous incentive prizes over the years. Pellizzari also donates prizes to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Guelph, helps with fundraising and served as president of the organization from 2002 to 2004.

Strong received the student award for her commitment to the Canadian Blood Services. Her passion for the organization started when she first donated blood at the age of 17. Since then, she has organized the on-campus blood donor clinics and continues to work as a hospitality volunteer greeting donors and making them feel comfortable.

Each of the three recipients received a print of a painting by fine art student Tori Drost. The painting represents the concept of community and will be hung in the University Centre in honour of this year’s recipients.

University of Guelph students set a new record during this weekend’s Relay for Life, raising nearly $80,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.

The amount surpasses last year’s total by more than $20,000. It’s the most money any university or college has raised through a Relay for Life to date.

“I’m beyond thrilled,” said Elizabeth Holmes, a U of G student and chair of the event. As of noon today, the tally was $79,421, but Holmes added that the amount will increase because online pledges are being accepted until midnight April 8.

“I am just so proud of everyone,” she said. About 500 people in teams of 10 participated in the 12-hour relay that was held at Alumni Stadium Saturday night.

The Relay for Life fundraising initiative takes place across Canada and the United States at various times throughout the year. This is the third year U of G has hosted an event.

Before the event, participants raise $100 each in pledges, on top of their $10 registration fee. All proceeds go to fund cancer research, support programs and advocacy.

“This event is so important because it is proof that you can make a difference,” Holmes said.

Highlights of the Relay for Life event included a survivor-led victory lap for cancer survivors and their families and a candlelight ceremony to honour or remember loved ones who have battled cancer. U of G professor Jim Petrik also spoke about ongoing cancer research taking place on campus.

Laura Owens, a senior fundraiser with the Canadian Cancer Society, said the total means U of G continues to hold the record for the most amount of money raised by a post-secondary institution. “Guelph is definitely the leader,” she said. “It’s just fabulous — everyone here is so excited. ”

The fact that U of G’s committee is run by students makes the event’s success even more meaningful, said Owens. “On top of everything else they’re doing in their lives, they volunteered and put this event together and managed to raise nearly $80,000. That is just amazing. And the fact that they raised $20,000 more than last year — that’s even more amazing.”

The Kiwanis Christmas Food Drive, West Montrose Christmas Carol Sing and many others Creative Fundraising – “Although we have some great fundraising events, the money we raise is committed to ongoing programs,” notes Chapman. “$150,000 is a big commitment for our club.” Chapman says that being able to spread its commitment over five years was a big factor in Kiwanis ability to make such a large commitment. The individual commitments from the Schwindts and Elmira Stove Works also helped make the pledge possible. “We had to get creative, spreading the pledge over five years and promoting the opportunity to our members. We’re also looking at a new fundraiser, possibly something in the fall when the club isn’t as busy, to generate new funds. This is the largest and probably most important project our club has ever taken on. We encourage and challenge other service clubs in the Township to get creative and find ways they can stretch to support this great new facility.”

Fran Hatherton echoes the challenge, “We have several terrific service clubs throughout Woolwich Township. They do great work and are a very important part of the fabric of our community. We don’t expect them all to come through with six-figure donations. The campaign and the community will be extremely appreciative of any support they can offer.”

The Woolwich Recreational Facilities Foundation is a charitable foundation, established to raise funds for the four recreational facilities in Woolwich Township through the “Fit for the Future” capital campaign. The Foundation has a business office in donated space at 8 Arthur Street South. For more information, or to offer help and support for the campaign, contact Campaign Manager Christine Bauman at 519-669-1822, fitforthefuture@bellnet.ca.

Guelph City Council approved its 2007 grant program budget that will inject more than $500,000 into the organizations of over forty Guelph community groups.

These annual grants provide financial assistance for local not-for-profit groups to enrich the city’s social, cultural and economic fabric. The far-reaching programs, services and events that are offered by the organizations that benefit from these grants contribute to the city in many different ways.

“The City values the role of our community groups in making Guelph an enjoyable and diverse community in which to live,” said Mayor Karen Farbridge. “I am pleased that these grants support the roles of many key organizations in our city.”

Ongoing financial support for health and social services organizations provides core funding for many recognizable community services including St. John’s Ambulance. Funds for arts and culture groups, such as Guelph Jazz Festival and Guelph Youth Singers, help to make Guelph a city of cultural excellence. City funding for community events plays a key role in supporting a variety of initiatives including Sparkles in the Park and Canada Day at Riverside Park. These events have a positive economic impact on Guelph’s economy by drawing tourists to our city.

“Grants to community organizations in Guelph have been in place for over 25 years,” said Director of Finance, David Kennedy. “The annual grant program is an example of the City’s commitment to the community.”

The City’s annual grant program is open to any not-for-profit community organization in Guelph that meets all criteria. Eligible submissions are reviewed by one of three sector review groups and then ultimately approved by Guelph City Council.

Gates foundation contributions will help millions in Africa work their way out of poverty

TORONTO - Opportunity International, one of the world's largest microfinance organizations, has received a $5.4 million grant and a $10 million loan from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The $15.4 million of capital will fund start-up microfinance banks to serve the poor in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as expansion of its banking operations in Ghana, and will be managed by Opportunity US. Opportunity International operates banks or financial institutions serving the poor in 28 countries.

"We're delighted that one of the world's most credible and highly respected foundations is backing us for the second time," says Gary Walsh, CEO of Opportunity International. "As leaders in the fight against global poverty, we're optimistic that this will attract more funding from organizations and donors. We're on a trajectory to mobilize $1 billion dollars by 2012, moving over 100 million people out of poverty. Today's announcement brings us all one step closer. Countless poor Africans will now have a loan to grow their business, a safe place to deposit their savings or an insurance policy to protect their family's health."

The $5.4 million grant is the second to Opportunity International from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In November 2005, the foundation gave $2.2 million over three years to fund rural banks in Malawi and Mozambique. The $10 million loan portion of this grant is for program related investment (PRI), which will be repaid over 10 years at 1 percent interest.

Opportunity International will use the low-cost PRI loan during the second or third year of operations at its new banks, a time when it is typically difficult for microfinance banks to attract enough customer savings or commercial debt to generate growth. PRI funds used as intermediate loans strengthen the bank's balance sheet, making it more attractive to external commercial lenders, while also greatly increasing the amount of loan money available to poor entrepreneurs.

"Expanding access to basic banking and insurance services is a critical tool to give poor people the resources and opportunities to help lift themselves and their families out of poverty," said Sylvia Mathews, President of the Global Development Program for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "Opportunity International is one of the most capable and innovative organizations working on these issues worldwide and we are very pleased to be able to help them expand and scale up their operations across Africa."

Opportunity International is rapidly opening and scaling up formal financial institutions in Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa. Innovations include biometric fingerprint identification technology, smart cards, mobile ATMs, savings accounts, low-cost money transfers, and health, life and crop insurance. New banks will open in Rwanda in March, Kenya and Uganda later in 2007, and DRC in 2008. In Ghana, Opportunity International will expand operations by opening branches in rural areas of the country, where few such services exist for the poor today.

"Five hundred million of the world's poorest poor are identified as the entrepreneurial poor. And the Gates Foundation and the World Bank both estimate that more than 90 percent of the world's poor who need access to basic financial services do not have them," explains Walsh. "Because of the sheer number of poor families in Africa with the deep vulnerability they face due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, struggling economies and other factors, Opportunity's vision is to open a trans-African chain of microfinance banks."

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES ONTARIO GREAT LAKES OVERVIEW

Network of two Career Centers and eight retail stores in London, Cambridge, St. Thomas, Kitchener, Woodstock and Stratford.

Provides job training and employment services, job placement opportunities and post-employment support

Aims to enhance dignity and quality of life for individuals and families with barriers, by empowering people to work

2005 HIGHLIGHTS

More than 80,000 people donated their quality goods to Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes

Over 5,550 clients were served through 36 Goodwill career services.

Goodwill serves a total trade area of 1.5 million people.

More than 5 million pounds were diverted from landfill sites

Innovative Canadian Franchise Donates $2 From Every Got My Kids(TM) Savings Card Sold Online To Autism Society Canada, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Canada and participating schools

RICHMOND HILL - Got My Kids(TM), a rapidly growing, innovative Canadian franchise, positioned as "the ultimate family resource and savings program," recently announced the launch of the Got My Kids(TM) Savings Card - the first and only savings card of its kind in Canada exclusively for families with kids.

The Got My Kids Savings Card offers families hundreds of dollars in savings on kid-oriented products and services from a wide variety of businesses including retailers, summer camps, party venues, education providers, dance schools, recreational facilities, and other activities and attractions.

Got My Kids is donating $2 from the online sale of every Got My Kids Savings Card to Autism Society Canada, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation Canada and schools participating in its fundraising program. One beneficiary must be selected at the time of the card purchase. Got My Kids Savings Cards are available at www.gotmykids.com or from participating distributor partners for just $20 annually.

Got My Kids is the "brainchild" of founder and CEO, Jeremy Ansell, who achieved a remarkable feat in 2006 by establishing his innovative concept as one of the fastest growing new franchises in Canada. In addition to five corporate owned territories - Ansell enlisted 13 franchisees within the first three months and has a waiting list of eager prospects. Franchisees are assigned an exclusive territory where they sell Got My Kids media opportunities, including advertising in its print guides and at www.gotmykids.com, as well as participation in the Got My Kids Savings Card program.

In Its Infancy And Growing Fast

"Parents have quickly come to recognize the value of the resources we provide, which help them easily find the products and services they want right in their own community, while saving money and supporting worthwhile charitable causes," said Jeremy Ansell.

Louise Fleming, Executive Director of Autism Society Canada said, "We are thrilled to welcome Got My Kids as our new fundraising partner and are proud to be associated with such a dynamic, family-oriented business that espouses grassroots philanthropy."

Trevor Dicaire, Manager, Fund Development, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation said, "We are elated to have the support of Got My Kids. It is apparent that we share similar values, placing a priority on the family and children as a unit. We believe our alliance will bring great value to the Foundation."

Trailblazing The Way With New Media

Got My Kids published and distributed its annual guide free to one million households in January 2007 via Canada Post - and provides an enhanced Web version at www.gotmykids.com. Got My Kids is the first and only publisher in Canada to utilize Scene7 - a leading-edge, rich media solution that maximizes the online experience by allowing visitors to flip through interactive e-guides, add sticky notes, e-mail pages and link to additional information.

As a marketing vehicle, the print and online guides deliver a competitive advantage for businesses targeting families with kids. Participating in the savings card program and offering discounts to the growing number of Got My Kids Savings Cardholders heightens exposure and the opportunity to drive sales.

Got My Kids Savings Card Surpasses Traditional School Fundraising Programs

Got My Kids is enlisting schools to leverage its savings card as a fundraising tool. There is no cost and no need to manage product, paperwork, kids or cash. The school simply sends Got My Kids' flyers home with students, outlining the benefits of the savings card, as well as the fundraising aspects of the program, and directs parents online to www.gotmykids.com to purchase their card. From a drop down list, parents must choose one beneficiary of the $2 donation - either their child's school, or one of the two charities. Moneris Solutions, Canada's largest processor of debit and credit card transactions, administers online card purchases. A report indicating the funds raised is provided each month, accompanied by a quarterly cheque.