Setting her sights on making a global difference through the caring community she calls home, Kaitlyn Clifford has taken up a great challenge in an effort to give hope to children in Africa.

The local 18-year-old who studies at Leamington District Secondary School is presently enjoying her reign as Miss Leamington 2008.

“This has been an amazing year for me. My community has been so supportive. I feel so honoured to be given such an awesome opportunity.”

Kaitlyn has now set her sights on the title of Miss Teen Canada International and will be making a run for the crown this August. While the effort is a personal challenge for her, Kaitlyn’s goal is to offer some comfort to children in need. To that end, she has embarked on a mission to collect at least 2,000 stuffed animals (used or new) as well as raise up to $4,000. She describes this effort as the incentive for her to achieve, in order to participate in the upcoming pageant.

“The money and stuffed animals will be sent to the impoverished children of Uganda, Africa through an organization called Teddy Bears of Hope,” expressed Kaitlyn.

For anyone interested in supporting her goal, a community collection bin has been established at the Kinsmen Recreation Complex in Leamington, (located at 249 Sherk St, Leamington). Further, if any individuals or groups are interested in donating money or requiring a pick up of donations (stuffed animals or money), Kaitlyn can be contacted at 519-326-5649.  

By Steve I’Anson

Staff reporter

The Town of Lakeshore received $2-million in funding from the federal and provincial governments on Friday, for improvements at Lakeview Park.

The federal funding of $1-million, announced by Essex MP Jeff Watson comes from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program (RinC), while the $1-million provincial funding, announced by Essex MPP Bruce Crozier, comes from Recreation Ontario.

“Recreational facilities bring us together as families, friends and neighbours,” said Watson. “They improve the health and quality of life in communities.”

He continued, “Our government was chosen to lead our nation through a tough global recession. Our Economic Action Plan, including our RinC program, is stimulating our economy to create jobs while improving quality of life in our local communities.”

Crozier was equally as pleased to provide the funding that not only promotes physical fitness, but also provides employment opportunities.

“These investments will help to build healthier and stronger communities here in Essex County by encouraging community participation and activity and creating much-needed jobs - jobs that will help to address some of the challenges Ontario is facing in these difficult economic times.”

He noted that thirty to fifty per cent of recreational facilities and pools across the province are nearing the end of their life expectancy. Funding such as that provided on Friday will assist in resolving this issue.

Mayor Tom Bain stated that the majority of the funding will be used for the construction of an amphitheatre.

The Town is also close to acquiring a parcel of land adjacent to the park to increase its size.

“Anyone who goes there knows how busy it is on the weekend,” said Bain. “You can’t get tables.”

Bain noted that there will be increased parking, while any leftover money will go towards additional children’s equipment and trees to further green the area.

Also receiving funding on the day was the Town of LaSalle in the amount of $4-million for Vollmer Recreational Complex baseball, skateboard and trail construction, a promenade, festival plaza and community building.

The Town of Kingsville received $2 million for upgrades to their arena.