Hamilton Challenger Baseball Association receives ArcelorMittal Foundation (HCBA) mini-grant!

The Hamilton Challenger Baseball Association (HCBA) was one of 73 global Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to be awarded a grant from the ArcelorMittal Foundation. As the only Canadian recipient of the grant, HCBA is quite honoured and humbled by the recognition from the Foundation.

HCBA provides high quality athletic and social activities for physically and/or cognitively challenged youth and adults in an encouraging, supportive atmosphere within the Hamilton community. The amount of $2,500 USD will be used for Project-Top Improvement! for the purchase of new baseball helmets and other equipment for the league for the 2012 season. As many players do not have their own equipment, this investment encourages challenged players to continue to challenge the limits of sport!

HCBA is an organization that started out as a few parents who gathered with the very instinctive goal of providing their and other children with the opportunity to play baseball, the same as any other child within the Hamilton community. Since that time, 21 years ago, the all-volunteer organization has evolved and grown to include additional sports teams and several social events throughout the year.

HCBA is not only an organization for challenged athletes, but also for all the supporting members of those athletes’ lives. The connection between ArcelorMittal Dofasco employees and HCBA is deeply rooted – ranging from the HCBA President, Mike Moore (Commercial Technology), to other volunteers and supporters including coaches and parents and relatives of players.

Check out the HCBA website! http://www.hcba.on.ca/

ArcelorMittal Foundation’s object is to promote art and culture, environment, education, sports, social promotion, health and science in the communities where ArcelorMittal and affiliated companies have a presence. In 2011, the ArcelorMittal Foundation offered employees the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant contribution to the Non-Government Organization (NGO) where our employees are actively involved in volunteering.

Now, in celebration of our centennial anniversary, we would also like to introduce “Team Orange”. Team Orange is a dedicated group of employees that will be out this year participating in or volunteering at community events and activities as a group.

Our aim with Team Orange is to unite volunteer-oriented employees around key projects that will continue to build Community Strength. How does Team Orange Work?

1) Non-profit organizations post volunteer or event opportunities at http://www.communitystrength.ca/job-board/. Employees then check this database for events and activities they want to get involved with.

2) Non-profit organizations can request a complete Team Orange presence – an orange crush of volunteers that transcend on a single event to work together! Find out how to make this happen by emailing Team Orange

Imagine spending a stressful and worry-filled day at the bedside of a critically-ill loved one. Now imagine returning to your home away from home at night to find a home-cooked and lovingly prepared dinner waiting for you.

The Mark Preece Family House (MPFH) located on Barton Street beside Hamilton General Hospital, provides affordable and accessible accommodation to families of critical care patients being treated in Hamilton hospitals. It is a ‘calm in the storm’ for families during these most difficult times.

The House, which opened to guests last year, initiated a ‘Thyme4Dinner’ program whereby individuals and businesses can volunteer to prepare a meal for the families who are staying in the house.

While there is a kitchen for the use of the 14 families who stay here, many families can’t find the energy to shop for and prepare a meal.

Thyme4Dinner is a wonderful way for community groups, friends and businesses to spend some quality time together while contributing to a great cause. Because there isn’t a budget for meals for families, it is appreciated if the volunteer group provides the groceries for their selected dish.

Meals can be as simple as a Sunday brunch or as elaborate as a special occasion feast. Donations of home baking and fresh produce are also always welcome.

Call 905-529-0770 for more information.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), which affects the lungs and the digestive system, is the most common fatal genetic (or inherited) disease affecting Canadian children and young adults.

Half of those with CF will live into their 40s and beyond, but half will die younger. ALL of those with CF lead lives filled with treatments, pills, and hospital visits…but you can help change that.

Please help us find better treatments and a cure for cystic fibrosis.
There’s some very exciting research being done right now that targets Sophia’s specific genetic mutation deltaF508. If you’re interested in learning more about this research, let me know and I can tell you all about it!

All money raised will support the work of Cystic Fibrosis Canada (formally known as the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Cystic Fibrosis Canada funds CF research and it provides supplementary support for CF treatment programs at 41 Canadian CF clinics and five transplant centres.

Here’s a link to a video that Katie made of Sophia for your viewing pleasure:

Watch Now!

Let’s make CF stand for Cure Found!

To make a secure online donation visit us here.

All credit card donations will receive an e-receipt. If you’d prefer to send a cheque, make it payable to ‘Cystic Fibrosis Canada’ and send it to me at 11 Skyline Dr, Dundas ON, L9H 3S3

Thank you for your support!

Jason

Now in its third year, Quit & Get Fit, funded by the Government of Ontario, highlights the benefits of exercise to help someone quit smoking. The program is based on research that shows physical activity can help reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

32 year employee Ken Murray who works in Galvanizing will be the first employee to start the Quit and Get Fit program, “The thing that caught my eye was the amount of support offered and the fact that I will have someone to be accountable to” Ken said. When asked what he hoped to achieve, “Quit. Done. Finished… my family would be thrilled.”

Graham Browne Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Administration was on hand in support of Ken and others participating, “this is a unique partnership that will help employees who want to quit smoking, we are pleased to be able to offer this program to our employees as part of our comprehensive health and wellness program, Personal Best.

“We are thrilled that ArcelorMittal Dofasco has chosen to be one of our Quit & Get Fit sites,” said Andrea Stevens Lavigne, Vice President of Provincial Programs, Ontario Lung Association.

“A workplace cessation program provides an effective setting to reach tobacco users on a regular basis, while benefiting employers in the areas of lost productivity and employee absence due to illness from smoking.”

According to Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-term Care in Ontario, Tobacco related diseases result in $5.8 billion worth of productivity loses every year.

All participants in the Quit & Get Fit program receive a series of free personal training sessions that combine smoking cessation support with fitness and health information.

Another program that ArcelorMittal Dofasco employees, Quit & Get Fit participants, and all Ontarians who are planning to quit smoking are encouraged to access is the Canadian Cancer Society’s The Driven to Quit Challenge.

Launched earlier this month, the Challenge invites tobacco users to break their addiction for the chance to win a new car, a dream vacation or cash. For details about The Driven to Quit Challenge, Ontarians can go to www.DrivenToQuit.ca. Registration is open until February 29, 2012.

If you haven’t been out enjoying the mild winter yet, you are missing out on an incredible birding season in Hamilton. So far this January there have been two hot spots for birds in Hamilton, one, along the Bayfront Trail below Dundurn Castle, where significant rare warblers have been found since the middle of December. Which leaves the second hotspot, the Dofasco Trail. The east end of the Dofasco Trail has been known as a bird watching hotspot for some time now, and this winter it has proven itself to be very popular with not only the birds but also with bird watchers (including myself).

The centre of the activity on the Dofasco Trail is right where the trail intersects with 10th line and the Railroad tracks. If you want to see a variety of raptors, hawks and owls, this winter it seems these two hotspots are going to be the place to be in Hamilton.

Redtail Hawks, Harriers (Marsh Hawks), Kestrels (Sparrow Hawks), Rough Legged Hawks, Turkey Vultures and Northern Shrikes have all been spotted where the trail crosses 10th Line. So far Short Eared Owls have not been spotted, but they should be showing up soon, (if history repeats itself like other winters). Short Eared Owls are usually seen flying over nearby fields just before dusk, searching for their prey.
Hawks are common in the winter but they have been seen in unusually high numbers this season, and have brought along some rare birds with them.

You may find yourself asking “Bruce what is with all of the hawks?” The answer simply put is the abundunce of Meadow Voles, and right now there is no snow cover making the voles easier for aerial predators to find them. Meadow Voles also know as field mice, are small rodents that are dark brown or grey in colour, have four short legs and burrow in the grass where their tunnels are in places that are easily visible in the tussocks of grass even in the low wet fields.

Harriers are not unknown as winter visitors to the agricultural areas in Hamilton but at 10th Line, they are almost guaranteed to be spotted, and up to four at a time!
Rough Legged Hawks find their winter home in Southern Ontario. They summer in the Arctic. They come in two colour phases, light and dark. Light phases have only been seen so far. They are about the size of Redtails but appear to have narrower wings and may be seen hovering low over the fields searching for rodents.
Both Adult and immature Redtails can be seen. The adult has the rusty red tail and the immature hawks have a brownish tail. They are both the same size.

The Northern Shrike, a rare bird, at any time is usually seen in the field that is full of hawthorn trees which happens to be north of the trail immediately east of 10th line. It is a small aerial predator not much bigger then a blue jay. They feed on small birds like sparrows and meadow voles. Shrikes are known as butcher birds. They often will impale their prey on the sharp thorns on hawthorns. For more information on shrikes check out Conservation Halton, Mountsberg Raptor Centre video all on Eastern Loggerhead Shrikes.

In this same area a Bobolink has been seen in the field to the south of the railroad tracks and to the east of 10th Line. Bobolinks are rare in the summer and to see one in January is astonishing (considering they usually flock south to Argentina.) In the same fields you may also see Eastern Meadowlarks. Again another bird that should be much further south. These birds are not expected to be around much longer as the real winter starts to set in.
In this area bird watchers are also seeing Horned Meadowlarks. The novice bird watcher may have some trouble in finding all of these species but there are plenty of other birds that are easy to identify.

To find some easy birds walk along the Dofasco Trail west of 8th Line along the Vinemount Swamp Boardwalk heading west. There is good flock of Robins there feeding on Buckthorn black berries. Yes Virginia, there are Robins in Hamilton in the winter especially where there is open water and Buckthorn trees.

Along the Boardwalk expect to see Black Capped Chickadees, Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays and Winter Wrens. Winter Wrens are the smallest bird in the swamp and sometimes they make themselves easy to see. The wrens are usually hiding under the boardwalk and fly out from under it when they hear your footsteps. Look for a small brown bird with a small tail trying to hide from you.

Even if you are not interested in birds, the Dofasco Trail with Ontario’s longest boardwalk is always exciting. The Dofasco Trail runs from the Devil’s Punch Bowl on the Stoney Creek Mountain to 11th Line in Winona.

Remember to keep your eyes and ears open and you may just spot one of the many birds in the area, this winter.

Written by:

Bruce Mackenzie
Manager Customer Service & Operations.
Hamilton Conservation Authority

Sustain Our Great Lakes is currently inviting applications for competitive funding through its Stewardship Grants Program and its Community Grants Program. The Requests for Proposals are available at http://www.sustainourgreatlakes.org (Click on Apply). Please consider submitting an application by the February 15, 2012 deadline.

The Stewardship Grants Program supports large-scale habitat restoration and enhancement projects that will have enduring and significant positive impacts on the ecological condition of the Great Lakes basin. Grant awards will range from $150,001 to $1.5 million.

The Community Grants Program supports habitat restoration and enhancement projects that simultaneously: 1) improve local habitat conditions and 2) build local conservation capacity. Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $150,000.

Sustain Our Great Lakes will host a 2012 funding opportunity webinar on January 11, 2012. Webinar participants will learn about the Sustain Our Great Lakes funding priorities and application process, see examples of past projects, and receive tips for submitting competitive proposals. The webinar will begin at 11 AM Eastern Time/10 AM Central Time and last for approximately 1 hour. Webinar participants can register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/544871304.

Please contact Todd Hogrefe, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, at 612-564-7286 or todd.hogrefe@nfwf.org for more information.

Sustain Our Great Lakes is a bi-national, public–private partnership that sustains, restores and protects fish, wildlife and habitat in the Great Lakes basin by leveraging funding, building conservation capacity, and focusing partners and resources toward key ecological issues.

www.sustainourgreatlakes.org

Follow Sustain Our Great Lakes on Facebook and Twitter

As Christmas Eve approaches the employees of ArcelorMittal Dofasco are wrapping up their 99th annual Christmas toy and food drive.

Yes for now close to 100 years, employees have been hosting many BBQ’s, casual days, bake sales, walkathons, chocolate bar sales, food drives and much more throughout the year to raise money to support their local community.

Many ArcelorMittal Dofasco employees volunteer throughout the city of Hamilton and the surrounding communities, on Boards, coaching many sports, training volunteers or just sharing their passion with others.

Now more that ever the need is so great in our community and the good folks at ArcelorMittal Dofasco step up to answer the call.. so much so…

In addition to raising money one dollar at a time, many many of us at Dofasco give a little bit of our paycheque every two weeks to our Employee Donations Fund. Each small payroll deduction really adds up. On Monday, Rebecca Kwiatkowski, Bronko Jazvac and I did a “lunch run” in the spirit of giving. With cheques in hand, we stopped by Mission Services, St. Matthew’s House, Good Shepherd, Wesley Urban Ministries and Neighbour to Neighbour to deliver a combined donation of $65,000. This after Rebecca, Bronko and our colleagues Shannon Clark and Laurel Hines had delivered $63,000 to Foodshare earlier in the day. What a moving day to be able to make an important contribution of food to families.

I know that money can buy a lot of food as I still remember when, now 50 years ago, on Christmas Eve the Salvation Army placed a Christmas Hamper on my family’s door step. All they said was “Have a Merry Christmas”, they wanted nothing in return… how can I ever thank those generous people.

The ArcelorMittal Dofasco employees just wanted to give an extra special gift to those who do so much, as they help the folks in the community everyday of the year.

“And to all a good night” on behalf of all the Employees of ArcelorMittal Dofasco wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Tony Valeri, today announced the company’s corporate gift of $250,000 to the 2011 United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton’s 2011 Campaign on CHCH Morning Live. Employee representative Larry Meyer also announced a $250,000 gift from the Employee Donations Fund, producing a cumulative a gift of $500,000 in support of the United Way.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco and its employees have also collectively announced a challenge to the community – all new donations, corporate or individual, made to United Way in the final month of the 2011 Campaign will be matched by the company and employees, up to $50,000.

“The employees of ArcelorMittal Dofasco are committed to giving back to the community. We know that our gift today will make the community stronger and change lives,” said Employee Donations Fund representative, Larry Meyer. “We’re also inviting all companies, both large and small businesses, private and public sector and individuals that call Hamilton home to rise to this challenge and give back too. Together we can change our community.”

As the United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton’s 2011 Campaign enters into its final month, the organization is nearly halfway to reaching their goal of $6,999,999.

“We understand that in order for our business to be successful, we must have a successful and vibrant community,” said Valeri. “The United Way is enriching our community, creating opportunity and changing lives and we have high hopes that the businesses and citizens in the community that currently do not give to the United Way will take on this challenge and donate.”

“We continue to be inspired by the generosity of ArcelorMittal Dofasco and their employees,” said Len Lifchus, United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton CEO. “Their commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant community is inspiring and truly illustrates the power of every donation and every dollar. Change starts here, with ArcelorMittal Dofasco.”

DONATE NOW!

[Above photo courtesy of the Hamilton Spectator]

Imagine trying to concentrate, when all you can think about are hunger pangs and having something to eat. This is the reality faced by many children and youth arriving at school without any food to sustain them an entire school day.

Halton Food for Thought operates 140 breakfast, healthy snack and emergency lunch programs throughout Halton Region. Programs are unique reflecting each school environment: full breakfast programs, in-class snack programs, front hallway grab-and-go stations, senior students and volunteers delivering food baskets to classes or packed lunches for students who routinely arrive at school without food. Programs are confidential, non- stigmatizing and provide a warm and welcoming environment

Child hunger in Halton?

Hunger is a reality many families face each and every day in Halton. Some have been impacted by the economic downturn, losing not only their jobs, but their homes and most sadly, their dreams. For many, turning to a social service agency was unthinkable. Now, they express thanks that our program was there to help. Hunger exists, it is merely hidden.

A simple solution to a complex problem

It is well documented when food is provided, a whole new world opens for children and youth. There is evidence of increased confidence, risk-taking, resiliency, improved social condition, better attendance, a reduction in bullying or behavioural issues and overall academic success. Although food provision may appear a simple solution to a complex problem, the impacts are astounding. One cannot underestimate the impact of hunger.

The High School Initiative

In 2011, Arcelormittal Dofasco supported a new program launched at Pearson High School in Burlington. The program engages at-risk students aged 13 – 18 years looking to leave school due to extreme poverty conditions and considered at-risk of homelessness. Students are provided meals cards allowing one healthy meal each day in the school’s cafeteria.

Throughout Halton, 480 students participate in this program. An outcome evaluation conducted in 2010 concluded of the 480 students engaged in this initiative, 89% remained in school, receiving credits toward high school graduation.

We are well aware one of the most effective ways to eliminate poverty is through a good education. Arcelormittal Dofasco’s support of the Pearson High School programs provides hope for students who would otherwise leave school. It is a meaningful contribution impacting a sector of students often forgotten and lost in a complex social service system.

It takes a Village

It’s a whole community approach. The agency receives 50% of its funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services and local United Ways. The remaining 50% is raised though donations and fundraising events. Parents who can afford to pay for meals do so, while funds generated through community or corporate donations support those who cannot afford to pay for meals provided through Halton Food for Thought. Investing in this program today, will realize cost savings for many years to come, diminishing the need for costly health and social service intervention.