Perspectives by Rev. Norine Gullons

On Thursday, September 15, 2011, M&M Meat Shops is encouraging Canadians to turn off the TV, log off from their computers and power down cell phones and participate in the 7th Annual National Family Dinner Night that celebrates what matters most – spending quality time with family and friends. The importance of family dinners reaches far beyond simply sharing a meal together. Research shows that gathering around the table presents a valuable opportunity to interact, strengthen relationships and affirm the value of every individual in the family and their role in their community.

A recent national study conducted by Canadian Omnibus reveals that as we become increasingly immersed in the digital age, the intrusion of electronic communication devices during traditional times, such as family meals, is spiralling. A shocking 80 per cent of Canadians admit to having at least one type of electronic communication device turned on and in use during family meals. More than half of Canadians (51 per cent) revealed that the TV stays on at mealtimes.

"Sitting down for a meal together can have a lasting, positive effect on open communication between children and parents and re-establish a sense of family unity," says Mac Voisin, Founder of M&M Meat Shops.

National Family Dinner Night, launched in 2004, attracts tremendous public and charitable support every year and has contributed significantly to the more than $21.5 million M&M Meat Shops has raised for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). This year, M&M Meat Shops urges everyone in Canada to register their participation.

For everyone who registers their pledge to participate in National Family Dinner Night on the website: www.nationalfamilydinnernight.com, M&M Meat Shops will make a $1 donation to the CCFC, up to a maximum of $100,000.

[…]

Seasonal flooding appears to be the new normal in this region. Severe flooding is wreaking havoc on residents and businesses across the region, which is heartbreaking considering many of those affected had just recovered from […]

A doggone thank you from the dogs and the South Dundas Animal Shelter

Dear Editor,

On behalf of a whole bunch of homeless dogs who now have found homes, I would like to thank everyone who is contributing in some way to the South Dundas Animal Shelter.

I would especially like to thank Bonnie McNairn and the Morrisburg Leader who give these dogs exposure every week in the paper. Without their help, none of this would be possible.

Thanks to all of the people who have donated food, treats, blankets and towels, money and cheques and a big thank you to Carol Armstrong and Myrna Whelan for all of the work they are doing behind the scenes.

Just so everyone knows, the Township pays me for four days food and shelter for the canines I am called to rescue. After that, I rely on your support so that I can help them get to the point where they can be adopted–sometimes this can take months.

Without your support, some of these adoptable dogs would have to be euthanized.

Dogs are just like our children–they need us to take care of them and keep them safe.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and all the best in 2013. Please continue to support the South Dundas Animal Shelter.

Kevin Casselman. 

Editor’s Note: Those of us involved here at The Leader add our thanks to everyone for their support and especially those people who have come forward and adopted the dogs. Since we first ran the story with Kevin and the plight of the dogs, we have featured 13 dogs in the paper. Twelve of the dogs have been adopted and another handful or more have been adopted before their pics even made it to the paper. Having made more people aware of the shelter and the dogs there has helped to make the shelter a first stop on many people’s “best friend” shopping list.

At the time of this letter, we still have one young fellow, looking for a loving, forever home…here’s hoping we can make him lucky 13, and get this very loving and very obedient mixed breed (yup the hound mix) a home. Please call Kevin at 613-543-2980. 

[…]