It’s Fair season and harvest is about to get started in the fields around us. We have much to be grateful for as Thanksgiving approaches. In particular we owe thanks to our farmers for the long hours they put in at this time of year to assure our food supply.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the most severe drought in decades is threatening the lives of more than 10 million people in the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia. That’s why I encourage everyone in Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale to give thanks by giving back to our fellow humankind. Donations to those organizations that are on the ground, working in the Horn of Africa, will make the greatest difference and are still needed. World Vision (http://www.worldvision.ca/), the Canadian Red Cross (www.redcross.ca/africa) and UNICEF Canada (www.unicef.ca/Africa-Charity) are three such organizations.

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In Canada, we are also thankful for our seniors. They have contributed generously, building our families, our communities, our workplace and our country. Our seniors are vibrant and influential mentors and leaders. 

To recognize our seniors, the Government of Canada has instituted National Seniors Day on October 1^st each year – and this year was the first. Plus, the Dundas Division of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce held the 5th Annual Dundas Seniors Day back on September 17th. 

I encourage you to continue to honour the seniors in our life year-round by saying a simple “thank you” from time to time. It will mean a lot..

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The first annual Eagle Ride in support of Liberty For Youth’s prevention and intervention programs was a great success. Thanks to all the motorcycle riders who joined me and honourary co-chair Terry Anderson on a picturesque ride around the area. Liberty for Youth thanks the generous sponsors of the ride: the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Peak Powersports, State Farm Insurance, Denninger’s, Mackesy Smye, and the Dutch Mill. 

Over $9,000 was raised for the amazing work that Hamilton’s Liberty For Youth is doing to turn young lives around from the negative influences of drugs and crime. 

Highlights of the day were the skills demonstration by John Mason, former commander of the Golden Helmets (OPP precision riding team) and the barbecue prepared by Gary Hendin of BBQ Catering Hamilton. Thank you to both John and Gary. 

Let’s make next year’s ride even bigger and better. 

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! Please stop by my booth at Rockton Fair to say hello.