Week 36

Week 36 – Our Trip to Sleep Country Canada “Why buy a mattress anywhere else?" Catchy jingle and a great question! Here is why I will, in the future, support Sleep Country...
Each summer, Sleep Country collects new backpacks and school supplies for children in grades 1 through 7 so they have the proper tools to help them succeed in school. The donated backpacks are then distributed to children who need them through wonderful charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army, Kidsfest and the United Way. Shopping AND Sharing? Perfect.
Paige, Susie, my daughter Izzy and I headed to Walmart. Wow, can those two girls shop! Susie and I were responsible for holding open the new backpacks as Paige and Izzy picked the perfect school supplies to go in each of the bags. Pens,pencils, paper, erasers, water bottles, notebooks...it was a shopping/sharing extravaganza! Susie and I had a hardtime closing the backpacks they were so full of all of the great supplies the girls picked out! So great! Off to Sleep Country we go...
We arrived at Sleep Country and the girls jumped out of the jeep. Each one carrying the bag the had been resposible for filling. With big huge smiles on our faces, so excited to give, we walked in the store...and for a split second, the girls stopped in their tracks. Gasped. Looked at each other. Dropped the bags...and sprinted to the closest king size mattress and with massive giggles and squeals started jumping up and down on the bed. I'm guilty of the giggles and squeals too. I couldn't help but laugh...don't forget, they're just little girls.
After we regrouped, we headed to talk to the manager. He explained that the truck was coming in the next half hour to pick up the backpacks! Our timing was perfect. We dropped our bags in the bin, thanked the manager for running such a great program, a few more quick jumps and we headed to Turtle Jacks for lunch!
What a fantastic day! Thanks Paige & Susie!
Amy & Izzy

Week 35

September 12^th 2010 was to be a big day in the Hagan/Keogh households. For years, and I mean years Mer and Christian had discussed at great lengths how one day they would compete in an Ironman Triathlon! Now for those of you who don’t know about Ironman, it is an intense race, a race that consists of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike followed by a 26.2 mile run, yep crazy!!!

Darcy and I would look at each other, sit back and let them dream (while drinking our wine and beer)!!! Well if any of you know Mer, you know that dream was going to become a reality!!!

And so it was agreed between the racers, (and I think Darcy placed a hefty bet on this) that this race would take place before they turned 40 so the countdown was on….this was to be done in 2011!! Mer decided that they would compete in the half ironman triathlon in Muskoka this past September and that would prep them for the full ironman next year, so the training began.....

On September 12^th, Christian competed in his first half ironman, and although Mer wasn’t there with him in person, we all know she was right there on his shoulder the whole time pushing him on! That was a tough day both physically and emotionally but he did it, and he wouldn’t have been able to do it without Mer!

To celebrate, we held a little get together of our closest friends, which happened to be on Christians birthday! No one was to bring anything except a donation for charity.

Following the celebration I asked Darcy where he would like the money to go, he didn’t realize I was going to put this on him and “I’ll let you know” was the response that night.

The next day Darcy said that him and Paige had discussed this and Paige had decided that she would like the money to go to Make a Wish Foundation. Paige also wanted it to be used as one of her weeks of giving.

Here we are and because of Paige choosing Make a Wish, they will receive a donation of $500 in Meredith’s honour! Thank you Paige!!!

Melxo

And yes Christian has signed up for Lake Placid Ironman in July 2011, Mer would be proud!!!

Week 34

Week #34
As I was thinking about ways to help with Mer and Paige's quest to conquer 52 weeks of giving I came across a local event that has been going for 17 years strong. Its called the 'Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup'. It organizes groups from all over Canada to get together and clean up the shorelines in their communities. In 2009 the event collected an astonishing 160,914kg of garbage from our Canadian shores. Items ranging from a kitchen sink to dentures to everyday wrappers and plastic bags have been recorded by its participants. The top litter item??? You could probably guess...or will definately notice them after reading this. Cigarette butts -- measuring in at a whopping 367,010 butts picked up off the shores. Sick!!! Now, Paige and I weren't able to actually join the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup due to timing...so I thought we could still get in the spirit of it by doing our own part together. (Every little bit counts right!!) My ladies, Mel and Kristen came with us along with their girls Olivia, Anderson and Camryn. So there we are, 7 ladies walking the beach in Burlington all decked out with our worker gloves and garbage picker uppers in hand cleaning up the shore one piece of garbage at a time!!! It was a blast. Trying to tame and organize 4 completely energetic girls on a beach on a beautiful September day was a little bit more difficult that I had imagined!!! Needless to say...the girls did an amazing job!!! They were able to focus long enough to make an impact on our stretch of the beach, despite the insane temptation that the Lake was throwing at them. They ended up soaked from head to toe from playing in the water with tonnes of giggles and laughter..but hey...everyone deserves a little break after a hard days work right!!! And the reason they can still play in the water is, in part, because things like the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup exits!! Helping decrease the amount of pollution that enters into our waterways. I had an amazing time with Paige and all the other ladies. Green definately is the new Black!! I am looking forward to reading more about Paige's adventures and doing something with her again in memory of our wonderful friend Mer. She is always shining down on us!!! XO Jo

Week 33

This week we had to do a lot of thinking. Paige has helped so many people and we wanted to try something new.

So we decided to send a big care package to the Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan. After doing some research, we made a list of all the things soldiers would like. We didn't have anyone in particular to send this care package to so we sent it to "Any soldier". This simply means that once the package is dropped off in Afghanistan they give this package to a solider (s) who may not receive much from home.

We stuffed the package with socks, gum, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, hard candies, tuna (and a can opener). We also sent baby wipes, Tim Horton's coffee, paper, pens and envelops. Jack, Emma and Paige each wrote letters and drew pictures. They all wrote something kind in their letters and then drew pictures of themselves. I am sure the package has not yet arrived to Afghanistan but I am pretty sure when a solider receives this package they will be thrilled. Maybe we will even get a letter back!!

We had a wonderful day together, and what a great feeling it is to give to someone you don't know!!

Week 32

Week 32 - While talking to Paige one day about what kind of things she would like to do when it was our time together…should we help babies or animals, or grown ups……without hesitation Paige responded with ‘I’d like to help some more grammies and papas’ so what else was there to do…..

I had recently met a mother at the park and we got to chatting about life, and about Meredith and Paiges blog. (This lady was a foster mother for babies who are born into drug families and we will meet her for sure later on in this blog).

Joanne told me about Maple Villa, a long term care center that would love some help, I talked to Paige about this and she decided that they would love some craft supplies, after all who doesn’t love to do crafts!! (right Mer?)

I contacted Maria who is the life enrichment co-ordinator and told her that Paige wanted to help out and donate some craft supplies, Maria was thrilled and so touched by the generosity!! A lot of the supplies come out of her budget, which isn’t very big so this would be fantastic!

Paige and I (and Oliver) went down to the local dollar store and loaded up on everything Paige thought they would need, paint, brushes, canvases, and even flowerpots (Paiges idea). Paige made sure that we had girl colours while Oliver was in charge of boy colours!!!! It was amazing to watch and listen to Paige as she explained what we were doing to Oliver, and how this was going to help other people. We talked about it after and how proud I was of them both for doing this.

When we dropped off the supplies, Maria greeted us with Rita who lived there and was an avid artist, they were thrilled by all that Paige had chosen. Rita told us that they have an art auction sometime in the fall and they would love it if Paige could come and see what creations had been made with her generosity.

Paige and Oliver loved helping out and I know Mer was very proud of Paige that day!

Thanx Paigee and see you soon

Mel xo

WEEK 31

Week 31 - There is no shortage of things to do in order to help those in need. People need you in your own community, so this is what I thought Paige and I should focus on. I think we are very lucky and fortunate to have healthy food at our fingertips. To open the fridge when hungry and make what we want. To start the day with a healthy breakfast. I can’t imagine having to function while hungry.
I came across an organization on the internet called ‘Halton Food for Thought’. Their endeavour is to take healthy food/snacks to schools that have students who are unable to have breakfast in the morning before school.
From their website:
“Students arriving at school hungry do not perform well in the classroom. They have more difficulty concentrating, display behavioural problems, are less alert and are often lethargic.”
”Our current goal for Food for Thought is to have a nutrition program in every school by 2013, as we believe that no child or youth in Halton Region should go hungry!”
So, I picked up Paige and bought some healthy snacks, breakfast cereal, granola bars, juice packs, cans of tuna, chicken.....ect. We stopped by Amy and Dons house to borrow their digital camera and headed out (FYI...after we left, Don went out and bought Paige her own camera to use for her 52 weeks of giving. So wicked!!!! Thanks Don). We headed over to Teresa’s, who runs this much needed program out of her home!!! We chatted with her for a while and she told us all about the basket program. So great!!!!
I know Paige was happy that she was able to help out in giving students a great start to their day!! She continues to make the world a better place. Go Paige Go!!!
Please have a look at what Halton Food For Thought is about. http://www.haltonfoodforthought.ca/
Such an amazing, pro-active organization that is helping children in our own community!Thank you Teresa...keep on doing what you are doing!!!!!

Susie

Week 30

For week 30 we decided to donate some baby items to the Woman's Shelter in Burlington. We put a basket together of diapers, wipes, clothing, bottles and soothers. On our way down Paige explained to me that she had already been to the Woman's shelter. I thought to myself that I hadn't seen it on the blog. So I asked her who had taken her. Meredith and Paige had gone there to donate pillows and bedding. She told me about the day and how nice it was.

Thank goodness I had Paige there to guide me how it all works to donate there! She was a pro and showed me how to buzz in and where to go! The shelter was so happy to recieve new items for babies as they are always in need of baby stuff. After leaving the shelter we all chatted (Alexia and Sam were there also) about how important the shelter is and how it keeps women safe. Another great day spent with Paige and the girls doing something good. Look forward to the next time Paige.

Steph xo

Week 29

Week 29 - For week 29 I contacted a friend who is actively involved in her community church. We discussed organizing a “shut in”. The idea of a “shut in” is to provide a hot meal and some good company to the elderly who have trouble getting out of the house. Paige, Jack, and Emma helped make a delicious spaghetti dinner. Paige made a tasty garden salad all on her own. We went to visit a wonderful lady named Mary. Mary is 83 years old and was more than delighted to share an evening with us. Mary gave Paige a big hug and said that Paige had made her month!! We made lots of extra spaghetti and salad so she could have several other meals. We also made banana bread and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, which Paige was proud to serve. Mary was thrilled to have us over and has welcomed us back. We look forward to visiting Mary again.

Week 28

Week 28 – This week we decided to give toys to the Children’s Aid Society. Paige, Abbie and I got together to make summer baskets of toys for the children. We filled the sand pails with bubbles, skipping ropes, chalk and shovels. Once we finished each pail, Abbie and Paige carefully wrapped them with plastic wrap and finished them off with ribbon. To add a personal touch, Paige came up with the idea to make pictures for the children receiving the baskets. A few weeks later we delivered the baskets to Clara who works at the Children’s Aid Society. While we were there we also took some time to tidy up some of the rooms that are used for supervised visits. Thanks Paige for sharing this experience with us.

Week 27

Week 27 - Today was a very special day to teach Paige some values; it is Mer’s Birthday and knowing how important this was to her made the day that much more memorable. Myself along with Anderson and Kamryn picked up Paige after her recital at school and ventured off to our first stop giving clothes to homeless and those with little to no excess money clothe themselves. The girls got there Gatorade before we went just to stay hydrated…it was a must for Paige. As the three kids carried the 5-6 garbage bags of clothes across the parking lot it was apparent Paige understood the expense of what we were giving. She asked questions like “did you buy all of these clothes to give away…didn’t that cost you a lot of money? Why don’t you keep them was another question. I let her know it was clothes already used that no one wore anymore and rather than throw them out we were giving them to people who couldn’t afford to buy them. Once we donated the clothes the lady sat Paige down and told her how much she appreciated us taking the time to donate to those less fortunate than us. Paige was so cute and said “It’s o.k. we do this every week because my Mom wants me too, maybe we’ll come back again if we get more clothes.”

Because today was a special day we had 2 stops. At our second stop; Rob’s church was collecting shoes for children and men to give to those less fortunate than us in a Village in India. Paige gave the bags of shoes we had to Greg Carry who is a big part of the church and he was happy to pass them along. Paige couldn’t believe the shoes were going to go on a plane to get to the kids. The shoes we gave were more geared to children then men.

After all that the 4 of us (Anderson/Kamryn/Paige and I) sat in the park and had a picnic. We chatted about our stops and the importance of what we just did. The kids were more excited to eat the timbits and grapes and paint toe nails though. So that’s what we did.

The day was great; we dropped Paige back at home so she and Darcy could go out for dinner with Mer’s family to celebrate Mer’s birthday and have some birthday cake for her.

Happy Birthday Mer and thanks for the great day Paige!

Xox Kristen

Week 26

The week that I had the privilege of taking Paige I had a dog at my house that needed a serious walk! The week before my good friend Mike had been taken to the hospital with lesions on his spin that had ruptured. He was told he will never walk again and that he would be in the hospital for at least a year for rehab. Mike had just adopted a dog a few months prior. His family asked me if I could take him and find him a new home being that Mike is not in a situation to have a dog anymore. Mike was heartbroken. I wanted to teach Paige that something as simple as taking his dog for a walk could make a difference in someone's life.
So off we went! Paige took the leash with no hesitation and took him for a walk! As she walked him she would stop, pet him and give him a hug. Flash was loving it. When we were coming close to the end we sat down in the park under a tree and chatted about how Flash needed to find a new home and that Mike will be so happy to know Paige walked him. Paige told me that I should keep him! I explained that I can't but I am enjoying my time with him until I find him a great home.
I told Mike and showed him the pictures which made him cry. Mike is inspired and thankful for Paige taking the time out to care for Flash who he loves and misses so much.
Great job on walking him and thank you for the great chat Paige.
Steph Rollo

Week 25

My daughter’s school has an annual Spring Fling where they raise money for various items or events at the school. This year they were looking for used books to sell at the fair to raise money for their Food for Thought program. This is a great program because they bring trays of healthy food into the classrooms for the kids to try. I had already gone through the kids book shelves and had bags of books to take there and a few bags from others as well. So Paige and I set off to John T Tuck Public School at the end of the day to meet with the Librarian, Mrs Hully. As we lugged the bags and bags of books into the school, Paige was filled with curiosity. So many questions…
When we met with Mrs Hully, she explained to Paige how these many books would in turn be very helpful for the Food program and that the kids would be very thankful. They were very appreciative.
Paige was very excited to visit the school and was happy to donate the books. Although I think there were a few books in the bags that she would have liked to have taken home with her...too cute.
Thanks for a great afternoon Paige and I look forward to the next time!

Kelly Hassard

Week 24

For week 24, Paige, Rachael (my daughter) and I headed to the Running Room down on Fairview. We had some smelly old running shoes in tow with us!
Paige's donation of these shoes where heading off to a charity called "Heart to Heart Africa". The Running Room kindly excepts these old shoes and when they get a good amount (which I think we gave them!) they send them to a lady that cleans them up and packs them off to Africa. These "renewed" shoes will be given to some lucky people in Africa so they can have something on their feet! I took a picture of Paige, Rachael and Ben (the manager) with our bag of shoes. The Running Room will take old runners at any time. You can bring in one or 21! So next time you are ready to get that new pair...hand your old ones to them and they will see that they get to Africa!
After our donation...we had to head to the dollar store for some blowing bubbles and candy!
Laureen Carr...be Phat!

Week 23

Week 23 was all about helping fill hungry tummies in Burlington! On a Thursday afternoon Paige, Kaitlin and Aunt Linda made a trip to our local food bank!
Paige jumped out of the car and started "directing traffic". We brought in boxes and boxes out of Aunt Linda's car filled with non perishable food items that Paige had placed neatly on the food racks to be sorted later on.
We met Bev, a lady we had contacted prior to our visit who was so thankful for Paige's donation. She asked Paige if she would like to see where they organize the food donations to give back to the people who need them. Paige kindly agreed that she would like to be introduced to what takes place at the food bank.
Bev explained the whole process; how the food is sorted and the number of people who use the food bank to help feed their families. Bev also explained to us that the majority of people in our community that are going hungry are under the age of 12! Some could even be going to school just like Paige! "We will have to come back again!" Paige said.
As we were leaving, Bev gave Paige a gift. She had a small porcelain angel on her desk that she said had been watching over her for a while. She thought it would be nice to pass it along to another friend who might need her. She offered the angel to Paige and said how thankful she was for her visit and her donations to help fill hungry tummies. Paige said her thanks to Bev and we went on our way.
Another lesson learned, another example set, and another day in the life of Paige for her Mother to be proud of.

Week 22

"I think we should give those flowers to all the Grammies and Grandpa's, because Mommy would like that"

Those are the words of Paige Hagan;

Everyones positive stories, of her importance in their lives. Will become memories that can be shared forever. Following an exceptional service, May 5th, 2010, at St. Paul's Church in Burlington. Where many joined together, radiating all that Meredith brought to our lives. It was impossible to imagine life without her. In the waves of mere disbelief, head in hands. There seemed to be a positive relief, a reason to hold your head up high. Paige! was/is the strength of us all! With her positive attitude, optimistic view on life and desire to make everyone around her feel their best. At 6 years old, she is a true advocate, reflecting all that Meredith represents.

Always excited to put her own creativity in anything she does. Paige was more then excited to make the vases of flowers. Hand picking, from the generously donated flowers, waiting at the Altar of the Church in her Mother's memory. Size, shape, colour and placement of every flower, was very important to her. Despite the rain, we made fun of it and headed to Park Avenue Manor.

Flowers in hand, we arrived to a room filled with aged women. Quickly enlightened with Paige's gift of thoughtfulness, brightful presence and youth. One women asked, "Where did these come from?" I hazily replied and the nurse quickly interrupted with disbelief. Confidently she informed me that not too long ago, Paige's Great Grandma used to reside at Park Avenue. Wouldn't that just be the case!