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!