CJCS 1240 Radio - Local and Community Events in Stratford Ontario

The Rotary Arts & Craft Christmas Show is ready to roll this weekend in Stratford.

The annual extravaganza features over 100 juried vendors offering some of the best in unique, beautiful, and practical holiday gift ideas.

It also raises funds for the Rotary Club of Stratford to respond to community needs.

Rotarian Michael Fox talks about some of things people will see this weekend.

The event runs Saturday from 9:00am to 5.00pm and Sunday from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

Admission is five dollars.

The Habitat for Humanity Stratford Perth plans to build a semi on Railway Avenue in Stratford.

They need two families who want to live in a new home.

HFHSP already has one Partner Family but there's still room for one more.

Chelsey Gordon-Edmonds is the local Habitat branch.

She describes what these new homes mean for the families that receive them.

The application process is now open but there are a few requirements.

Families need to:

1. Have a household income of $25,000 annually

2. Minimal debt and adequate credit history

3. Need for Adequate Shelter

4. Willing to contribute 500 sweat equity hours for Habitat for Humanity Stratford-Perth

5. Live or work in Perth County for at least the past year

For more information, go to www.habitatstratfordperth.ca

The Habitat for Humanity Stratford-Perth (HFHSP) is looking for a repeat victory.

But they need everyone's help to make it happen.

The Brick is offering its $100,000 challenge again and Stratford is currently fourth in the voting.

The Brick will donate the money to a Habitat for Humanity project in the city with the most votes.

Stratford won this contest last year and Deb Stacey-Rivers wants to do it again.

The Volunteer Program Coordinator with HFHSP explains why the competition this year is more intense.

Voting is open until December 15^th.

People can get more information or vote in the Brick Challenge by visiting www.habitatstratfordperth.ca

November 7^th is Canada's National Railway Day

It's only fitting that a community forum on VIA Rail be held in Stratford tonight – a city built by the railroad industry.

Last month, Stratford lost VIA Trains 86 and 89 going to and from Toronto due to federal budget cuts.

In response to these service reductions, the City of Stratford will host a meeting tonight at City Hall.

All members of the public are invited to attend the forum to learn more about the service cuts and to provide suggestions on how VIA Rail can be reformed to sustainably provide rail passenger service.

The event will take place at 6:30pm in the City Hall auditorium.

For more information contact:

Greg Gormick - Project Director - National Dream Renewed (Transport Action) Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: (416) 802-7555

Jared Zaifman – Intern – City of Stratford Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Phone: (519) 271 0250 ext 231.