Saturday November 15th from 10 am – 2 pm at the Midland
Library 230 King Street Midland is going to be a big day in town for children`s
charity `We are the Villagers` (WATV) -
a growing movement in Simcoe County.
Kids can join the Adventure Quest at the Midland Library and meet the Villagers to learn what they do and while there meet Mollie Doodle the star doggie in the Villagers very first book written in the Adventures of Mollie Doodle.
There will be Clowns, face painting, self-portraits, refreshments
and a book signing and reading of the new book by author darci-que at 11:30 am.
The event is free admission for all.
We are the Villagers have 358 kids and counting in
recreational programs throughout the area extending well past Midland where it
was based; it became a registered charity in summer of 2012. WATV has a mission
to help families and their children participate in extracurricular activities
of interest to them. Whether sports, music, art or other interests, WATV
sponsor children in need so that they may take part in these activities without
being restricted by registrational fees and equipment costs. WATV hosts community
supported fundraising events on a year round basis to raise the money and cover
the costs to help reach goals.
``I think `A WELCOMING OF WE ARE THE VILLAGERS to the Town of
Midland` is unprecedented. To welcome a Charity to Town is a significant
accomplishment,`` said Julianna Matyas cofounder of the organization.
``This is not just a book launch this is the Town,
authorized by its Mayor, Gord McKay - A WELCOMING OF WE ARE THE VILLAGERS to Midland
and thanking us for all we do here.``
A book launch has been placed inside the Welcome to Midland
event as a time to thank all the villagers to date for their part in making it
such a success. Especially those who commit time and time again to contribute
to silent auctions and all the patrons of the events and those such as Driven
Athletics, Tiny Lions Club, Tiny Hunters and Anglers, Mayor Gerry Marshall,
Cedar Ridge Pops, Yoga House in Penetanguishene, The Midland Mirror that
sponsored all of the event posters and so many others that raise money to keep
the kids dreams alive.
``At the Welcome we are going to have 20 people representing
a cross section of the community as villagers and have created an Adventure
Quest at the Midland Public Library whereby the kids will come and obtain a
passport, and meet the various villagers, collecting stamps along the way and
it will all lead to them meeting Mollie Doodle the loveable dog and Emily from
the book. They will be hearing the story read by its author, illustrator, the
amazing, darci-que and of course, the book will be on sale and is set in
Midland, the Town that we started the villagers movement in,`` said Matyas
``These are my favourite events when the kids get to come
out and be part of the village and understand how many wonderful people it
takes to make their dreams come true,`` said Matyas who works alongside local
business man Geoff Crompton in this endeavor.
Of course, people can also come and donate and contribute by
purchasing books to be given to WATV to put under the Christmas Tree at our
Christmas Event so that each child in the village will have their story book
complete with a colouring page and a dream page.
darci-que - author
and illustrator of the Adventures of Mollie Doodle series about her Golden
Doodle and several other children`s books, is thrilled to be working with WATV
and was excited to do the book. She is looking forward to the launch on
November 15th and to be taking Mollie to the Midland Library to meet
the kids. darci – que`s daughter Emily is thrilled to be part of the book too.
``The kids will go through stations where the big reveal is
to get to Mollie. Mollie will be so excited`` said the Creemore author.
``The book involves a story where Mollie and Emily get
notice about a new children`s charity and go to Midland to see what it`s all
about. The book is actually a rundown of what WATV is all about and what they
do for the kids. Molly and Emily act as the hosts of the book. There are plans
for more books in the future where Emily and Mollie will go back to Midland and
attend other WATV events. It`s a great concept and one that will help people
know just what the charity is all about.``
And in the meantime WATV continues to grow.
``Geoff and I recently added 18 young boys and girls into
the village program. He has set up guitar lessons for them as a group and to
see the joy on their faces was heartwarming. There is never a dull moment here
in the village and the work has just begun,`` said Matyas
Recently Matyas and Crompton have been nominated for the
Peace Medallion - part of YMCA Canada's efforts to promote Peace
in communities, which takes place between Nov 15 and 30. The cofounders are
thrilled and say it is an honour just to be nominated.
Matyas says WATV has become a symbol of Peace as it goes
about its work doing what it is meant to do and is bringing JOY every step of
the way.
``Geoff and I had a dream. To remind society that we are
indeed a village and how much each and every one of us has to offer. In so
doing our part, we bring joy to the kids’ lives, a bit more happiness within
the family structure and stimulate everything in between,`` said Matyas.
``We have kids in programs from Violin lessons to bowlers
and everything in between. What a journey Geoff and I have started and it is
wonderful yet humbling at least for me, when people rally to do whatever they
can to help us, build our dream. I say over and over again. We had the vision.
We created it but without the parent and guardians coming forward to have their
children part of something so positive and worthwhile, we wouldn't exist.``
For more information visit the web site: www.wearethevillagers.com or call toll free to 1-855-528-5252.
