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queensauto.ca Vol. 13, Issue 6
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022
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Local connections helping with humanitarian aid Leamington native brings ‘Loads of Love’ to Ukraine
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By Mark Ribble C H AT H A M - K E N T — Leamington-born Ed Dickson knows very well what the situation in Ukraine is doing to the locals in cities and towns across the European country, because he is practically one of them. Dickson’s involvement with the Loads of Love charity dates back 25 years to when he first arrived in Ukraine to answer a calling that came to him in a dream. “I was living in Guelph working for the university, when I woke up one night and it came to me that I needed to head to Ukraine,” he said. “I had recently returned to the church and knew this was my calling.” Born on a tomato farm in Mersea Township, the alumnus of Gore Hill Pub-
lic School had felt he needed to get to the Ukraine to help the people there, particularly the children. His involvement in Loads of Love has brought him much satisfaction and pride over the years as the charity regularly helps children who cannot help themselves. Approximately 2,000 Ukrainian kids normally get help from Loads of Love and Ed Dickson is a big part of making that happen. He and his family generally spend two years in Ukraine and one year in Canada, alternating to make the best of their travel schedule. They are currently in the middle of their one-year Canadian residence. The charity supports 20 government-owned orphanages, which includes
Ed Dickson, centre, poses with four of the Ukrainian orphans he supports, during their annual visit to McDonalds for McJoyful Christmas. This photo was taken in December 2019. Photo courtesy of Ed Dickson
food, clothing, medical help and social interaction. Many of the orphanages don’t have hot water, so the children have to bathe in cold water. Loads of Love sees to it
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“They shake in their seats with excitement,” he says. “And each one folds up the paper placemat and take it back to the orphanage with them.” SEE LOADS - Page 2 Dickson just returned
Local donations fill a plane for Ukraine
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that they get water heaters installed. Part of the Loads of Love program involves taking the orphan children to McDonalds for McJoyful Christmas every year to enjoy a Happy Meal.
Volunteers at the Royal Lepage office drop-off location were busy packing boxes and applying Canadian flag stickers to them on Sunday, March 6. From left are Mike Diab, Deanna Diab, Mandi Quiring (with daughter Addy), Andy Stanton, Dustin Kossom, Ann Evers, Christy Irving, Michael Sharron and Tracy Sharron. SUN photo
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By Mark Ribble LEAMINGTON — In a little less than one week, the plan for the Fill a Plane for Ukraine relief effort came together nicely, with overwhelming support from the local community. On the afternoon of Tuesday, March 1, Mandi Quiring was watching events unfold in Ukraine and remembered a story her grandmother had told her about being allowed only one pair of shoes during the Second World War. That memory prompted her to want to help those in need over there. “I wanted to see what I could do to help,” she said on Sunday, March 6. “I can’t believe this grew to what it is.” What happened from there was nothing short of amazing, as Mandi set the wheels in motion to organize a groundswell of support from area residents that surpassed all expectations. SEE FILL A PLANE — Page 2
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