Media is a major way that a vast number of people can be reached in a short period of time. The media can target any group of people and make them aware of a new trend, breaking news, etc. This is especially important to charities who are trying o get their message out to the public, but don't want to cut into the money they have raised for their cause. Free the Children is one of such foundations. Their target audience is the youth of the world and their mission is “Free children from poverty. Free children from exploitation. Free children from the idea that they are powerless to change the world.”. It is quoted that on average, Free the Children uses 91 cents of every dollar donated to help children in need over seas. The rest of the money is put towards administration to keep it running. This doesn't leave a lot for advertisements and recruiting expenses, so when the Toronto Star invited Craig and Marc Kleinburger (the co-founders of Free the Children) to write a column every other Thursday about social justice problem around the world, they jumped on it.

In March 2006, The Toronto Star, along with Nippissing University and Free the Children, launched the "Global Voices Initiative". It was a project meant to educate and encourage students around the world to voice their opinions on social justice issues facing other youth around the world. Part of this plan was the column that Craig and Marc were co-writing every other Thursday, but also along with each column written there would be an accompanying lesson plan available on the Toronto Star website. These lesson plans were designed by students in the faculty of education at Nipissing University. They were designed to give educators “valuable resource to help youth become more aware of the many social issues affecting our world at local, national and international levels.” (PDF)

This program is aiding the charity, by giving youth a place to voice their opinions and become educated on the opinions of others, allowing them to further understand the problems that the youth of the world face. “Free the Children” believes that it is our generation that will change the world and bring justice to those in need. The foundation has over one million youth involved in their education and development programs in 45 countriesThis program is aiding the charity, by giving youth a place to voice their opinions and become educated on the opinions of others, allowing them to further understand the problems that the youth of the world face. “Free the Children” believes that it is our generation that will change the world and bring justice to those in need. The foundation has over one million youth involved in their education and development programs in 45 countries. 

Editor-in-Chief of the Toronto Star stated that “together [with the Kielburger's] we want to help youth in the GTA connect with each other and to speak out to spread social awareness.” (PDF).  Their goal is to give the youth of today as much information and freedom of expression as possible, so that our generation can change these injustices, and give every single child the same benefits and chances that we have had our entire lives.  Every child born has the right to life, education, health, freedom from abuse, and freedom from slavery.

The program "Global Voices Initiative" is an amazing project, and is still going strong over four years later.  You can see the posting at thestar.com, and become educated yourself. So get out there and start making a difference, there are so many different resources find one and go for it. Like it has been said before, it is our generation that will change the world with the help of foundations like Free the Children, and their contributors, like the Toronto Star.

Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer.

Ever since I could remember, I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I honestly think my purpose on this earth is to help people and make a positive difference in their lives. Yes, one of my biggest goals it to become a doctor, but not just any doctor. I want to be a GREAT doctor; one who doesn’t just help her community, but also aides in third world countries. I WANT TO BE A DOCTOR WITHOUT BORDERS! “Doctors without borders” is the organization that I have been promoting with my title of Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010. I chose this unique organization simply because I feel that society doesn’t truly knows or understands what “Doctors without Borders” really is. You may have heard the name or heard of the organization before, but do you truly know the depths of it all? Well my TV shows will do just that! Its main focus is to educate society of the organization and all the amazing things it does. Not to mention, the TV show would travel with my crew and I as we practice in third world countries. You will get to hear/see the truly inspiring stories of these strong, fearless people. I’m the type of person that LOVES medical shows, and I think that we do INFACT need an amazing TV series such as my breath taking series of “Going Beyond the Borders”, produced, directed and starting Dr. Valerie Sawyer. Being an independent, motivated and strong young woman with many goals and dreams, I would love to not only take part in “Doctors without Borders”, but to represent and inform others of the organization with dignity and pride. My television series will inform, educate and entertain viewers of all ages.

“Going Beyond the Borders” television series will be sponsored by two main companies, Jergens and Faze Media. I think that the Jergens company would be more than happy to become a sponsor simply because they are a skin care company that cares about the skin care and health of others, as do the doctors without borders. They would go perfectly hand-in-hand with the show. As the crew of doctors without borders is out on a mission, they will carry Jergens body products with them to give to the patients. Sunscreen will be one of the main products, in order to inform others of skin care risks and dangers. They will also receive an endless amount of publicity and promotions.

“Going Beyond the Borders” second sponsor would be Faze media. Faze media will provide producing equipment and people as well as production and air time. They will help with production and publicity of the TV show, and in return, they will also receive an endless amount of publicity and promotions.

I think that both the Jergens and Faze Media companies would be more than happy to become a sponsor for my TV series "Going Beyond the Borders" simply because of the incredible message and goals of the organization and show.

Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World, Valerie Sawyer.

A small, wholesome community, where the grass is green, the air is fresh, and the people are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. Yes, I am talking about my very special hometown, Kirkland Lake. The people of my hometown will always hold the door open for you and smile as they pass you on the street; even though you may not know each other at all. Not only are the people wonderful, but our facilities are also great. In Kirkland Lake, there is a museum filled with the town’s amazing history and a ‘Hockey Heritage North’ building complete with hockey history from northern communities. There is a community complex where people can use the fitness facility and arena area and can also enjoy a nice swim or even a game of squash. We have a bowling alley and movie theatre available for a fun night out in Kirkland Lake, a skateboard park and soon to be splash park filled with children, and cross country ski trails for those who enjoy nice outdoor sceneries. Not far from Kirkland Lake, there are various camp grounds available to those who have a trailer or a tent, and lakes where people can fish, swim and go boating. For those who are interested in outdoor activities, we have two beaches close by as well as two downhill ski hills. ATV and snowmobile trails surround the town.  Blueberry picking is not uncommon during summer, and we have Aidie Creek Gardens for strawberry picking too. Kirkland Lake is a great little community filled with everything you would ever need.

"Kirkland Lake?  Where exactly is that?" is a question that I am asked on a day to day basis as I introduce myself and where I am from.  "It's North" I reply, "VERY North".  Kirkland Lake is situated about 700 km north of Toronto, and a little to the east.  It has a vast diversity that is rarely found in such small communities.  The town has churches that cater to almost a dozen different relegations, and countless cultures call Kirkland Lake home.  Even with all that diversity, KL-ers look upon each other like family.  Judging is left for the courts and fighting, for the ring.  Discrimination is not something we do here.  Everyone is free to experience and appreciate activities offered by Kirkland Lake and its surrounding nature.  Personally, I enjoy camping when I'm not shooting hoops at the local basketball courts during the summer.  Nothing compares to the beautiful campgrounds at Esker Lakes.  At night, sitting around the campfire (which I cut my own wood for!) is an incredible way to settle down and experience the calming sounds of nightlife in the wild.  Fishing is also something I do quite often.  With an endless amount of lakes to choose from in the

Kirkland Lake is not just a hockey tow full of outdoor lovers, however.  The tow is the most glamorous one that I know.  I mean, how many towns have golden roads?  That's right KL is referred to as the 'Mile of Gold'.  The downtown strip is a mile long, with gold mines from one end to another.  Kirkland Lake was actually founded because of prospectors looking for gold.  Over the years, the small settlement became the incredibly kind, historically rich, beautifully natural town it is today.  It is a diamond in the rough, a gem in the cold harsh northern environment.  To me, it is simply home.  It is the town that shaped me into the person I am today.  No matter where my life takes me, whether I end up as a doctor in Africa, a Hollywood movie star or Miss Teen Canada-World 2010, I know I will always end up back at my beloved hometown, Kirkland Lake.

Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer

Personally, I think that the saying “I love my job” is a phrase that is not said often enough. As I mentioned in my latest post, I am now a part-time employee at CJKL FM, the local radio station in Kirkland Lake, and have been for about a month now. As the “CJKL FM Spirit Girl” I have been given the opportunity to record ‘community spirit event updates’ (commercials) and attend local events in the CJKL FM Spirit vehicle as I give the community live updates from the event itself. I am so thankful to have been given this opportunity, because I for one absolutely LOVE my job! Last Saturday (June 12^th) I attended Kirkland Lake’s Mile of Gold Daze on Government Road in downtown Kirkland Lake as Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010 and I was also doing live updated on air regarding the event. It was a fun filled day as there were a lot of things to see and do. The event took place on Saturday June 12^th from 10:00am until after 7:00pm. There were MANY merchant booth set up by local businesses all day for the side walk sale, there were inflatable rides for the kids to enjoy all day, busking took place from 10:00am-2:00pm and proceeds went to Interlink, Charlie Angus, our M.P. also performed on stage from 11:00am-1:00pm. The Encore Club put on a line dancing show at 1:00pm and taught a few steps to several audience members. Kirkland Lake Idol began at 2:00pm were local singers performed in hopes of becoming Kirkland Lake’s Idol. Congratulation goes out to Brook-lynn Rozon who came in 1^st and is now Kirkland Lake’s Idol. She did absolutely wonderful and won a beautiful Alvarez Acoustic Guitar donated by The TD ^st in the kid’s division and received a Nintendo Wii donated by Pepsi INC. To end the great day, Dave Roger and Friends performed live on stage at 7:00pm. The feedback I receive from the community regarding the event was completely positive as I’m sure everyone enjoyed their time at Kirkland Lake’s Mile of Gold Daze. I had a fantastic day as I was able to enjoy the entertainment, give updates on the radio, present the 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, ‘most dedicated’ and 1^st in kid’s division awards and speak about the Miss Teen Canada-World pageant that is quickly approaching. My job is filled with new fun and exciting things to do every time I work. I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change it for the world! I hope that everyone can experience the feeling of loving their job at one point or another.

*One is happy when they love where they are and what they are doing!*

Don’t forget, keep checking my links for more exciting information, updates, pictures, and blog posts.

 Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer.

**Follow me right here on my blog at: http://valeriesawyer.onsugar.com, on twitter at: https://twitter.com/ValerieSawyerKL, as well as my photos that will be uploaded on my flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valeriesawyerkl, and feel free to join my facebook group and follow me there at: http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=124272184258015&ref=ts.**

This past winter, I decided to join the “CJKL Kirkland Lake Carnival Queen Pageant” with many of my friends, as a new experience and opportunity to make many memories with the people I grew up with. The Carnival queen pageant is a local event in Kirkland Lake held every year by the CJKL Carnival Queen Pageant Committee, which is made up of many wonderful and caring women that volunteer their time in making this winter carnival event a success year after year. I was absolutely shocked as they pronounced my name as the new “Miss Kirkland Lake 2010”. I joined that carnival queen pageant thinking nothing of it and I ended up winning the great honour or being Kirkland Lake’s Carnival Queen. One of the most AMAZING opportunities that has come into my life with the title of Miss Kirkland Lake 2010, was the new job offer I received.

In the month of April, I was offered an employment position at CJKL fm, the local radio station in Kirkland Lake. The job was to be the voice of the CJKL Spirit. This means that I was offered the opportunity to record ‘spirit updates’ (events that are happening in Kirkland Lake and area) as well as the chance to drive the ‘CJKL spirit’ to events in Kirkland Lake and talk live on air from the event and giving updates about what event is happening where and when. I started recording spirit updates in the studio in the month of May, and I just started going to events and doing live updates on air, just a few days ago.

This past weekend was a VERY busy two days for me, as I was moving from event to event in Kirkland Lake and speaking about the different activities for the community to get involved in. On Friday night, I attend the Relay for Life that took place at The Civic Service Stadium in Kirkland Lake from 7:00pm-6:30am. There were many fun and exciting activities for the community to get involved in, as well as life musical performances by local talent for everyone to enjoy. The 2010 Cancer Society’s Relay for Life was a great success on Friday June 4^th as there were many people of the community who attend the event and walked all night long. I attend the Relay for Life and spoke live on air informing everyone of the great event that was taking place. I also took some time to join the members of the community as they walked around the track, however I couldn’t possibly stay all night, as I had a very busy day a head of me.

Saturday June 5^th was an EXTREMELY busy day as there was a lot going on in the community of Kirkland Lake and area. Saturday morning, I attended the Larder Lake Lions Club 51^st annual Fish Derby from 8:00am-11:00am. At 11:00am I headed back to Kirkland to cover a few other events that were taking place. Once I arrived in Kirkland, I stopped at Pettenuzzo’s Your Independent Grocer for about an hour, as Kirkland Lake’s Rock n’ Roller’s cycling club was holding a fundraising BBQ to raise money for Ontario Camps for Children with Cancer. I did two live reports about the fundraiser, and was on my way to my last event for the day. I arrived at the Kirkland Lake Golf Club at about 1:00pm and spoke live about the Tim Horton’s Two Person Golf Tournament that was taking place Saturday and Sunday. As I was at these events all day, I also gave updates about the Charlton Fish Derby, the garage and plant sale that was taking place at The Museum of Northern History, as well as the Quilter’s annual quilt show that was also taking place at the Museum of Northern History.

Not only is this new job an amazing experience, but it’s also a great opportunity to introduce my new title of Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010 to the public. I get the chance to attend all of these events as my new title, as well as introduce myself on air as it as well. I am very thankful and fortunate to have this opportunity come my way, and I promise to make the best of it.

So far, I am having a GREAT time and I have many more events coming up within the next few weeks. More information regarding the upcoming event for this weekend will be accessible through my facebook group and it will also be posted on my twitter page.

And don’t forget, keep checking my links for more exciting information, updates, pictures, and blog posts.

 Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer.

**Follow me right here on my blog at: http://valeriesawyer.onsugar.com, on twitter at: https://twitter.com/ValerieSawyerKL, as well as my photos that will be uploaded on my flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valeriesawyerkl, and feel free to join my facebook group and follow me there at: http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=124272184258015&ref=ts

As many of you may already know, today, Wednesday June 2^nd, is Tim Horton’s Camp Day. “The Tim Horton Children's Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1974, is committed to providing an enriched and memorable camp experience for children, who would otherwise not have the opportunity. Funding for the Foundation comes from year-round public donations collected through counter and drive-thru coin boxes located at more than 3,400 Tim Horton’s stores, Tim Horton’s Camp Day, as well as other special events and donations. Since 1975, more than 120,000 children and youth have attended a Foundation camp.” (http://www.timhortons.com/ca/en/difference/camp_day.html)

Last month, I was asked to take part and volunteer some of my time at one of the local Tim Horton’s in Kirkland Lake. It was an incredibly successful afternoon as I worked the drive through window at the west Tim Horton’s for an hour and a half. It felt great to be involved in a wonderful cause and was also very fun!

I believe that it is very important to support these kids and help give them the chance to make amazing memories at one of the Tim Horton’s children’s camps. An experience like that means everything to a child, as it helps sculpts them into the amazing person they grow to be.

I hope all of you had a great “Camp Day” and were able to support the Foundation!

I have a busy weekend coming up in just two days, so keep an eye out for the new blogs and photos I will be posting. Event information for this weekend will be located in my tweets and on my facebook page.

Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer .

**Follow me right here on my blog at: http://valeriesawyer.onsugar.com, on twitter at: https://twitter.com/ValerieSawyerKL, as well as my photos that will be uploaded on my flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valeriesawyerkl, and feel free to join my facebook group and follow me there at: http://facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=124272184258015&ref=ts

Talk about an emotional roller coaster. Today, my day was absolutely hectic! Where to begin? … Well, the morning of course…

My day started off incredibly perfect as I received my new Miss Teen Canada-World sash and crown! This was VERY exciting for me, as I had planned to attend an event tomorrow (Wednesday), CAMP DAY at Tim Horton’s, with my new title. My Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010 crown and sash arrived just in time! How lucky am I, right? … And OF COURSE, I had to take pictures with my new arrivals. As you can see in the photos, I am QUITE happy!

Off too school I went. Another busy day trying to get things done; assignments are due and exams are coming up quickly. IT’S CRUNCH TIME! (The most stressful time of year).

Oh, and to top it all of, I’ve been having a douzy of a time trying to get my delegate picture on to the Miss Teen Canada-World website. I feel like I’m the last one and that they are probably waiting on ME in order to launch the site. So there I was in a panic trying to get my photo up in time for the launch of the Miss Teen Canada-World Website. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make it work. My pictures just weren’t big enough! All of this computer stuff is actually kind of confusing. I HAVE SO MUCH TO LEARN! ahahha
           I contacted Richard and Cora at FRANK Ideas and Execution (this great creative agency in Toronto) who were a real help. The best advice they gave me was to visit an image resizing website called www.resizeyourimage.com, which I could easily upload my photo to, zoom in and crop to the required specifications. It was fast, easy and fun and I did not need any special tools or software on my computer. If I could figure this out, you could too. Go ahead, and see for yourself!

Don't forget to check out my photo (that took me a million years to upload properly) and profile at the Miss Teen Canada World website, sign up to become a VIP and don’t forget to vote for me in July!

I’ll keep you up to day on all the fun events I will be attending this weekend!!

Well my friends, it is 11:35pm and WAY past my bed time; I have an EXTREMELY busy day tomorrow... But don't worry, I'll be back soon to fill all of you in on my exciting stories and news.

Good night.

 Sincerely,

Miss Teen Kirkland Lake-World 2010, Valerie Sawyer.

**Follow me right here on my blog at: http://valeriesawyer.onsugar.com, on twitter at: https://twitter.com/ValerieSawyerKL, as well as my photos that will be uploaded on my flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/valeriesawyerkl, and feel free to join my facebook group and follow me there at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124272184258015&v=app_2373072738&ref=ts#!/group.php?gid=124272184258015&v=info&ref=ts.**